Obituary of Tod Chadwick

Tod “Pops” Chadwick, 74, of Duluth, died Oct. 20 in St. Luke’s Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Superior to Ferne and Cromwell (Red) Chadwick. He graduated from the former Superior East High School and the University of Wisconsin Superior, where as a senior he was editor of the college newspaper.

Following college and service in the Coast Guard Reserve, he joined the Duluth News Tribune and former Herald where he worked for 30 years. He started as a copy editor, rapidly rising to copy desk chief and news editor, responsible for the content and placement of the daily news at various times in each newspaper. He oversaw the initial coverage of the sinking of the Lake Superior ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975.

Throughout his lengthy career he mentored many young journalists before retiring in 2001. He was known among his colleagues as a good-hearted curmudgeon and respected professionally and revered personally for his no-nonsense forthrightness.

Outside of work, he was a keen observer of pop culture, with a rare ability to recall aspects of pop music and movies from his earlier days. He also had an abiding interest in sports, loyal to the Green Bay Packers (think revulsion for the Vikings), but also participating for many years in softball leagues in Superior-Douglas County and Duluth.

Tod was an extremely dedicated father, grandfather and friend. His family, his deck and the critters he fed daily meant everything to him.

Tod would not turn down a cocktail or beer at an appropriate time and did not eat anything that swims (fish) or some other foods regarded by many as staples, such as chicken. Observing these traits were a joy to those who knew him well. He had a knack for applying unique nicknames to some friends and family as well as other entities. The Vikings, for example, were tabbed the Purplesux.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his bride of 44 years, Sharon; a son, Travis (Tina); a daughter Amanda (Marcus) Dallum, and his beloved grandchildren Cydnee and Hudson Chadwick and Jack and Max Dallum.

The family would like to thank Jim Heffernan, Tod’s long time friend and colleague for helping us compose this remembrance. There will be no service. A gathering of family and friends in Tod’s honor will be held in the spring. Arrangements are by the Cremation Society of Minnesota.

“I voted against this”~ Tod Chadwick