Stephen Laurie Todd
"Steve Todd"

STEPHEN LAURIE TODD
I’m very sad to announce the passing of a dear friend Steve Todd.
We created a brotherhood in the form of a band called Pacheena, many years ago.The members were compiled of Brett Smyth, Bryan Wilson, Steve Todd, Mike Schmidt, and myself.
After high school, Bryan, Mike, John Dryden and I had a band in Port Alberni. Basic, with two guitars, bass and drums, we were a cool band already but found ourselves desperate to find a keyboard player which would enable us to delve into the music we wanted to play, but couldn’t because of the lack of keyboard players in Port Alberni. Mike, our drummer by this time had his grade 10 in conservatory piano but was was too good at pounding the skins.
Mike went on a soul searching trip to Terrace BC and whilst playing his flute at 5 in the morning out at a bush party, somehow managed to trip over a fellow who was nestled up perhaps a little too close to the camp fire.
Mike poked him, Steve grabbed the nearest guitar in the dirt and they instantly hit it off over a rendition of Van Morrison’s Moondance and whatever was left in the form of refreshments strewn around the ground. Steve said “I play piano” and Mike said “You’re Hired”.
Within a week, Steve arrived in Port Alberni with his Fender Rhodes piano and Hohner D6 Clavinet. We started to play Listen To The Music at our first band practice and I remember my smile nearly ripping my face clean off!
Steve was a hit and a star!! He said “you think I’m good, well you should hear my best friend sing. He sounds like the guy in TOTO, Tower Of Power, Average White Band, Mickey Thomas all at the same time. We said “ya sure Steve”. Within a month, Brett showed up to prove Steve’s all knowing wisdom.
It took a few years but we managed to elbow our way into the great Vancouver club and concert scene. Competition was fierce at the time and Steve’s keyboard talent was a great contributor for us, securing our place in the “A” room clubs with the Sam Feldman Agency at the helm.
Steve was always featured in the band as a singer as well. If Little Feat ever needed a Lowell George replacement, Steve would have been the perfect fit. A golden voice.
He was Supertramp deep on piano but could give Jerry Lee Lewis a run for his money anytime of the day or night.
The years we spent together as a band, through thick and thin, sometimes a little too close to the camp fire, created a lifelong bond for us that can’t be broken.
But we’re heart broken
R.I.P Steve Todd Source: John Ellis