Todd Ross McDermaid, age 61, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at his home in Hinckley, Utah. Todd was born on January 27, 1960, in Logan, Utah; the eldest of the three children of George Ross and Joyce Annette Stanworth McDermaid. He spent his early years in Cache County where he enjoyed playing sports, especially baseball with his many neighborhood friends. Todd started working early, helping his dad lay carpet and working at a mink farm. He attended Skyview High School and played tenor sax in the band. In 1975, his family moved to Delta, and Todd participated on the Delta Football and Wrestling teams. He also took classes in mechanics, and developed a love for engines.
Todd found the love of his life in his high school sweetheart, Janet Williams. He gave her a promise ring when she was 16 and an engagement ring the day after she graduated. They were married on January 11, 1980 in the Provo LDS Temple. They were inseparable for the next 41 years and loved participating in many of the same activities. Todd and Janet raised 2 foster children and adopted 3 sisters.
Soon after graduating, Todd started driving truck. He spent most of his life driving the roads of the 11 western states. He felt lucky because he loved doing his job. He recently retired.Todd was a member of the LDS Church. He served as a clerk in the bishopric, but his favorite callings were being a teacher in the primary and working the young men and women’s programs.
When he was 18, Todd and 5 other friends decided they were going to build a demolition derby car. They pooled what little money they had and bought a car for $50. Todd said, “I was the only one of the group old enough to drive and with parents that would allow it.” First time out, he won the championship. Thus, was his love of Demolition Derbies was ignited. He and Janet participated in derbies for the next 18 years, most with 5 events a year. He was a skilled and aggressive driver. Other drivers feared the challenge ahead when number '00' entered the arena. He won countless awards, and made many more friends. He also enjoyed drag racing at Rocky Mountain Raceway. When he could no longer participate in derbies, he found NASCAR. He could match the driver with every number and had most of their autographs. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle with Janet on the back. His last wish for the coming year was to ride his bike to Sturgis.
Todd was kind and easy going and had a terrific sense humor and fun. He was helpful and caring and always the first to volunteer. He had a quick wit and a comeback for everything. We will forever miss his happy and playful spirit.
Todd is survived by his wife: Janet McDermaid, Hinckley; father: Ross, Oasis; brother: Jeff (Nikki) McDermaid, Deseret; sister: Ann McDermaid, Oasis; foster daughter: Angel DeClay, Mesa, Arizona; foster son: Dan (Shelbie) Ropte, Iowa; daughters: Jennifer, Crystal, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his mother: Joyce.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 30, at 11:00 am, at the Hinckley LDS Chapel, 188 North Main St. Viewings will be held at the Hinckley LDS Church on Sunday evening, 6:00-8:00 pm; and Monday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Friends are also invited to view the recorded video of the Funeral Service at: https://youtu.be/DsEMZ5r395g. Burial will be in the Oasis Cemetery.