Thomas Todd, 86, Was Lawyer, Tennis Ace

Four years ago, when he knew his emphysema would take his life, Thomas Todd sat down and penned his own obituary.

Sparse and succinct, only one paragraph hinted of his politics:

"He was an avid supporter of gun control and resented efforts of the National Rifle Association to prevent licensing of gun purchases," he wrote.

"He wrote the obituary when he felt he was getting a little ancient and had to express himself about gun control," said his wife, Barbara Barnes Todd. "He was failing physically and mentally, and he wanted to make sure everything was right."

Mr. Todd, 86, died Friday, Nov. 24, at his Seattle home.

A longtime Seattle attorney, he was widely known as an accomplished tennis player who developed a senior tennis tournament. Friends say Mr. Todd excelled at all racquet sports, and in 1975, he was ranked first in the Northwest in both singles and doubles for tennis players in his age group.

Mr. Todd was the son of Elmer Todd, a founding partner of the Perkins Coie law firm and former publisher of The Seattle Times.

A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, Thomas Todd was assistant counsel to the state Tax Commission.

He was a lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserve during World War II, then became a law partner with former Gov. Arthur Langlie.

The firm later merged with another, and Mr. Todd retired in 1978.

Mr. Todd continued to play tennis in retirement. "He had to give up tennis a year and a half ago," his wife said. "It broke his heart."

Will Bolton, a longtime friend, recalls meeting the Todds in the late 1950s. The family had a pingpong table in their Madison Park home rather than a dining table.

Mr. Todd and Bolton shared a love of tennis, and Mr. Todd started the national senior indoor tournament in the 1960s, said Bolton, who replaced him as chairman of the event.

Mr. Todd is survived by his wife; his daughter Nancy Nelson of Mercer Island; brother Charles "Dick" Todd of Seattle; and two grandchildren.

At his request, there will be no services.