Todd A Schock

Todd Andrew Schock was born on May 3, 1963, in Ft. Worth, Texas, moving to Bend, Oregon, when he was seven years old. He left us far too soon on December 3, 2023, at the age of 60. Todd is survived by his father, Dr. Richard Schock, and was preceded in death by his mother, Sue Schock. He is also survived by his adoring wife of 24-years, Leah Schock, his beloved daughters Bali (21) and Luna (19), his brother, Kevin Schock, sister-in-law, Rima Ellard, and his niece, Ariana Schock. Todd was a lifelong sports enthusiast and elite-level athlete, pushing the boundaries of everything he pursued. He spent his high school years skiing Bachelor in his Toughskins jeans and Vuarnet sunglasses and went on to climb regularly at Smith Rock starting in the late seventies, testing his skill on the most difficult routes, almost immediately. On a dare, he free-climbed the auditorium of Bend High School in 1981, falling 40 feet and sustaining multiple foot fractures and an L5 compression fracture. His painful and demanding recovery led him to his next obsession, road cycling, which saw his meteoric rise to one of the best racers in the nation. Todd and his brother shared this passion over the years—during the mid-eighties, he became the face of Oregon competitive cycling, dominating the racing scene and amassing numerous victories across the country, from the Oregon Governor’s Cup, State Road and Time Trial Championships, countless criteriums, The Sun Valley Stage Race, Tour of Marin, a top-ten placing in the National Road Championships, and prestigious road races in Belgium and the Netherlands. His incredible mental toughness, determination, and ability to create and surpass his goals were traits that defined him and guided him throughout the course of his life, all the while letting his brilliant and wry sense of humor shine through when you’d least expect it—his favorite high school job included “gopher management” at the Sunriver Golf course during the time the movie Caddyshack was released—his Bill Murray imitation of the lead character was priceless. During grueling training rides, he’d randomly break into song, with such classics as the theme from The Love Boat, or the Violent Femme’s Blister in the Sun. Todd turned his competitive drive and desire to be the best into the pursuit of two doctoral degrees—the first in medical dentistry from OHSU followed by his medical degree and residency training in oral surgery at UT Southwestern/Parkland Hospital. After a two-year fellowship program in head/neck surgery in Portland, Todd and Leah moved back to Bend in 2001 where he joined his father in his oral surgery practice, later, taking it over completely. He was a detail-oriented and compassionate health-care provider, going above and beyond for his patients’ comfort and satisfaction. He also spent time at OHSU on complex cases, especially those involving children with severe birth-defects, performing life-changing surgeries to improve the quality of life to those who were suffering. To Todd, life was, literally, in the details—at home, he would sit his young daughters and niece on the bathroom counter, brushing their teeth for not a second less than the recommended time. It was fly fishing that centered him, where he was truly able to immerse himself in nature. He traveled the world to fish, but it was the meditative time on the river or in the saltwater flats that brought him peace. Since the age of 5, Todd was unable to pass any body of water without asking, “Do you think there are fish in there?” He was the definition of “the absent-minded professor,” two pair of reading glasses always perched on the top of his head, shirt one button off with a few fly-fishing flies attached, half-consumed sparkling water cans strewn about the house, and a book in his hands. He followed no known dress code, and, in his opinion, Dansko clogs fit every occasion. He was a master of making hot sauces and pickles and thought that every dish could be “just a bit spicier.” More recently, during the pandemic, he devoted his time to building out an adventure van following YouTube tutorials working in his shop, as well as building wooden boats. Todd was an animal whisperer. Dogs worshipped him, donkeys followed him as he worked in the yard, and if he was late to Christmas dinner his family would know he was likely sharing a whiskey with the pet pig. He was immensely loved by his immediate and extended family, friends from all stages of his life, and his community. This is how we remember him—with his half smile, glasses on his head, his expressive and expert hands, and an unmatched passion for the outdoors, his dogs, and a beyond-generous heart. We miss him more than words can express. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Native Fish Society (nativefishsociety.org) in Todd’s name. Revival of the native steelhead population in Central Oregon’s rivers was particularly close to his heart. Memorial service to be held at the Pavilion at Tetherow, Sunday December 17th 11am-1pm.

Tributes

Todd A Schock

May 3, 1963 - December 3, 2023