Fred Todd: Engineer, Artist, and Family Man
Fred Todd: Innovator, Artist, and Family Man (1916–2006)
Fred Todd, a lifelong resident of the Granger area, was a man whose life spanned creativity, ingenuity, faith, and family. A graduate of Cyprus High School, Fred showed mechanical talent from an early age. Inspired by the epic flight of Charles Lindbergh, he built 150 model airplanes, one-third of which operated under their own power. Many of these models were uniquely designed, with every component—from engine block and crankshaft to valves, spark plugs, and propeller—crafted from scratch. Fred even devised his own wing designs to enhance lift, and instead of decals, he hand-painted emblems with precision.
An accomplished artist as well, Fred began creating artwork in his early teens, first on cardboard and later on canvas. He worked in oils and produced detailed pieces, many of which now adorn the homes of his children. He delighted in challenges from his children, drawing animals or objects starting in seemingly impossible ways and completing the figure with ease.
Fred’s inventive spirit led him to found Todd Welding & Machine Company (Twamco) before 1938. By that year, the business had settled at 1970 West 3500 South in Granger, initially focusing on farm repairs. Over the decades, Todd Welding grew into a successful father-and-son operation. Fred specialized in commercial trailers, manufacturing heavy equipment trailers and other products shipped across Utah, neighboring states, and as far as Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and even Cape Kennedy. His trailers served reputable clients such as EG&G Idaho, Morton Thiokol, Kennecott Copper, and Harris Truck and Equipment. Fred was known for his meticulous calculations, relying solely on pencil, paper, and formulas of his own creation—never a calculator.
Fred’s personal philosophy was rooted in curiosity and reverence for knowledge. He loved truth in all its forms, and his interests spanned religion, physics, math, history, archeology, astronomy, art, and aviation. He admired the work of Newton, Galileo, and Einstein, appreciating that they relied on a higher source for their discoveries. He studied daily until age limited him, often reminding others: “Time changes everything and every body.”
Despite his worldly accomplishments, Fred placed family above all else. He and his wife, Veryle Todd, raised seven children—two sons and five daughters—nurturing a household filled with love, creativity, and adventure. Family trips into the desert were both educational and thrilling, and Fred’s storytelling captivated his children. Tales of Danny the Bear, Sammy the Snake, Squeaky the Squirrel, and Blacky the Crow became family legends, often allowing children to influence the narrative and engage with their imaginations.
Veryle Todd, a talented artist and athlete, shared Fred’s passion for creativity and service. She won awards in swimming and diving, created chalk artworks, served as Granger Ward chorister, and contributed as a YWMIA teacher and Primary instructor. Together, the Todds exemplified a partnership grounded in faith, learning, and the joys of raising a family.
Fred Todd passed away in 2006 at the age of 90, leaving a legacy of innovation, artistry, and devotion. His life reminds the Granger and West Valley community of the power of creativity, hard work, and family-centered living—a life in which knowledge, faith, and love were always intertwined.
Fred Todd is the son of Stan & Myrl Todd. His parents owned and operated The S&M Skating rink.
