Many friends and neighbors are wondering how they can best communicate with Marilee at this time. Rather than calling her at home, we suggest that you leave your messages for her here. Simply press the "comments" link below.
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This blog is a place where friends and neighbors can learn about the ways they can help to support the Brooks family during this difficult time.
93 comments:
Thank you to everyone for supporting Marilee and the children. She will need your love and support in the upcoming weeks. Please keep all of them in your prayers.
Love, Michael,Tara, Sarah, Josh, Lauren & Will Kesecker & our entire extended Kesecker Family
Marilee - Rob, Sofia and I are standing by if there is anything whatsoever we can do to be supportive and helpful. My cell is 415-517-3517, our home is 415-344-0821, my work is 650-366-6000, my email is nlabatt@hotmail.com.
- Nina Labatt
Dear Marilee, Maki and I are very shocked and saddened. Please let us know if there is anything at all that we can do. As you know, we live 5 min from you so please let us help. Our home number is 650-579-5988 and my cellphone is 650-575-3728. Email at jameswei@worldview.com.
We are praying for you.
Love, James, Maki and Niko.
Our hearts ache with the loss of dear Todd. It will take a village to support Marilee in this difficult time.... all of our support is needed. Please stand by for ways to help (meals, etc.)
The Wallaces are here, for anything you need, Marilee. We love you very much.
meg 415-215-5001
chris 415-215-1920
Marilee - you and your family are in our thoughts and in our prayers. We will help in any way that you need. We will touch bases with Tara and Mike to see how we can best support you and the children.
Love, The McGrory Family
Marilee,
Suzanne, Alana, Kyle and I send our deepest and most heartfelt wishes to all of you. You know you can count on us for anything you need. We love you and will be here for you anytime.
Love,
Andy, Suz, Alana and Kyle
Marilee,
No one can understand or ever know the answer to 'why'. All we can do is care for the people we love and keep going.
Many people loved and respected Todd and will want to find a way to help. Todd surrounded himself with A-type people for whom feeling helpless is the roughest part. So please reach out to us if we can genuinely help. We would love to.
Beth and I are keeping you and the kids in our prayers.
(Paul & Beth Bartlett- 650-529-1142)
Dear Marilee, There are no words to describe how sorry we are to hear about your loss. We know you will do everything in your power to be there for your kids, but don't forget to eat a little and sleep a little and let others take care of *you* during this time. Our prayers are with you.
Karen and Larry Li
Marilee -
Please know that Kim, Olivia and I are praying for you and your family. You are all loved. In time, you will be sustained by God's grace. In the meantime, please lean on our hearts and shoulders from comfort and strength along the way.
Love - Gil, Kim & Olivia Ahrens
Marilee, Grant, Dana and Lindsay –
We are so sad about this unimaginable loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Of course we are here for you whenever you might need a bit of help. Anytime, Marilee.
All our love to you & the rest of your family,
The DeLuca’s
Marilee,
I feel lucky to have known Todd for the short time that I did, and I have had only the greatest admiration for his strength of spirit and his love for his family and friends. I am shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and I hope that I can in some way join in your community of friends who are helping you and your loved ones.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Ashley Fieglein
650-269-5845 (cell)
ashleyf@gmail.com
Marilee,
Tom and I had enormous respect and admiration for Todd. He was a rare and wonderful person. We are devestated by this loss and will do whatever we can to support you and the children. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lara Druyan and Tom Stuart
Marilee and kids
I am saddened by the news and please let me know if anything at all that we can do to help. I worked with Todd for quite a few years now, and I have lost a great friend and this world lost a great person. I am really sorry!
Bill Szeto
214-868-7002
wszeto@ceterus.com
Marilee, Grant, Dana and Lindsay –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. We all loved Todd, and he was a good friend. We love you too, and if there is anything we can do, please call us.
John, Kerry, Charlie, Jackson & Chase Kesecker
831-678-8587
Marilee,
Todd’s tremendous sense of humor, effervescent personality, and wonderful love of family will not soon be forgotten. How he adored you and Grant, Dana and Lindsey! What a proud father he was! Basketball games, soccer games, fishing, sailing, family, friends, and laughter, always laughter. We will all miss him terribly and none of these things will be the same.
You, Grant, Dana, and Lindsey are in our constant thoughts and prayers. We love you and we are here to help you with anything, no matter how small or large.
Nita and Dan
Marilee,
Accept our heartfelt sympathies for your family's tragic loss. In the days ahead find comfort in terrific children you share with Todd, and the family and friends who are here to help you in trying times.
The Himelstein/Rolnick Family (Linda, Michael, Ben and Jillian)
I have been known Todd for the last 6 years and have been working with him. He was a gentleman and a wonderful person to learn from. I was expecting to meet him at a board meeting on
Friday morning but he did not show up and I now understand what happened. May his soul rest in peace.
Grief unfathomable
A life tricked by darkness
Light Sails Onward
Nothing crushes us.
Marilee... I am just as shocked as anyone else by losing Todd. I hope you rely on everyone around you; we are all here for you. Just wanted to share with you a selection of things I wrote on Friday about Todd...
I will miss Todd deeply. I will miss his stupid "Sarah Doctor In The House??" jokes. He always believed in me and knew that I would pursue my dreams of becoming a therapist. I will remember sitting with him at Oak Knoll in the Redwood Grove, or standing on the beautiful brickwork. I will miss his silly "Rig dig dig" dance, "Oh good one", and "The Pumpkinhead" comments. I will miss making fun of his "hips out; Marin County" hugs. He'll never ask me again for one of my famous shoulder massages, or homemade chocolate chip cookies. I can never scoop Java Chip ice cream into a coffee cup for him; which was his favorite way to eat it. I can never sit at my Windsor home with him again… around the kitchen table, on the back deck, around the bbq fire enjoying a good cigar and a drink. I can never share a glass of wine with him again, as he shares his semi-drunken life advice with me. I can't hug him anymore, or dance with him on my future wedding day. He and my dad will never actually come to Davis and throw a Toga Party to meet all the "hot college girls" and live out their youth again. I'll never get dressed up all pretty and leave the house, only to be asked teasingly, "Ooooh, whose the boy?". I love you Todd.
Love, Sarah
Michael and I are so saddened by what has happened. I know words can never express everything - but please know you are well loved by friends and family. If there is anything, and I mean anything, at any time day or night please let us know if we can help you. Our love and our prayers go with you always.
Dearest Marilee, Grant, Dana and Lindsey,
You are in our hearts, minds and prayers during this difficult time. We wish we could wrap you all in our arms and hug you tight so you can know how much we love you.
Please call on us for anything you need at this time. We want to help you in any way we can.
Love,
Linda, John, Jennifer and Kimberly
(650) 348-3917
(650) 544-1066 (cell)
Dear Marilee,
It's times like this that we feel so far away. We would love to be home to help out and to hug Grant and the girls. We will be home the end of May staying at the Edsells and will be there for anything you need.
We loved Todd and treasure our times with him. I can hear his laugh as I write and see his warm smile.
Please give Grant a special hug from Doug and I and tell him we look forward to working with him on return or playing with him in Oregon.
Our love and thoughts to you Marilee.
Lee and Doug
Dear Marilee,
I haven't seen you in a while since we both had our babies the same time in August. But I did always bump into Todd at Starbuck's. We always chatted and I always left him by saying say hello to Marilee. I remember when we were walking our 6 month olds in the neighborhood and then we were part of the same mother's group. Now they are almost 8. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please call us for anything.
The Caceres family
650-571-6364
I am very sorry for your loss. I met Todd once when I was raising money for a startup in 2000. That one meeting with him left me with a great impression of him. Even though we did not end up working together, in our short meeting together, he inspired me to keep working toward my dream despite some near-term obstacles (I ended up raising money and selling my company three years later). Thank you Todd.
Dear Marilee,
We were so saddened to hear the news of your family's loss on Friday. In communicating with some of Todd's HBS friends over the past couple of days, it is painfully clear that he will be greatly missed by his business school classmates. We so enjoyed catching up with your family at our home last spring when we got some of the local HBS Section H '93 families together. We can only imagine how much you and your children will miss Todd. We will miss him too.
Your friends, Dave & Alisyn Crowder.
Marilee,
Alissa and I are very saddened to hear the news... Todd will not soon be forgotten and we will miss him so dearly...
Words cannot express the sympathy and hope this message brings to you and the kids. You are in our hearts and prayers and though we are far away in Boston, should you need anything at all, i want you to know that we are both here for you.
with much love,
Karim & Alissa
cel 415-823-7373
karimfaris@hotmail.com
Marilee,
We are truly sorry for your family's loss.
Many of us young entrepreneurs at the Mayfield Fellows Program owe much to Todd for his invaluable support in creating the program. We will always be thankful of the opportunities, camaraderie and inspiration the program has presented to us all these years.
Those of us who had the good fortune to meet and work with Todd will always remember his warmth and selfless contributions to others.
Thank you, Todd.
Enlai Chu
Mayfield Fellow 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with Todd's family. I am deeply saddened at the news. I had utmost respect for Todd and I wish peace to his soul and to everyone he touched.
\iNDRA
Marilee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children in this time of loss. I will always remember Todd as a warm and caring friend. He will be missed.
Michael and Lori Profit
Dear Marilee,
I loved spending time with Todd. He had a wonderful presence. Our conversations covered many topics from sailing, to start-ups to our mutual love of Marin.
Todd had many friends at Silicon Valley Bank. All of us are deeply saddened by the loss of Todd.
You and your children are in our prayers. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help through this difficult time.
Much Love, Aaron
Dear Marilee-
We are so sorry to hear the sad news, and already wishing we weren't out of town this week. I can already see the support coming from the huge crowd that knew Todd, and know there's more coming. I have to say that one of the best lunches I've had in the past few months was with Todd in Burlingame a few months ago. Who cares what we ate - it was a great moment to catch up with a real person.
We'll check in with you soon. Much love from Steve and Amy Payne.
spayne@gmail.com
650-740-0653
Dear Marilee,
We are stunned to hear about your loss. We remember seeing both you and Todd at Shikha's birthday party just a few weeks ago. Todd was a wonderul, warm, giving, big hearted person. We will miss him. Please know that you are surrounded by a group of family and friends willing to help you in any way possible. Your friends, Rob and Shikha Chandra.
josh davis
Hi Marilee....we love all of you..and will miss Todd...such good memories, skiing, golfing in Peoria...wonderful man and father..we are proud to have known him...love to you all...Sally Sutkowski and family
Todd was a great man. I wish you and your family the best getting through this tough time.
Sincerely,
Brad Cikana.
Our thoughts are with you, the children and all of those who had the privilege of knowing Todd. We're sorry to be away and will be back from our trip on Thursday and want you to let us know if there is anything at all we can do to help. - Jim, Tera and Whitaker Barnes.
Marilee,
I am so sorry for you loss. Todd was a great guy and one of the few fellow Marin VCs. He had great passions and you couldn't help being energized by a conversation with him. He will be greatly missed by out team at Panorama.
Best wishes,
Chris
Marilee,
We are so sorry for your loss. Todd was always a great friend and a favorite of Greg's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. We hope that with the help of friends and family, you find the strength to get through this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Kathy & Greg Faulkner
Todd was a gentle man with a large heart and hearty laugh. We will miss him dearly. Charles and Liesl Moldow
Marilee,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss and are thoughts and love are with you.
Andrew and Drewry Wolf
Marilee,
We met a few times when Todd worked at Mayfield where I had the pleasure of working with him. He was actually one of my favorite people there. What I loved the most about Todd was how genuine he was and how he cut through social pretense and told it like it was. In turn, I felt like I could be myself around Todd in a business world where pretense and protocol sometimes rules the day. He also made me laugh a lot. I have not met your twins, but distinctly remember how Todd was around Grant and how much he loved him. I hope someday when your children are older they will be able to see that their Father's choice to end his life in no way diminishes the depth of his love for them and for you. You and your children are in my heart and prayers.
Sondra Card
It's hard to believe. I spoke with him only couple of times about his deals. But I was impressed by his thoughtfulness and straight forward manner. Why do such people have to go? My heartfelt sympathies are with his family. May his soul rest in peace.
Praveen Gupta
So very sad. Our family's thoughts and prayers are focused on your family.
Marilee:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Todd was a sincere, big-hearted person who made those close to him better. His enthusiasm was infectious. From the first of many times we met at Il Fornio, I felt a strong connection to him. Todd just had that way with people.
You and the kids are in our prayers. Leanne and I are here to help in any way we can.
Todd & Leanne Hewlin
650-342-7607
Dear Marilee,
In the dozen or so years that I knew Todd personally and professionally, I always knew him to be interesting, fun, and smart. But the quality that I appreciated most was his extraordinary personal character: proactively doing the right thing, even when he derives no personal benefit from it…even when nobody knows, recognizes, or appreciates it…even when it’s difficult or troublesome. I know this because I’ve seen it. When your kids are older, I hope to tell them about this aspect of their father so they may more fully appreciate how exceptional he really was. You, your family, and Todd’s soul are in my prayers and those of my family.
Noel Lindsay
415-462-7660
Marilee,
We just learned of your unbelievable, tragic loss, and our hearts and thoughts go out to you and the children. Todd was such an engaging and commanding presence, with such warmth and sincerity, that it is hard to believe he is gone. We wish you courage and strength in this difficult time, and we hope that your family's love and the caring of your many friends will help sustain you.
-Jane Scheiber and your friends in the College of Chemistry Berkeley
Marilee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are here when needed.
375-1420/678-7762
Kelly, John, Connor & Shaye Kenny
Dear Marilee and Family,
We regret to hear of Todd’s passing and want to offer our deepest condolences. As one of our managing directors for five years, Todd left impressions with us that will last a lifetime. He was a successful venture capitalist, a caring husband and a very proud father.
If there is anything we can do for you in this time of need, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
From Everyone
at Mayfield Fund
I only met Todd a few times. I was impressed with him as a person. I was introduced to him by my business partner Bill Tai.
I am sorry for you and your family's loss.
George Zachary
arilee-
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The last time I saw Todd, we happened to be side-by-side on stairmasters at the gym. He went out of his way to tell me that the two of you recently had a wonderful date night. He shared how you worked out together and then enjoyed dinner at a favorite fish restaurant around the corner. His sentiment was sweet and adoring. I will remember him that way, always - Wendy.
Marilee, nothing but unconditional support from the Eger household. My admiration for Todd’s wit, intelligence and charm was and always will be held in the highest regard. We’ll get on this meal list as soon as we can find an open spot! Our boys are always playing at the school and we match up so well age-wise with your children – let’s head down there soon. Eric
Love,
Wendy and Eric Eger
Dear Marilee,
Words can't describe how sorry I am. Todd was an amazing person. He was a great friend and mentor. He was thoughtful, caring, sensitive and generous. Todd always gave me encouragement and support and I am so grateful to have known him. Todd was one of the good guys and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Grant, Dana and Lindsey.
Love,
Dana Settle
Marilee and Family,
It is truly hard to say anything significant at such as time. I wish you and your children strength and peace.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Todd and working closely with him the past 6 years, he co-funded my startup in 2000 and played a huge part in steering us to success.
As I've read through the rememberances each day, I see the depth of Todd's relationships in the words of his friends and colleagues...
I'm sure I've talked and worked with Todd a hundred times over the years. Each time there was laughter shared and wisdom imparted. I'm going to miss him so much.
Tim Semones
Dear Marilee,
I had the privilege of working with Todd several years ago. What a terrific person he was! I had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for him and am a better person for having known him. He was the kind of partner that everyone wants in business and the kind of person that you want to be your best friend.
I can not begin to imagine what you are going through. If I can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.
Anna Maria Nekoranec
annan@lbkcapital.com
917 365 9073
Dear Marilee,
While we haven't met, I have known Todd for many years and had the great pleasure of both working with him and getting to know him socially. He was always full of energy, wisdom, and friendship. I will truly miss him and pray for you and your family in this time of unthinkable hardship.
Dino Vendetti
Dear Merilee & Family,
Our deepest sympathy for you all. We are praying that peace will someday find it's way into your hearts.
Merille, you are a loved & valued member of our community and we care. Please know we offer everything & anything to help you and the kids. I have such wonderful memories of Mateo & Grant running a muck..it's been so many years now...we are here willing & praying.
Todd Brooks was an iconoclast. I’m not really sure what that word means but I know Todd was one of them. He was my own Huck Finn.
I can’t remember when I met Todd -- sixth grade I guess. But his presence in my life swept over me like Huck Finn’s would of. He was a real man’s man – he was older (13) to my 12. He was into boats and sailing and Texas and slide guitars and just being around him made me feel girly and fey to this burly guy’s guy!
He had an infectious devilish laugh. He’d smile at you as if to share a knowing secret of some unstated conspiracy that was afoot. Such a conspiracy seemed always afoot in his presence and I always felt honored to be included in it….
His heart was as good and right as they come. At his core he was good. Devilish, but good. Rugged but soft. Stoic but tender.
In 6th grade, Todd was the only one I knew who would kiss the teacher’s ass more than I would and in Mr. Baer’s class, Todd was the golden boy.
“Good question Todd, that’s right Todd. Jimmy enough of you, let’s hear what Todd has to say”.
But here’s the thing. No one – nobody – begrudged Todd his golden boy status. I guess we just all agreed with it. My sister had a crush on him – all the girls seemed to. The teachers adored him and so did the rest of us mere mortals – he was just like that.
The way I drifted away from Todd in adulthood is so cliché and typical and bad and wrong and shameful. I am ashamed. I am ashamed I was careless and selfish and caught up in my own dramas of life and drifted away from someone who was so dear to me; and so a part of my life growing up. I utterly took for granted that even though I rarely spoke to him, Todd Brooks, the golden boy, still walked among us. I took it utterly for granted.
And now Todd is gone and the world is less of a place because of it.
I don’t know what an iconoclast is really, because I’ve never used that word before – I’ve heard it used a fair amount but I’ve never had occasion to use it myself– that is not until I sat down to write about how I felt about my dear lost friend; my own Huck Finn; the one and only, Todd Brooks.
My heart goes out to you, Marilee and Dana and Lindsay and Grant. I pray for peace for your family in this sad time.
All my love,
Jimmy Dodson
Dear Brooks Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You have lost a wonderful husband, father, and brother. I have lost someone I counted as a friend.
We meet many people as we go through life, but we let precious few into our personal life. I am so very thankful that Todd let me into his life and that I let him into mine.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time, and my memories of Todd will be with me forever.
Brian Conlow
650-347-1857
brianconlow@yahoo.com
Dear Marilee,
I was so saddened to hear of Todd's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the children at this difficult time.
God Bless
Tracey Syme
Dear Marilee, Grant, Dana, and Lindsey,
I am very sad to hear of your loss.
I had the good fortune of working with Todd on Inphi while I was at Tallwood Venture Capital and just beginning my career in investing.
Todd's training as an engineer was similar to my own as a scientist and he was an excellent mentor. I had the privilege of learning from him at monthly Inphi board meetings over a couple years. His intelligence, knowledge, and charm were always evident.
I hope there is some comfort in knowing the positive impact Todd had on me and so many other young entrepreneurs and investors. We would all be fortunate to achieve a fraction of his myriad successes.
Sincerely,
Andrew Bogan
Dear Marilee,
We are so sorry about your loss. I originally met Todd as a VC colleague but as we spent more time I saw him as a mentor and friend. I got to know him as someone who was genuinely interested in people, curious to really understand and someone who helped whenever he could. When I heard his big laugh I had to laugh too. He had a real presence and personality but I remember him also as sensitive and thoughtful. We are very sad and thinking of you and the children.
Mathias Schilling & family
Marilee,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Todd's passing. We cannot imagine the grief you must feel. You are a terrific person with wonderful children and so undeserving of such circumstances. I see that you have a strong network of family and friends. With their help, you will get through this. We are amoung those friends and would like to help in any way we can. We have been extremely grateful for your advice and information during our relocation. You and your children are in our thoughts and prayers.
Feel free to call us at anytime,
Love,
Andy (415-246-5883) and Mandana (650) 438-7665)
Dear Marilee,
I worked at Mayfield from June of 1999 to June of 2000 and got to know Todd while I was there. I continued to be in touch with Todd after leaving Mayfield as he was on a Board of a Tallwood VC company. Todd had a brilliant sense of humor and was such a thoughtful, kind and caring man. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I am thankful for knowing him will miss him. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family for this tragic loss.
Donna Young
dear brooks family,
My heart goes out to your family for your terrible loss. Todd was a great and funny guy and I will always think highly of him. i will say a prayer for you at this difficult time.
sincerely,
Rhonda Stacy
After so many years, you called to catch up with your old school friends. It was so wonderful to hear your voice and learn that you were so happy. I teased you about the sweater vests you wore in the school pictures and you were quick to point out my knee socks.I will always remember your voice and your laugh. My prayers are with your family that you love so dearly. I know that you have peace. I will miss you, I miss you.
Marilee -
While we haven't seen each other in years, Todd's hearty laugh and soothing voice still resonate. He was indeed a good man. We will miss him, and you and the kids have our thoughts and prayers squarely behind you.
Laurie and Todd Khoury
Dearest Grant, Dana & Lindsay,
I met your father in the late 80s in SF, when your mom & dad were still dating, and your mom & I were roommates in a flat on Sacramento Street.
I loved your Dad from the first time I met him! How could you not adore him!!
Your dad was utterly charming with an impish grin to boot; he was witty - always ready with a humorous tale to bring tears to your eyes; and he was caring & empathetic, always inquiring as to how I was doing.
But most importantly, your father was a very, very, very good and kind person.
I hope that when you are older, you will realize that your father left you a wonderful legacy - a giant of a man who left his mark on all who knew and loved him.
Dear Marilee,
Todd was a good, thoughtful, pleasant man.
He could sense and feel and make connections from seemingly disconnected events. I wish that I could have done that for him.
If I can help you and your children to mourn and move forward, please let me know.
Matt Holleran
Dear Marilee and kids,
I just want you to know what an awesome family you are! I was just thinking about you recently, when I recieved the news. It's been awhile since the last time I saw you. I believe it was at Cole's birthday party last year. Please let me know if I can take the kids anytime, I would be more than happy to!! I miss seeing you, Grant and the girls. I'm sure Dana and Lindsey have grown up since the last time I saw them. Please keep in touch and let me know how things are going for you and the kids. :) Marilee, I have a quote that comes to mind, I can't remember who this quote is by, but for some reason I thought it would be nice to share with you at this time. -"I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."- I truely believe your a strong person and you'll make it through this! Much Love,
Analyn & Shane Sorge
Contact info.
Home # (510) 770-1664
Cell # (650) 248-6269
Dear Marilee,
I am sorry for your tremendous loss. While I haven't spoken with Todd for many years, I remember him with a big smile. We sat across from each other in business school. I remember how much he enjoyed playing pranks on the woman in front of him (hiding things in her long hair) and how quick and funny he could be. Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing you enduring memories of happier times with Todd. Love, Jillian Marcus Neubauer
To paraphrase Cyrano; Todd you were a rock, a peak, a cape, a peninsula! Your joie de vivre, presence and celerity were awe inspiring to me. When Katheryne introduced us in 83, it quickly dawned on me that you were the fourth brother in the Kesecker family. There are so many weekends, parties, and holidays with you, Mike, Tom, John, Kathy, Al & Stevie that you felt like another brother-in-law, and I enjoyed you immensely as such. You touched us all so much, so deeply and with so much life that you will always be around in our hearts, souls and memories. Your “Vive la France!” always reminded me that we were in for another great time with you, and it will always have a special fun meaning and cherished memory when I hear it.
A notre ami.
Ami qui nous fit rire et que j’admire tant !
Difficile de décrire comme tu nous vas manquant.
Impossible d’admettre qu’il faut vivre sans toi…
Entre émois et mémoires, tu restes pour toujours
Un proche, un frère, une âme au sein de notre amour.
Traître sans pitié qui nous vole notre ami,
Oppressant est ton acte qui nous blesse à vie.
Dieu, que certains disent, Être tout puissant,
Démontres, si tu l’es, ta force, nous le rendant !
Philippe – février 2007
No matter the language, there are no words to express our loss and you are missed and mourned across the world.
Marilee, Grant, Dana & Lindsey. The Beaubois from Paris to San Francisco hurt deeply and share your pain and sorrows. Please accept our heartfelt and most sincere condolences. We will always be here to help and we look forward to seeing Todd live through his wonderful children.
the Beaubois
I just can't stop thinking about Todd this past week since I found out about his death - it saddens me so much.
I echo the sentiments in posts above - Todd was a great guy, could cut thru to the heart of the matter, and had a big smile, a quick wit and a kind heart.
We called each other 'counselor' at HBS - we both flirted with the idea of doing a JD/MBA while we were at grad school. It took on different meaning later as we swapped stories and advice as we each moved thru our careers.
I will miss Todd's sound counsel, big personality, and life presence.
My thoughts are with Marilee and kids.
Jeremy Verba
Dear Marilee,
Todd, you, Grant, Dana and Lindsey have been on our minds constantly since we heard the tragic news. I cannot stop thinking of Todd’s deep voice and warm presence. “Andrew…..” he would say in his special way. The only other person to call me that is my mom. We had a lot of fun in business school. One highlight was when Todd poured cologne on my head to prepare for marketing class. Another memorable moment was the peanut incident, when Todd and Rodney caused me to be thrown out of Fenway Park.
I will always be grateful for Todd’s call about an opportunity for us to work together in early 1997. We had a lot of wonderful times. Eating fugu in Japan, singing karaoke, playing squash and golf. No one was more fun to play golf with than Todd. Adventures in Santa Fe, SF and Boston followed. Todd always had excellent insights and was well respected and appreciated by colleagues, fellow venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Todd was a wonderful section mate, terrific investor, (Rachael wants me to say handsome man, she remembers hearing about his childhood modeling days) and devoted husband and father. Todd loved his children so much. He made a major, significant and lasting impact on me. I look forward to celebrating his life with you and others next week. In the meantime, you and the children are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
Andy Goldfarb (and Rachael)
Dear Marilee,
Anouk and I have so many happy memories of Todd from business school. The sound of his deep, resonant laugh and the light from his smiling eyes will stay with us always. Todd was a good friend and a warm, compassionate personality. We cannot contemplate what you must be going through right now, but we are truly sorry for your family's loss.
Alex and Anouk Hungate
Dear Marilee,
How fortunate we feel to have had Todd in our lives! The love & laughter he shared so willingly with us all – the treasure chest of memories he left behind for our family is infinite and will be cherished in our hearts forever and ever. Jimmy said it all when he deemed Todd ‘the golden boy’, for he was gold, through & through. We love you Marilee and your beautiful family and we are here for you.
Al & Stevie Kesecker & Family
To our dearest Todd:
All to ourselves we find our way
Back to each golden yesterday,
Faring in fancy until we stand
Clasping your ready, friendly hand;
The picture seems half true, half dream,
And we keep its colors and its gleam.
All to ourselves we will think of you
We will think of the things we used to do,
We will think of the things we used to say,
We will think of each happy, bygone day;
Sometimes we’ll sigh and sometimes we’ll smile,
But we’ll keep you with us all the while.
From all of our hearts, the Keseckers
Poem attributed to Wilbur Nesbit
Todd was one of the highlights of the Berkeley PhD experience. The Chem E Lewis and the news, and the Roma runs were all the more fun for his presence and great sense of people and sense of humor! What a loss for everyone whose life he touched...and for those of you who are close. Treasure the memories...
Katherine and Todd Cleland, fellow Hessian, UC Berkeley '88
Dear Marilee, we are so sad, and send lots of noisy family hugs and twins energy to you. Todd was a phenomenal person; great business man, a role model for determination, a kind friend, gung-ho participant in adventures. I was counting on seeing you guys soon, and miss him so much already. I have sent some notes as to how we'd like to try and help to your moderator.
Be brave (as you always are) and know that time has healing powers.
Dear Marilee,
I have known Todd for over 7 years, since he attracted me to a startup he championed, Avanex, and remained on my board in the following years, and after I retired. Our relationship developed quickly from a professional one to friendship. As you might know, I often saught his advice inside and outside the board room, and we got together regularly so that I could benefit from his judgement and experience. I found Todd to be a marvelous person, a gentleman, a straight and committed business partner, and a cheerful friend, always positive and optimistic. It is a tragic loss for all of us. I am fortunate I had the opportunity of sharing a path in my life with Todd. I will always remember him as one of the best persons I have ever met.
Please contact me if there is anything I can do.
Be strong,
Walter Alessandrini
portofino3@gmail.com
Dear Marilee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. I can only think of the fun times that we had with you and Todd and hope that remembering all of the fun and love that you shared will carry you through in this. Please let the kids know that their dad was a wonderful, caring, loving man who made the world a better place.
We know that your strength, love, and wonderfully sweet nature will guide you and the kids, but know that we are here for you,no matter what.
Love,
Liz Greenberg and Jim Papanu
Dear Marilee,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Todd's passing. We were fellow grad students together at Hess Labs in the mid-80's. I have fond memories of those years and many of the lighter ones involved Todd. He was always quick with a joke or humorous observation and always made sure that no one took himself too seriously. He was a regular on our daily lab group Roma runs for cafe au lait or as Todd often put it "an old lady to go". We were teammates together on the College of Chemistry softball teams ChemE Lewis & the News and the Vacuum Chambermaids (a name I believe Todd coined). Todd played third base and I played first; he had a heckuva of an arm and my hand was often bruised after nine innings of catching Todd's rocket throws from third. I can't believe that he is gone. My deepest condolences to you and your family; I will never forget Todd.
Regards,
Todd Cleland
Dear Marilee,
We are very sad to hear of Todd’s passing. We didn’t have a chance to know him beyond a few shared moments, but feel deeply for your loss. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help – our kids are so close to yours in age, they’d love to play with Grant, Lindsey and Dana. 650-340-6338
All our best to you at this difficult time.
Ida Sim, Peter Karp, and Adam and Julia
Dear Marilee,
We can only imagine what you and your family must be going through. You obviously know all this but it still bears repeating: Todd was a caring, thoughtful, insightful man, a great colleague, a real pleasure to be around. A man of true character and substance, devoted to his family, always aiming to be the best person within him. We are so saddened by his loss. Our prayers are with him, with you, and with your family.
All the best,
Peter Wagner
Dear Marilee, Dana, Lindsay and Grant,
I do not know you but feel as if I do from reading all these entries and from all the wonderful things I have heard about your family from my brother, Jimmy, and The Keseckers. My heart goes out to you all... I have struggled to write before now but have been at a complete loss for words, (not a characteristic very often attributed to me!) so deep was my shock at the news. Todd was indeed one of my first loves - if you can call it that when you are 12 or 13! ...at least I remember I could "will" the bottle to land on him when we played "Spin the Bottle" at our 8th grade graduation party ... I am smiling now to remember this, what utter bliss it was, so innocent and yet so new and exciting... and then to fast forward to a more hectic complex grownup world, a scary place at times, what pain he must have been feeling none of us I think can ever imagine, I have known feelings so low like that before in my life, ...my own father was taken from me at an early age and in very similar circumstances, but if I had to choose it all again, a lesser man for a longer time, I would not hesiatate for even an instant to re-choose my father, who is a part of who I am and will always be. This I know is what you must be feeling and what your children will feel one day, even through the tears, to have loved one so larger-than-life, can take one through a lifetime of missing them, until one day perhaps we meet again, and share a tender reunion.
My prayers are with you and the children, and also with Todd who is at peace now, a peace and warmth far past our limited human understanding, waiting patiently and loving you all, watching over you, and longing for your enduring happiness despite your present grief. I pray this remembered love sustains you all in its warm embrace.
With sincerest sympathies,
Donna Krasner
It is with great sadness that I learned of Todd's passing this morning. Todd and I had traded a few emails and phone calls over the last few years, always meaning to get together at some point, but geography and timing was always a problem. But now I wish I had known, I wish I could have acted with more urgency.
Todd was my best friend in grade school and a very important person in my life at that crucially formative age, so that I can't help but feel that a lot of that has slipped away with his loss. Of the two of us he was the more decisive and grounded one, and I always admired him for that, and for the positive influence he had on me. I remember adventures hiking around Mill Valley, and sailing on his father's boat in Richmond Bay...at night! He was a good partner in helping to negotiate the often confusing and turbulent world that confronted us growing up in the early 70s.
I just want to say what a large part of my life Todd was, and that he really left a lasting positive impression. I could see what a big hearted person he was even then, and I know his influence has stayed with me throughout my life.
I wish to extend my love and thoughts to his family.
Hughes Hall
Merilee,
I was dumbstruck when I heard of Todd's passing. I had no idea that he had been battling depression.
I will miss him greatly. Although I hadnt seen much recently I remember the times I spent with you and him when I first moved to San Francisco and the great counsel he gave about the move and helping me to settle in. If there was one word I would use to describe Todd it would be Warmth. He radiated warmth, from the resonance of his voice to his manner when dealing with friends and colleagues. He was a big teddy bear with a great sense of humor. I remember at the end of the the school year at HBS creating a fake spray called the "Todd and Rod pest controller" for Lisa Kolker who sat right in front of the two to protect her from their good natured pranks and teasing. Although Todd was one of the oldest in the section his humor could not be described as effete :). I also remember a great dinner we had just the two of us before the start of school our first year at a local dive. We connected over both being from the West and being a bit older than the average age. There was nothing remarkable about the dinner other than it was with Todd and the great connection I felt and still remember.
The last time I saw Todd was at lunch in the bay area where a few of us section mates gathered. I remember finding out that after Grant, you and Todd had had twin girls. That was particularly ironic since the month before Lisa and I had had twin boys in addition to an older daughter. Once again I sought Todd's counsel. He talked about how wonderful it was as well as how tough it is in the beginning. In typical wry Todd fashion he said, "my advice is to throw money at the problem."
Im sorry not to have been able to attend the service but while this all happened we were relocating to Austin.
If you need anything at all or ever find yourself in Austin for whatever reason, please dont hesitate to contact us: (512) 266-6007.
With much love,
Barton, Lisa, Nicole, Dane and Logan
I only knew Todd briefly, but was very touched by his kind heart and loving spirit.
Todd, I will remember you always, especially whenever I see pelicans flying across the bay. Thank you for pointing them out to me in my moment of fear.
May God bless you, always.
~Kim
Even in grade school, Todd was sweet and sensitive beyond his years. I think it was seventh grade that our class went on a evening field trip to a performance of "Godspell". Everyone got dressed up and we all felt very grown up. I hardly remember the plot, but there was a very sad crucifiction scene. I remember looking around at my classmates and seeing Todd with tears in his eyes, trying not to show how moved he was. At that moment I realized that "boys" were starting to grow up too. Todd was, however, ahead of the curve. Even when he was really trying to be mean, he couldn't be. I remember him teasing me for a moment, and then coming around later to apologize. Even when he was teasing, his heart wasn't in it. He was a kind, deep kid. I remember in seventh or eigth grade he really liked the song "Midnight at the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur. I don't know why this sticks in my memory, but somehow it does. We hold his family in our hearts and cherish his memory.
Marilee-
I feel out of place writing here, among all those who had the fortune to know you, and Todd through these past years. Yet I feel the need to honor you, and Todd in this small way. I grew up next door to the Brooks family in Mill Valley; we were a wild crew, four relatively untamed women (my mother, two sisters, and I), unfettered by convention. Todd was such a doll, always, such a gentleman, always so kind and patient with our antics, so mature-we all adored him, and knew he would go places. From reading all these comments, it's clear he had- he married you, had three beautiful children and obviously had a tremendous impact on all those who knew him. I wish I had known you, wish I had known Todd as a man, but am grateful to have known him as a boy and youth. He put up with so much from those wild girls next door-he remains fondly in many of our young reminiscences.......our hearts ache terribly for you and your family.....Todd's warmth and buoyant spirit will be sorely missed-
the Helprin girls, Cathryn, Pamela, and Heather
Dear Brooks Family,
Your husband & father was a dear and kind man. I learned of his passing just this morning as I picked up the Venture Capital Journal...
While I only met Todd on a couple of occasions in 2000, he was kind enough to meet with me and tell me about how to get a job in venture capital. Todd was unusually helpful and generous with his time. He was a blessing to me in a time of need.
I pray for you and your family, that you may be sustained by grace & peace in the days, weeks and years ahead.
May God bless you abundantly.
Hello,
I don't know if anyone visits the site anymore but I wanted to leave a message. It is one year ago that Todd left this life and today I felt the joy of him and I wanted to thank all of you who wrote memories and comments and sent them to me. I have them all in a book and I read through them today and they capture Todd. It is a huge gift to me to know that through your memories and mine, Todd's and my children will know their father. It is also a gift that the positive parts of Todd will live on in all of us who had the chance to know him.
Our door is open please never hesitate to contact us.
With love, Marilee
Marilee,
I certainly check this site from time to time to see if any new comments have been added. Both Todd and you and your family were in my thoughts this February and I hope that time has brought you some peace.
Hughes Hall
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