Todd Barton

Stewart Todd Barton was born to Susan Johnson and Monte Barton in Albuquerque, NM October 08, 1956, and grew up in Pueblo, Colorado with his grandparents Buzz and Lorraine Barton.

Preferring to be called Todd, he embraced his life in Pueblo; however, he was never a fan of his schools.  He personally altered his 6th grade report card show his interests: squirting people with squirt guns and getting in trouble, renamed it a Christmas Card instead of a Report Card, and wrote that “this pupil is recommended for placement next year in “college”. His sense of humor clearly started very early.

Todd eventually expanded his appreciation of the school system by graduating from Pueblo County High School in’74, and completing a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Sales from Oklahoma State University in ’78, listing his hobbies and interests as: horses, backpacking; studying philosophy; woodcarving; painting.

Not long after graduation, Todd moved back to Albuquerque.  He worked briefly in broadcasting, but was called to be in service, providing gentle care to so many through his years in home health, hospice, and Physical Therapy aid work.

Todd was a gentle man. A quiet man. A pure giving man. He devoted his life being in quiet service to those in need through his years in home health/hospice, and Physical Therapy aid work. He touched the lives of hundreds of people and their families with his selfless care, and yet, he never realized what a pure gift he was until these last few months. 

My beautiful brother Todd transitioned June 4th at home here in Taos just after dawn. The glioblastoma was relentless in its need to consume my brother's brain.We had five glorious, love, laughter, and life filled months together. From the beginning of this journey, we both agreed we were not interested in "fighting" this energy and pathology, but to learn with it what could be greater, more present, and welcome everything with awe and wonder.

Todd had simple pleasures.  He loved movies and could recall an actor or actress’s name and acting history from the ‘50’s thru the early 2000’s in a heartbeat.  He particularly loved all of the James Bond movies.  He had the same gift of recall for musical artists and bands of the 70’s to the 90’s.  He loved good watches, Cross pens, quality pocketknives, old pawn jewelry, and rice cakes.  He had a thing for lifesavers, magnets, and shoestrings that he would attach and knot to a variety of items for a variety of reasons known only to him.

Todd fiercely protected his privacy and solitude.  He never married and lived a very quiet life.  He never even owned a cell phone, preferring to remain out of the global foray of mass communication and information overload.

He loved to care for others, selflessly walking across town to assist a patient in need, in any weather and on any day of the week.  Todd did not drive.  His modesty rarely would allow even a ride home from the family of the people he cared so lovingly for.

My brother Todd and I shared a vast, deep love for one another that never wavered.  From the moment I was born and ‘knew’ him, we were inseparable, even beyond the physical separation that plagued our lives as we did not grow up together.  We had a fierce love. 

Todd taught me the gift of pure, unadulterated gratitude.  Moving him to Taos to better care for him, he lived and shared his gratitude in so many gentle, elegant ways every single day.  He allowed the care and love to fill him, finally receiving what he had gifted so many others through so many years.

I loved his laugh, his beauty, the way he unabashedly enjoyed good food – eating three times what anyone else could consume – and his passion for green chile chicken enchiladas.  I loved how he just loved ‘being’ in a room with people he enjoyed.  He couldn’t recall words near the end but loved being with his family in his own quiet way.  I loved his gentleness, always present.

Todd specifically requested a memorial service, and we are collecting any stories, thoughts, experiences you may wish to share.  The actual memorial will be held on  October 8, 2020.  Location TBA.  You can respond to this website with your memories and thoughts.  If you knew Todd, and would like to be included in his memorial, please let us know.  You would be welcome.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com