Todd James Richards

Todd James Richards died on February 19, 2026, after a fiercely fought, well-strategized, and characteristically stubborn battle with stage IV colon cancer. If Todd were editing this, he’d cut about 30% of the adjectives, tighten the margins, and ask why it couldn’t just be a bullet-point list. We’ll try to keep it efficient—but some lives resist summarizing.

Todd did not mistake “good enough” for good. He had strong opinions about how corners should be mitered (precisely), how spreadsheets should be formatted (cleanly), and how much fuss should be made (none). He did not like inefficiency, dangling cords, or poorly loaded dishwashers. He did, however, love a cold Diet Pepsi with an enthusiasm usually reserved for major life events.

He was a gifted craftsman, a meticulous gardener, and a world-class Chris Farley impersonator. His one-liners landed. His roses rebounded. His dance moves stunned the unsuspecting. But his greatest creations were more subtle: the way he built a home, a family culture, and a sense of security for the people he loved.

Todd was a deeply devoted husband and father. He adored Emily—his equal, his teammate, his steady anchor. They navigated life—especially the last nineteen months—side by side, with courage, humor, and a shared refusal to waste time. Todd was endlessly proud of his boys. Parker carries his grit and drive. Emmett inherited his easygoing nature and comedic timing. And Ben—sweet, happy Ben—shares Todd’s ability to bring joy and perspective to everyone around him. (And they also share a talent for mumbling.) Ben brought out a tenderness in Todd that was impossible to miss. Watching Todd do absolutely anything to coax a laugh from Ben was to witness love in its purest form.

Professionally, Todd was the definition of steady ascent. Over seventeen years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he earned not just promotions but deep respect. His work took his family to Raleigh, Madrid, and Dallas—cities that became chapters in a very full story. He became a partner at PwC one year before his diagnosis, surrounded by colleagues who had long since become trusted friends.

After his diagnosis in July 2024, Todd did what Todd always did: he made a plan. Nearly 20 months followed—not just of treatment, scans, and hospital stays (including an unforgettable five-day stint in France), but of living. There were trips to Spain, the Dolomites, Mallorca, New Zealand, the Southwest and the East Coast, and countless ordinary days made meaningful on purpose. There were beaches, boat rides, football games, golf outings, piggyback rides, and more gelato than anyone could justify. Healing was always the goal. Time became the miracle.

Through it all, Todd showed up for people. That’s what they’ll remember. If you were loved by Todd, you were appreciated and known—and probably teased. He had a gift for making people

feel seen, valued, and slightly roasted in the best way. His faith and optimism steadied more people than he probably knew.

More than anything, Todd loved his family. That love was steady, protective, playful, and fierce. He is survived by his wife, Emily; their sons Parker, Emmett, and Ben; his parents Frank and Tracy Richards and Kathy and Larry Ward; a wide circle of family, friends, and coworkers; and his dog, Raleigh, who still barks too much.

We are profoundly grateful for every prayer, every meal, every visit, every message, and every act of kindness that carried Todd and our family through this season. Todd was deeply loved. And he knew it.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe established by PwC partners to support Parker and Emmett’s future and Ben’s ongoing care (see QR code below).

With love and gratitude, Todd’s Family

GoFundMe:

https://gofund.me/00e520a3d

Article written by friend, Brian Walker:

https://brianlwalker.substack.com/p/the-excellent-life-of-todd-richards?r=5be50j&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

Book of Stories:

https://bookofstories.com/contribute/124