Todd Aaron Clark

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Todd Aaron Clark, who died on May 12, 2025, at the age of 50. He fiercely battled cancer for three years with determination and strength. Todd was a devoted father, son, and a deeply thoughtful and intelligent person who left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Todd grew up in Rockford, Michigan, and was proud of his small-town roots. He attended Valley View and Parkside Elementary Schools and graduated from Rockford High School. He especially loved walking by the dam, enjoying the familiar sights and sounds of his hometown.

He earned a degree in Hotel Management from Grand Valley State University and spent his career leading and operating local hotels with a steady, results-focused approach that earned the respect of colleagues.

Todd was always in motion—whether at the YMCA or on the basketball courts around Rockford, staying active was part of who he was.

His greatest joy in life—his true north—was his daughter, Avery Grace, 14. From the time she was born, she became the center of his universe. One of the most touching expressions of their bond was Todd’s quiet habit of saving every pinecone and rock Avery handed him on walks. He kept them all—each one a symbol of her curiosity and his unconditional love.

Todd had a brilliant mind and a love for politics, astronomy, and lifelong learning. He listened to podcasts, collected coins, and had a sharp memory that served him well in trivia—one of his favorite pastimes. He was nostalgic by nature and wrote a book about his life to preserve the stories and moments that mattered most to him.

A lifelong Detroit Lions fan, Todd faithfully watched every game and held onto hope that he’d see them make it to the Super Bowl.

Todd is survived by his daughter, Avery Grace; his mother, Joyce, and stepfather, John; his brothers, Steve (Katie) and Kevin (Brandi) and their children; and his step-siblings, Kelli, Kerry, and Ryan. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry.

Though not religious, Todd found meaning in memories, connection, and the awe of the universe. We like to imagine him now—finally exploring the cosmos that fascinated him for so long.

A private family celebration of Todd’s life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Day Foundation for Families, a nonprofit supporting families facing the financial burden of cancer.

Todd’s legacy lives on in every thoughtful conversation, every walk by the dam, every pinecone lovingly saved, every trivia question easily answered—and every time we pause to look up at the stars or dare to believe that this might be the Lions’ year.