Todd Bachman Tribute

Growing up in the Twin Cities suburbs, it brought tears to my eyes when I heard about the senseless killing of Todd and the wounding of his wife, Barbara. The Bachman name is such a part of the Minnesota landscape that this loss touches all of us. This family has been bringing us beautiful flowers, landscapes and bouquets for every occasion for as long as I can remember. I am so sad about this and wish Barbara a speedy recovery, although I understand it will be a long process. Hopefully, knowing that so many people are praying for her will help her along.

May God hold you all in his arms during these difficult times and bring you peace. My deepest sympathies to the entire Bachman family.

Since I spent most of my 82 years in the environs of Minneapolis, I was well aware of Bachmans as the premiere florists of the area, so the tragic loss of Todd Bachman seemed very personal. I knew only one member of the family, Bruce Bachman, and this message is for him. In a family of artistic floral artisans, Bruce was likely considered the black sheep--or at least a gray one. He was into cars and racing, and we met when I was the announcer at Raceway Park south of Minneapolis. A driver named Bruce in a purple car was a natural target, and I kidded him unmercifully during the years he raced t here. He went along with the gags, and we developed a friendship. He later became an official at Raceway (technical inspector, I think), and in the often rough-and-tough world of racing, he was respected by all for his knowledge and even-handedness. Bruce, our thoughts are with you as you mourn your lost leader, and we thank you for letting us be a small part of the Bachman experience.

Elisabeth is a fellow Olympian of mine and I am so sad at the loss of her father, Todd. I have been praying to our Father in Heaven that Barbara will recover quickly and that his family's hearts will receive God's comfort. I pray that Jesus will be your strength in this difficult time. I didn't know Todd, but from what I know about Elisabeth, he must have been an amazing man.

My heart and prayers go out to the Bachmans family. May the Lord be with you and I am praying Gods healing on his wife. Also Gods strength and love during this hard time, may God give you strength day by day.

I did not know Todd Bachman but from all the reports by family and employees, as well as those having professional relationships, he was a man of utmost integrity and a heart filled with love and concern for others. My prayers continue for all affected and especially for the complete recovery for Todd's wife Barbara. May God be with you all in the aftermath of this tragic happening.

On behalf of my family who have been in the floral business for over 30 years, we offer our deepest sympathy to a giant of a man. Over the years, we have heard such wonderful stories of the chain of flower shops called Bachman's. Even though we never met Todd, we made it a priority to visit one of his wonderful flower shops on our vacation several years ago. His staff was wonderful then, so our hearts go out to all of them as well as to his family. May God bless Barbara and heal her so she can return home soon.