Todd Robert Ingersoll, 48, passed away on October 24, 2020 unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Poway where he had lived for the past 42 years.
Todd was autistic and one of the world’s truly kind, honest and gentle persons. He was loved and admired by our family and his friends. At 6’4”, we called him our Gentle Giant.
Todd attended Special Education Programs in Poway until graduating from Transition Program. He then became a participant at Community Options in Poway until his passing. During his 29 years in that Program, he worked for 16 years at TGI Friday’s restaurant as a bus boy. He also volunteered at Sunshine Care Homes, Ed Brown Senior Center, Elk’s Lodge and City Hall. He loved to be busy and productive and he especially liked to help people.
Todd participated in Aquatics with Special Olympics for many years. He was honored to attend State Meets all around California where he earned many 1st place ribbons. Swimming and body surfing were his passion.
Todd loved bowling, miniature golf, basketball and playing pinball machines. Saturday nights were spent at Saber Springs Rec Center attending Susie’s Dance parties, singing Karaoke and sharing dinner with his friends.
He enjoyed road trips and visiting new places including Hawaii and Canada.
Todd truly loved living in his home in Poway with his Dad and Mom, John and Lynda Ingersoll. He also enjoyed spending time with his sister Shannon, brother-in-law Matt Nickson and his nephews, Lucas and Jack also of Poway. He was happy to share many fun times with his extended family in So. CA and across the country. He typed and emailed his weekly newsletter recounting his week’s activities to family and friends. He always ended his letters with “I had a good time.”
Todd was especially proud of his participation in local Autism research beginning at age 9 through 2019. To continue his assistance in finding a cure for Autism, his brain has been donated to the UC Davis MIND Institute/Autism BrainNet. We are especially proud to say that Todd’s previous local research work will be coordinated with this future work. If you would like to join Todd’s quest to find the cause and a cure for Autism, please go to autismbrainnet.org to learn more about this program. This is a very exciting opportunity to make real progress.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a physical or financial donation to BrainNet – UC Davis Mind Institute.
To see Todd’s smile was to see a man who enjoyed his life. He was happy and healthy to the end of his life. We will always love and miss Todd in our lives.
