Gayle Stoddard

Gayle Edward “Tod”Stoddard, 80, died Monday, March 17, 2014 at his home in Durango, Colorado. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the V.F.W. Post in Durango.

Mr. Stoddard was born January 3, 1934 in Durango, Colorado the son of John and Ruth Stoddard. Known by friends and family as Tod, he grew up in Durango and attended schools in Animas City. At the age of 20, he joined the US Navy and was stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland. After the military, Tod lived in Utah and worked in the Uranium mining and prospecting industry. After several years, Tod moved back to the Durango area. Tod had a huge passion for gun smithing. He was an accomplished competition shooter and master marksman. He set many records in rapid and slow fire competitions. A lifetime member of the NRA, he also belonged to local gun clubs in the area. Tod enjoyed all aspects of the Colorado outdoors; fishing, hunting and was an exceptional survivalist. He was a "jack of all trades" and "his biggest joy was of being a father and grandfather, he will be greatly missed," fondly recall his family.

He is survived by Emily Caudill (daughter) of Aztec, NM, Daniel Stoddard (son) of Durango, CO, Gannon Caudill (grandson) of Aztec, NM, Alina O'Leary (granddaughter) of Aztec, NM, David Caudill (son-in-law) of Aztec, NM, Marianne Brown (sister) of La Mirada, CA, Laurel Gibson (sister) of Woodstock, GA, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sylvia Kent.