A Message From Marilee: Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Deterrent Project

Hello,

Todd's suicide off the Golden Gate Bridge in Feb 2007 has opened my eyes about depression and the need for a suicide barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge. Although Todd's death was very complicated, the Golden Gate Bridge provided a perfect method of death for him, highly fatal and off a structure that was always in his life and had meaning to him.

Survivors of those who have committed suicide off the Golden Gate have actively worked towards a barrier for years with little success, but they have never quit. More people join our group every few weeks, and although the barrier will not bring Todd back it will end the addition of new people to our group! Right now the Golden Gate Bridge District is accepting comments on several barrier designs—this is the farthest this has ever gotten! The Opposition is still very strong to not touch the bridge, so I am requesting that you click on this link by August 25th to register a comment supporting the barrier.

In the " What's New" box on the right-hand side of the page, you will see "Comment" highlighted. Click on that. You can also read the EIR if you want.

Here are a few thoughts for your comment:

• My choice is Alternative 1B if you just want a quick answer

• A District Official that I spoke to stated that they do not have the money. I encouraged her to take the first step which is approve a barrier and not say no to everything due to lack of fun ds.

•The survivor group will always grow as long as there is no barrier. This effort will not go away.

•It is the right thing to do, please put politics aside- Those who have committed suicide were worth saving.

•The barrier is technically feasible and I feel will be found environmentally acceptable (EIR).

For more information, please read this New York Times article, "The Urge to End It All."

And the documentary The Bridge was produced and directed by Eric Steel:




And here is the trailer for the film:



Please spread the word to as many people as you can... in state and out!

We appreciate your help in this effort.

Thank you,

Marilee, Grant, Lindsay and Dana

Photos/Reflections

Your thoughts on today's beautiful service are most welcome. Meanwhile, here are a few more pictures of Todd, courtesy of Mike and Tara Kesecker.

Here are Todd and Marilee, apparently getting "a little bit country":



Todd with his son Grant:



Todd with his dear friends the Keseckers:

The Todd Brooks Memorial Fund

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to The Todd Brooks Memorial Fund, which will be used to support charities and causes close to Todd’s heart:

Todd Brooks Memorial Fund
c/o Merrill Lynch
101 California Street, Suite 2100
San Francisco, CA
9411

Attn: Stuart Wechsler

Memorial Service Parking

The family would like everyone to know that parking at the church is in short supply, so please allow ample time to find street parking. Alternately, there is a public lot on El Camino Real, about two blocks south of the church.

Memorial Service to Be Held on February 28th

UPDATE: There will be a reception—also at St. Matthew's—immediately following the service.

Original Post:

Todd's memorial service will be held at 10:00 am. on Wednesday, February 28th, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in San Mateo.

Thank you.

Meals for the Family - Saturday 2/24 thru Saturday 3/3

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to bring a meal for the family. It's amazing how a such a simple thing can help make the day a little easier for Marilee.

If you can bring a meal for week 2, please leave a comment and I'll put you on the schedule. Several people are trying to click on the Google calendar (sidebar) to sign up, but it's only for viewing purposes. The best way to sign up is to e-mail me (vmontes@aol.com) or leave a comment.

Week 2 is a bit up in the air. It's possible that the memorial service may fall mid-week, and it's also possible that Marilee and the kids will—as tradition dictates!—join several neighborhood families for our annual snow/ski trip. I will contact everyone at least a day in advance to let them know if their meal is still needed. Thanks for your patience with this.

Saturday, February 24
LUNCH - Rumberger Family
DINNER - Horan Family

Sunday, February 25
LUNCH - Williams Family
DINNER - Leventhal Family

Monday, February 26
LUNCH - Kathryn Sauers
DINNER - Graf Family

Tuesday, February 27
LUNCH - Montes/Wadhams Family
DINNER - Kenny Family

Wednesday, February 28
LUNCH - Judy Herrera
DINNER - Greenough Family

Thursday, March 1
LUNCH - Sara Hodge
DINNER - Stephanie Flynn

Friday, March 2
LUNCH - McIntosh/Crowley Family
DINNER - Melissa Nediver

Saturday, March 3
LUNCH - Wolf Family
DINNER - Jeffie & Nick

Memory Book

The Kesecker family is in the process of creating a memory album for Marilee and the kids. If you would like to contribute your fond, silly, and/or happy memories of Todd, please e-mail Tara via BuenaVCO@aol.com.

And while we're on the topic of memories, Chris Wallace found an article, In Memoriam: Todd Brooks, by Dan Primack. If you find similar links, please feel free to leave a comment.

Thank you.