And in this one Todd's wonderful message to the audience and his goodbye... we will miss you always, Todd, the most eccentric person I ever have known... 

Todd's dear family, I wish you strength at this very difficult time. May his incredible memories give you comfort...

In this video, our song ends and then Todd comes up and says his thanks. The rest of his address is in the last video (Part 6).

By the way, the person in the beginning of Part 1 video is Jim Tebbe : ) Depicting Todd's face with blown up rocket : ))))

Fly high, Todd... Will always remember you with a warmth in our hearts.

So Bye Bye SDDA Guy (continued)

We met a man stuck in a hole
And offered to get him a tow
But he just smiled and said no way
Seen him smile like this before
And the man there said he couldn’ t drive away
(COULD NOT FIGURE THIS LINE FROM THE RECORDING)
At PCC the spot was cordoned
The caution tape, the cones positioned
Not a place for parking
The spaces were all taken

The three things he desires the most
Attention, laughs and a good joke
Take pictures for all the folks
Today our boss moved on

*Chorus*

They were singing…
Bye bye SDDA guy
Here is to a bag on your head and a cake in the eye
And them engineers trying to not cry
Singing good luck under Canadian sky…

So Bye Bye SDDA Guy (continued)
Well we know that you just love a bet
Cause we saw you paying off your debt
You best lace up your shoes
Man, you’re left with nothin’ to lose!

He was a bad-a__ bouncer in his college frat
With a big salt shaker and a paper hat
So do you want fries with that?
The day the burger fried

We started singing
*Chorus*

Now for five years we’ve been left to finagle,
And the boss grows fat on his Friday bagel
Where we learned of this itinerary
Flew off to ITDC in Germany
In a coat he borrowed from Bai, indeed
Goes a running toward the Embassy

Searching for this passport to leave town
Finds the Germans forcing him to the ground
The courtroom was adjourned,
Sent him home, “Don’t Return”
As he finally made his homeward path
Fondly remembering his Turkish bath
With another EGM of math 
The day the bath towel dried

We were singing
*Chorus*

Helter scelter 
Gluing sticks in a tornado shelter
Microwave glue dries so fast
With Stu Lemmers weight it would last
… for one last guess
Cause the prize was a lunch on Mr. Vest

Well, using lots of paper and a tape
Many straws and Bic paper mates
Them towers reached for the sky
Oh when they fell did we ask why

He was a mensa math whiz
Tripping us all in a math quiz
And forgets to pay up, cause that’s how it is
The day the numbers jived

*Chorus*

Oh and there we were all in one place
To watch a flight go down in disgrace
With no time left to start again
So come on Todd be humble Todd be quick
Put this one in your (something here that I can’t figure out)
But the heavy wind is the Devil’s only friend

As he buys more rockets off e-Bay
His basement surely in disarray
No engineers born in Hell
Could break gravity’s spell

And as the flames reach high into the night
To end the Herculean flight
We saw Todd laughing with delight the day
The rockets flied

*Chorus*

I was and still am incredibly heartbroken about Todd's passing. I was out of town and could not attend his funeral.

I met Todd in the 90s at GM when we both worked on the GMT800 program. Early 2000s I started working for him. He was one of the best managers I ever had. Super smart, fun, someone with the biggest heart... When he was moving to GM Canada in 2004, his team threw him a goodbye party. As part of that, we re-wrote the lyrics of "Bye Bye Miss American Pie" song for him.  During the party, I played it with guitar and sang. Entire party sang along as we put the lyrics with his photos on the wall.  I somehow had the VHS tape recording of this party from 2004. In 2024, I was digitizing all my VHF tapes and I also converted Todd's party to digital. i asked him if he wanted. He sure did. I sent him the recording, he said that he loved the song and loved the fact that we did that for him.

I have the recording of the song I will try to share here. It is a bit too long.  The lyrics of the song are below. I will have to send 2 separate memory entries to send the entire lyrics as it exceeds the allowed character count.

Bye Bye SDDA Guy

Not so long ago
We can still remember
How our boss used to make us smile
We knew if it came to this,
That we could maybe reminisce
And maybe we’d be happy for a while

But the pistol range made us shiver
With every shot that he’d deliver
We know this might sounds strange
Todd, point that thing downrange

We didn’t know what to say
When he hit Tom with that ricochet
Now that scar just won’t go away
The day the bullets flied

*Chorus*
So, bye bye SDDA guy
Drove his Honda to GM but someone moved it aside
And them engineers tryin’ to analyze
Singing this will be the day they work for Bai,
This will be the day they work for Bai 

Did you write the book of Vest
Do you have faith in the 800 test
If CFS tells you so?
Now do you believe in your luck
When applied to a real truck
And can you repeat that again real slow?

Was very sorry to hear about Todd’s passing. I knew him from  GM and he played in the GMNA golf league. He was so intelligent  with  a great sense of humor. We met at a  happy hour  once  to discuss some work issues and he pulls  up  Robin Williams golf monologue on his laptop. Laughed so hard I forgot  why we were meeting.  That was Todd. He was an intellectual treasure  for GM and nothing gave him more pleasure than seeing someone he mentored achieve good things in their career. He will be missed.  My deepest condolences to his family.

I was deeply saddened to hear about Todd’s passing. He will be profoundly missed for sure not only by me, but by everyone who had the privilege of crossing his path. His contagious happiness and radiant spirit brought light to those around him, leaving a lasting impression that won’t be forgotten.

Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Look for us, Todd. We’ll carry your joy forward, and we hope you’re watching over us with that unforgettable smile.

Todd was a pleasure to work with. He was always challenging me to think deeper and consider all angles. I appreciated all of his support through my years of working with him. Always quick to smile and encourage others. He will be dearly missed.

My condolences to the family, Todd was a great man and taught me many skills. He was my mentor and someone I looked up to at work. He was always the life of the party, at one of the last tiger games he flagged down the camera man just to get himself and the team on the jumbotron. I will dearly miss his smile, his laugh, and all his engineering insight. At work his greatest passion was teaching the new engineers the fundamentals by doing a learning project with a real object. There were countless projects and most including crushing objects in his press at home. A couple of recent projects included a cricket bat, PVC pipe, hanger, bed riser, foam airplane wing, and a boxing bag. At the end of the project, he would give the engineer a unique gold spray painted trophy related to the project. He was great, I am so sorry to see him go and will always remember him. He made an ever-lasting impact on my life.

To the Vest Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Todd's passing.  I worked with him closely for the better part of the last decade working on some ambitious projects.  He was a wonderful teammate: always willing to lend a hand, share his wisdom, and leverage his engineers for support.  

Todd was one of those rare people who always left a positive impression on people, always keeping a smile on his face even when faced with adversity.  I will miss him very much.

Sincerely,
Scott Grace

My sincere condolences for your loss. What I most admired about Todd was his open mind and curiosity for learning new things. He encouraged and supported his staff to explore new frontiers and was one of the nicest people to work with. He will be missed.

My sincerest sympathy to Todds family.  A few years ago Todd came to my aide in the parking lot at Plumbrook golf course. I was under a severe Afib attack. He helped me to my truck, laid me on the floorboard, called my wife and most importantly called an ambulance. The paramedics said my heart rate was 170/40.  I thanked him for being so gratuitous. Such very sad news.  You are a permanent loving memory to me for the rest of my life.

I am saddened by the news of Todd’s passing.  I spoke with him just a couple weeks ago to see if he was ready to play some golf.  I met Todd just over a year ago after changing roles at GM and I always appreciated his candidness and humor.  He had challenged me to a pool game which we never found the time - but later came to understand he was a pool shark.

I know he will be missed.

Todd and I had the same thesis advisor, Dr. Darlow at RPI, and shared an office. One day we came in and his lava lamp had exploded all over! And now I see a photo of a lava lamp with a shield around it here!! Many good times working on projects, going out at night, and just hanging out. We connected a few times as I worked also in the auto industry. He was an excellent engineer and an even better person. My deepest sympathies to the family.

We neighbors are all missing Todd so much already! He was always outside if he had a free minute and was always smiling and offering help.  One day, we were pondering our little sick tree and Todd came over and said, “ I can pull it out now”! He had all the gear and a truck and we were amazed the tree made such a big popping sound coming out.  Todd was always looking for adventures! We will see him and his pups coming around our corner…..always with his smile! 
Our sympathies to Mary and his family, 
Fred and Lois

Todd interviewed me in April 1990, and I joined his group at GM that September—thanks in part to his endorsement of my technical skills. From that moment on, we became great friends. We worked closely together, often side by side in the lab, diving into projects and getting our hands dirty.
During my first year at GM, in 1990 and 1991, we spent countless evenings working late in the “Cave,” often until 11 p.m. Afterward, we’d race each other on the road outside the Engineering South lobby—Todd in his white Camaro, me in my Honda Civic. It was a fun, carefree time.
We also played wallyball together at the racquetball club behind the NBD bank (now Chase) on Van Dyke, across from the GM Tech Center. One evening, I landed awkwardly on Andy’s foot after blocking a shot and twisted my ankle badly. Todd took me to Henry Ford Hospital on Livernois for X-rays to make sure nothing was broken. It was my first time visiting a hospital in the U.S., and Todd was incredibly helpful. He even got me a pair of crutches, which I still keep in my basement.
At the time, my wife was in Ohio working on her green card. One day, she called to tell me that her immigration lawyer had taken our money and fled the country. We were devastated. I shared the news with Todd, and he immediately took me to Metro Beach Park in his white Camaro to lift my spirits. He knew just how to cheer me up.
Todd was not only brilliant—he was kind, generous, and a true friend. I miss him deeply.
Thomas Wang

Todd, was a great Leader, Humble person with great sense of humor and energy to motivate people around. 
I am forever grateful to Todd, for the help I received from him, regarding the on boarding process when I came there in 2018. Especially, the handmade gift which Todd presented to me during the farewell lunch, which represented something related to work, will keep his memories for the lifetime. 
My deepest condolences to his family members.
 May god bless Todd's soul. Om Shanthi. 🙏

I am deeply sorry to hear about Todd's passing. He was always full of energy, inspiring and motivating others with new innovations and ideas. He never tired of introducing his peers and friends, and he helped a lot during my time at GM. My deepest condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.

I have wonderful memories of working with Todd. His easy smile, quick wit and passion for Kelly and Michael were the first things I noticed about him all those years ago in Oshawa. We were fortunate to keep crossing paths when he moved to Rochester, found happiness with Mary, and even chatted about our pending retirements. His smile will forever stay with me.

I am so sorry to hear about Todd's passing.  This news is a most unpleasant surprise.  I think back about my interactions with Todd. He was always so enthusiastic and so positive, he was a great colleague.  Todd was gifted as an engineer, very intelligent and willing to help.

I also had opportunity to see Todd outside of our GM work environment after I had retired.  His mother and my wife's father were both at the same elder care facility.  We bumped into each other there a few times, and Todd was his happy, smiling self there.

I will remember Todd as his brightest self.  So positive that it shown on others around him.  I hope those close to him are doing okay.   

In kind remembrance, 
Dave Hamilton

As a person Todd hired into GM back in 1999, I can attest to all the great things mentioned here regarding him being a great friend, colleague and manager.

As an example of what he meant to his employees, his group at the time organized a 40th birthday party attended by well over 60+ colleagues.  To celebrate what he meant to us, some of his employees spent weeks re-writing the lyrics to Don McLean's "American Pie".  It was sung at the party by one of his employees, Mine Tasci.

I am forever grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to join GM and meet so many innovative people over the years.  So here's to you, Todd.  "Bye, bye, SDDA Guy...".  Rest in peace great friend, colleague and mentor.

Mary and family, 
Sanjay and I are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing away of Todd. An amazing person and mentor to me in GM, Todd brought cheer and left a lasting impression on everyone he interacted with. His analytical/scientific mind and passion for rockets will be etched in my memory. It was great to have you both at my nieces wedding. Our thoughts and prayers are ever with you all during this challenging time!

- Sowmya & Sanjay (both from GM)

Todd, I am still in deep shock & saddened to hear the news. Your kindness, leadership, and attention to detail have made a lasting impact.It was a great learning year for me when we worked on a project and your reviews & observations were excellent .You are an  incredible human being. My heartfelt condolences.You will be missed forever.

I feel truly lucky to have worked with you, Todd. Your attention to detail and your willingness to go above and beyond for the team always stood out. Whether it was taking the time to create a personalized handmade gift for a colleague or thoughtfully including a note in the local language for the video message during the All People Meeting in India —your care and effort were always evident.
What I loved most was your constant drive to make things better—not just the work, but the experience for everyone around you. You’ve been a friend, mentor, colleague, and so much more. You will be truly missed. 
Om Shanthi

My sincerely condolences.  I worked with Todd, in US for 3 years and from distance (Brazil) for many years. Excellent human been and professional. May he rest in peace. 
Sincerely 
Roberto P. Ramos

I’m deeply shocked and heartbroken by the sudden passing of Todd. It’s incredibly hard to accept — I just saw him in the hallway last Thursday. He smiled, greeted me by name, as warm and kind as always. That simple moment now feels so precious.

Todd was an exceptional manager and a remarkable human being. He was full of life, energy, and creativity. Always willing to help others, always smiling, always generous with his time and knowledge. His sense of humor and positive spirit brought light into every room. He had so many talents — not only in his work, but in the things he loved, like rockets and bowling — and he approached everything with passion and joy.

He truly inspired those around him. I feel lucky to have worked with him and even luckier to have known him.

My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. He will be remembered with deep respect and great affection.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Yudong Zhou

Todd was a wonderful colleague and friend. You could always count on him to make work fun! We will miss him dearly at GM.

I took my first business trip to Germany with Todd in 2002. Needless to say it was quite the experience. Todd would talk to just about anyone. We spent our days hard at work and the evenings making new friends with the locals. I’ll never forget it.
I always admired Todd’s intelligence and quick wit. It was always worthwhile to consult him on a problem, and you’d usually get a good laugh or two in the bargain.
I spent over 40 years at GM & knew Todd for over 30 of them. He was one of the best folks I knew there. I’m very sad that I’ll never hear his bark of a laugh again, but I’ll keep it in my heart always.

17 Sept 2024 - Forgotten Harvest Fenton Farm - VPAMM Team

13 Oct 2023 - One of many customized gifts fabricated by Todd

It is extremely heartbreaking to accept Todd’s passing.

Todd was my hiring manager at GM, and working with him has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. He was genuine, direct, an exceptional leader and a friend; someone who helped me grow both professionally and personally. He took a sincere interest in our lives beyond work, often sharing stories about his many hobbies and passions. I admired how effortlessly he could speak on almost any topic, and there was never a dull moment in his company.

The last time we met in person, he gave us a ride back to work after a team lunch in his Cadillac, the car he planned to buy after retirement, smiling with joy and clearly enjoying every moment behind the wheel. He spoke about his early career, family, his White Camaro IROC, and his love for Autocross.

I’ve always loved building RC cars, though I often worried about damaging the paint. Todd recently sent me a message about it, one that went far beyond the hobby and spoke to life itself in a beautifully poetic way:

“Rohit, you MUST choose some of the models and run them till they are trashed. Then display them right next to the pristine ones. Display-only models are like ships that never leave the dock. As long as a few of them go out and bring back stories to tell the others, life in the harbor will be okay.”

His smile, his guidance, our conversations, the unique going away gifts that he fabricated, and his presence will be deeply missed.

To his family, I wish courage, strength and resilience during this tough time.

May his blessed soul rest in peace.

I'm sorry the world lost another good one... Todd was energetic, fun, and focused. I will miss our interactions, and wish his family well through a trying time.

It is difficult to fully express the sadness of losing Todd.  As a work colleague, I always appreciated his logical assessment of any issue and methodical approach.  He was a role model for the way he would teach, mentor, and share his knowledge.  As a friend, I will miss sharing the stories and laughs, and the energy boost I would get walking away from our chats.

My condolences to the Vest family.

On behalf of the entire General Motors Interior Validation Team, we send our deepest condolences.  Todd will remain forever in our hearts for the amazing person he was.  He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Dear Vest Family

I was deeply saddened to hear of Todd's passing. While we interacted at work for a short period of time, it was clear how much he was admired and appreciated by everyone on our team. 

We have lost a truly valued member, and we feel this loss profoundly. Todd’s kindness, dedication, and positive spirit left a lasting impression on those around him. The warmth and respect he inspired in others will not be forgotten.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

With sympathy,
Stella Brochado

It’s very shocking and deeply saddening to hear this news. Todd always had a smile, a quick laugh, and a great story to tell — and people naturally wanted to be around him.
His energy and enthusiasm went far beyond the job. He poured himself into helping others through charity work, was a generous mentor, and had an endless fascination with physics and rockets. Whether he was supporting a cause or sharing his excitement, Todd always gave his whole heart.

My condolences and prayers to the family!

Todd's kindness, leadership, and sense of humor made a lasting impact on all of us. We’ll miss him greatly, but we’ll carry forward the lessons and memories he left behind.

Rest in peace, Todd. You’ll always be remembered.

Reza BIHAMTA

Todd was a huge influence for me at GM and a great person who I will miss. He was incredibly helpful, super wicked smart and just fun to be around. He helped me see things clearly, was always there to support and encourage me and the teams. His short time interacting with me has left an impression that will last a lifetime. 

My condolences and prayers to the family for the loss of this great soul on earth. May he have everlasting peace and happiness!

I met Todd ~5 years ago as a new EGM. He was always a source of advice and eventually friendship. I'm glad he got to hear my band play Immigrant Song a few weeks ago. My heart goes out to Mary and Todd's family. He was a gem of a human!

Team GM joined Friends and Family Golf Fundraiser on July 29th, 2021. Todd was the captain of GM team. He had a 40 foot putting to get an eagle. We won the first place trophy with 7 under score. Thank you captain! We all miss you!

I’m shocked and feel a great loss, I will miss Todd as a co-worker and a friend. Todd always had a smile, a laugh, and a word of encouragement for me and everyone I saw him interact with. My love and prayers go out to his family and those closest to him. 

Rich Earle

OBITUARY

Todd Alan Vest

20 September, 1962 – 14 August, 2025

Pixley Funeral Home

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