Todd "Shotbag" Sherwood

Todd Robert Sherwood


Victor - Todd "Shotbag" Sherwood, age 55, of Victor, Montana, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home due to natural causes on Tuesday, August 24. Todd was born at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, was raised in the Bitterroot Valley and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1974.

In 1974, Todd started his career at the Forest Service and worked at the West Fork Ranger Station maintaining trails. The following year, he went to work for the Interagency Hotshot crew based out of East Fork near Sula. In 1975, Todd was accepted into the Smoke Jumpers in Missoula, jumping from 1975 to1986 concluding his career in Alaska. Todd was still a lifelong member of the Smoker Jumpers Association. In the fire off-season, Todd attended college at the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana Tech in Butte, graduating with a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1987. While he was attending school, Todd's love of the mountains led him to hunting and guiding for Duane Rennaker. He enjoyed working with mules and horses, packing into such places as Fox Peak, Elk Lake, El Capitan and the Selway Wilderness. This helped fund his education and expand his "social skills". Todd was also an adjunct professor at Montana Tech. Upon graduation, Todd was chosen for the Who's Who List for the Massachusets Institute of Technology, an honor granted to less than 1,000 graduates worldwide.

Todd started his career as an electrical engineer in Sherwood, Oregon in 1987. He became well known throughout the engineering field as an outstanding engineer and after four years, started his own engineering consulting firm. His reputation gained him many friends and business associates around the world, working in places such as Germany, Canada, Belgium, Alaska, and the Arctic.

In 2003, Todd met the love of his life, Janet Rinker - someone who would put up with him! They married next to the Bitterroot River in Hamilton on May 1, 2003. They created a loving home with an open door to all friends and enjoyed many social gatherings. Todd and Janet loved to travel to Belgium, to California visiting Janet's sons Alex and Spencer and to Mexico.

Todd was a proud lifetime member of the National Smoker Jumper Association. He attended many reunions and retirement parties of fellow smoker jumpers and loved the camaraderie found only in this profession. Todd was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Hamilton Elks Chapter. Todd was proud to be a member of the Hamilton First Presbyterian Church.

Todd is survived by his loving wife, Janet, mother, Ruth Peterson, father, Bob Sherwood, brothers, Scott Sherwood and his wife Robbie, Dan Sherwood and his wife Carol, Janet's sons Alex Rinker and Spencer Rinker. Nephews, DJ, Matt and Michael. Nieces, Tina and husband Chey with son, Torean, Bobbie and husband Steven with Chance and Hunter, Gretchen and husband David and Special brother Rondey.


Pallbearers include all who had the privilege of knowing Todd. The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Ravalli County. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Todd was a best friend to everyone. He will be missed by all who knew him. God took him, needing a big angel. Bless you, Todd! We Love You!

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