John Glendon Todd

December 20, 1946 - March 27, 2022
In loving memory ~
John Glendon Todd, of White Rock, BC, passed away surrounded by his family on March 27th, 2022. He was 75 years of age.
Glen (aka Mr.T, Dad, Pops, GT, Partner) is survived by his daughters, Shelley (Mike) Bancroft, and Dana (Jason) Barker, grandchildren, Dawson Bancroft, Lincoln, Declan and Fisher Barker, sister Diane, and Mario (Rebecca) Gutierrez and was predeceased by his wife Sandra in 2007. His extended family spans near and far as Glen touched many and treated them all like family, especially through the horse and softball worlds he was so closely attached to. Glen was a father, grandfather, mentor, business leader and friend to so many.
Glen had few loves in his life besides his family, but those loves were deep and proven through his dedication to softball, and his over 50-year love of horses and horse racing. Parents, Jack and Eileen Todd met at Hastings Park in 1939, and Glen grew up around horse racing. The passion was instilled upon him from a young age, and he continued to love the animals and the sport with such commitment, it garnered him the accolades of being an industry leader and long-time advocate for the thoroughbred racing industry. Glen said after Mario rode Five Star General across the line to win the 2019 British Columbia Derby, it was his best day in 50 years in the racing industry. He shared that moment with his daughters Shelley and Dana and all his grandchildren. Mario, a member of the Todd Family, thrived as a jockey through Glen's mentorship, successfully riding worldwide with Kentucky Derby and Preakness wins, and of course, making his local debuts at Hastings Park.
In the local community of South Surrey and White Rock, Glen was the original founder, President, and coach of the first-ever White Rock Renegades team, which started in 1986. His journey began because of his daughters Shelley and Dana, who both played for the Renegades. The Todd residence had a custom- built practice ball diamond in their backyard and ironically was named Franks Field, because it was Frank's home, a retired racehorse which Glen could not bear to part with, so he resided for the rest of his days at the family home. Even when the girls hung up their cleats, he continued by creating the world-renowned Canada Cup Women's Fastpitch Tournament and gained acceptance of fastpitch as a contending sport in the Olympics. Inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame, a member of Softball BC, Softball Canada, and was welcomed to the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Hall of Fame in 2016. We cannot go without mentioning that the Todd Family are Yankee fans to the core.
In 1981, Glen took over the reins of the family customs brokerage businesses, which his parents, Jack and Eileen, founded in the mid- fifties. Under his guidance, the group of companies grew in both services and size. Glen was so proud of his companies and staff of 300. His much-loved employee Christmas Gala was highly anticipated and loved by all. He took great care in ensuring the staff felt appreciated and celebrated with renditions of beloved game shows and showcase prizes. He could often be heard chatting with staff in the office halls or while enjoying his lunch at the Derby Bar and Grill, surrounded by friends and tokens of his love of horse racing.
Everything that Glen touched was with the utmost dedication and determination to be the best; there was no second place. He strived to make everyone around him the best that they could be whatever it was they chose to do. Whether it was his horses on the track, his daughters on the ball eld, or producing a top-rated television shing show, nothing was left on the table. Glen created a feeling for those that had the privilege to be a part of his passions or his business ventures that you wanted to be and do your best for him, always in search of that occasional wink or pat on the back as he walked by.
In the words of Frank Sinatra -
My friend, I'll say it clear,
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
An open-door reception to celebrate the life of Glen Todd is being held on April 28th, 2022, at George Preston Recreation Centre, 20699 42 Ave, Langley, BC, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Program details and livestream information can be found at bit.ly/37EbshF.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Glen Todd Legacy Fund beneffiting New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society www.newstride.com. Donations can be made online or by calling directly.