Robert Todd Saint died February 27, 2018 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. He was born in Pulaski on September 11, 1968. Todd was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Saint, and his maternal grandparents, Margie and Robert Sims, of Pulaski. He is survived by his parents, Marcia and Neil Winterburn; his sister and brother-in-law, Paige and David Brewer; his brother and sister-in-law, Brad and Lisa Saint; his beloved nieces and nephew, Hanna and Paden Brewer and Isabella Saint; aunt and uncle, Lucile and Barry Beeks. He is also survived by his step-brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Elizabeth Winterburn; step-sister and brother-in-law, Shelly and Scott Gorham; step-niece, Blaise Winterburn; and step-nephew and family, Cam, Katie, and Ledger Winterburn; step uncles Gary and Larry Winterburn and families.
Todd lived with the painful, degenerative disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis for 29 years. He bravely lived each day with a positive attitude and sense of humor. Todd enjoyed all outdoor activities including rafting, kayaking, hunting, fishing, and camping until the progression of his disease curtailed these. His passions then became the study and enjoyment of gourmet food, history, and gaining an abundance of knowledge in multiple areas. He loved learning about world travel. His favorite travel experience was a trip to India with his dear friend, Nil Patel. Todd never ceased gaining knowledge; he was, indeed, a life long learner.
Todd loved and adored his family and friends, as they did Todd. All who knew him say he had unparalleled mental strength. Nothing defeated him. Todd never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He found good in everyone. One could not spend time with Todd without being filled with inspiration and admiration. At his weakest point, Todd always asked how others were doing. Never could a visitor leave without a, “Thank you for your visit”, from Todd. When he could no longer speak, he wrote on his pad, “To all concerned. Thank you all for loving me and caring for me.” Todd had no inclination for self-pity. Todd Saint lived 49 short years; he left a long legacy of strength and love.
In addition to his beloved family, Todd leaves special friends including Mary Nell Bryan, Nil and Misha Patel, Chris Alsup, and Matt Rice, and his Bonus Mom, Cindy Abernathy Petersen. Todd was guided and supported through his 29-year long journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis by his beloved doctor and special friend, Dr. John Sergent, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
His funeral and celebration of life will be at 11:00, Friday, March 2, at Bennett May- Giles County Funeral Home in Pulaski. Visitation will be Thursday, March 1, 5:00-8:00 P.M, and Friday, March 2, 10:00-11:00 A.M. at Bennett May Giles County Funeral Home. Officiating the service are Reverends Harriett Bryan-Harris and Lee Stevenson. Burial is in Maplewood Cemetery. Pall bearers are Brad Saint, David Brewer, Paden Brewer, Nil Patel, Chris Alsup, Matt Rice, and Rob Hagan.
Donations in Todd’s memory may be made to the Spondylitis Association Of America at Spondylitis.org or Spondylitis Association Of America, 16360 Roscoe Blvd. Ste. 100, Van Nuys CA 91406, or The Giles County Library. Any donation of choice in Todd’s name is appreciated.
Bennett – May Giles County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Robert Todd Saint.
