(Richard) Todd Wheelwright

(Richard) Todd Wheelwright passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2018 after celebrating a wonderful birthday with his wife and children.  He was 52.

Todd was born March 15, 1966 in Salt Lake City to Kathy McFarland Devries.  He was adopted into a large family by Floyd and Fern Wheelwright and was the runt of many siblings (although he outgrew all of them!) His siblings include Lyle (Linda) Wheelwright, Pat (Dennis) Peters, Louann (Scott) Anderson, Glenna (Val) Surrage, Roger (Nanette) McFarland, Nancy (Dan) Burton, Kelly McFarland, Scott (Stacy) McFarland, Pam (Dan) Loomis, Tami (Roger) Lewis, Dan E Anderson and Tiffany Stoffers.

Todd grew up in several places around the Ogden area.  He especially loved the house on the hill where he could swim, ride horses and roam the mountainside.  He always enjoyed many outdoor activities such as camping and sleeping under the stars, fishing with Dad, hunting, snow skiing and water skiing.  There were probably more we didn’t know about!

He graduated from Bonneville High School in 1984 where he played football and wrestled, winning two state championships, one of which was Bonneville’s first in his weight class in 20 years.  Todd loved singing in Tapestry and had a beautiful tenor voice.  He earned many superior ratings for several of his musical numbers.  He attended Weber State University where he wrestled and played football as part of a record-setting offense.  He also attended BYU where he wrestled.

He was married in 1988 to Lynell Grimm Craner and they had a son Gavin (Kate) Wheelwright.  They later divorced but remained great friends.

He met Lisa Spinden in 1992. They were talking about getting married by their second date and knew they were meant to be together from the beginning.  They were married in 1994 and had six talented children who made their family complete.

They are: Landon, 20, Payton, 19, Azriel, 17, Colter, 15, Lea (Kelsen), 14, and Ryland, 12.  This amazing family was sealed together in the Ogden Temple on October 24, 2015.

Todd spent a number of years being a stay at home dad.  One of his greatest passions and joy in his life were his children. He taught them to cook, play sports, and to sing while having many impromptu concerts.  He painted nails, and let them paint his!  He even did hair and they did his, but most of all he taught them by example how to serve others.

He worked for Lindquist's mortuary for many years.  He worked at the Salt Lake International Airport and in recent years he worked for Layton Christian Academy/Christian Life Center.

A huge part of Todd’s life and something that brought him tremendous enjoyment was playing semi-pro football.  He played for the Rhino-Raiders as well as several other teams from 2000 to 2016.  He was named as an All-American multiple times.  The close friendships he gained and the camaraderie amongst the teammates, coaches, and fans meant a great deal to him.  He made sure his family was involved in the games and trips.  His “football” family was incredibly important to him.

Coaching others was his other passion and he had a gift for teaching, inspiring, and bringing out the best in his athletes.  He coached football for many years in West Point City and West Haven City.  He coached football at Clearfield High and for the Utah Falconz.  He was the head wrestling coach for Layton Christian Academy.  Over the years he also coached at most every high school in Davis and Weber counties.

Todd started and owned Silverback Longboards and made beautiful custom hardwood boards.  Many hours were spent developing processes, designing the boards, and making each one by hand.  His saw was often heard in the early hours of the morning.  Each board he made was his favorite board, and he put a piece of himself inside each one.

It’s not often you meet someone who can do everything, but Todd was such a person.  He could fix a car, repair a house, sew a dress, cook with no recipe, make jewelry, conduct a choir, sing a solo, solve most any problem, and was a friend to all.  He loved to laugh and make others laugh.  Everyone knew him as a big teddy bear who gave the best hugs!

He will be greatly missed.

"Clearly, God needed a heavyweight for heaven's mat."  - Coach Stan Penrod

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the West Point Stake Center, 855 N. 4000 W., West Point.  Friends may visit family Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd., Ogden.

In lieu of flowers, donations to help cover funeral costs can be made at America First Credit Union to Todd Wheelwright, charitable account #9100512.  The family appreciates all of the kindness, love, and support they have received from the many people who knew and loved Todd.