Henry Swan Todd

Henry Swan Todd passed away 7 October 2019 in Provo, Utah at the age of 85. Henry was the son of John C. and Etta S. Todd of Gridley, California.

Henry was preceded in death by his first wife Sally McClay Todd, his parents John and Etta Todd, his sister Ann Todd Hess and his step-son James Burch.

Henry is survived by his second wife Janet A. Todd, his sisters Anita Todd Valentine (Virgil) and Marna Todd Eyring (Phil). He is also survived by three step-children: Alan G. Burch, Ann B. Seymour, and William H. Burch.

Henry attended BYU graduating with bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering. Henry worked for IBM and did further studies in optical sciences at the University of Rochester. He moved to Arizona where he earned a PhD in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. Henry returned to BYU where he did research on acoustic signal processing while teaching classes in physics, math and computer science.

Henry loved the Lord. He was called as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to South Africa. Henry served faithfully in many callings including early morning seminary teacher, ward financial clerk, membership clerk and dedicated ward greeter for many years. He was also an ordinance worker at the Provo Temple for 22 years.

Henry mentored many others including the students who rented his basement apartment and was very generous contributing to many young women, scouts and missionaries over the years. He was also civic minded and served as President of Timpanogos Canal Company for 44 years.

Henry was a giant of a man. Strangers often stopped him and asked how tall he was and if he played basketball. His quick response was that he was five feet twenty inches tall but was still too short to play basketball in high school.

Henry enjoyed traveling, studying the gospel and loved to research and write about the U.S. Constitution. Many will miss Henry’s optimism and faithful service.

We express thanks to all who have cared for him these past weeks.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Oak Hills Stake Center, 925 North Temple Drive, Provo, Utah. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 11-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in Eastlawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.