Clayton Whitcomb

Clayton George Whitcomb passed away on Friday June 7 2024 at the age of 36.

He was born on July 31st 1987 to Pam and Kevin Whitcomb in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was raised in what is now Millennium Park with his sister and beloved cousins spending days on end outside. He graduated from Grandville high school in 2006.

Creative, kind-hearted, incredibly intelligent, and always painfully hilarious, Clay was hyper focused on his interests from childhood and spent copious times researching and pursuing them.  His sharp wit and quick mind made him an engaging conversationist. He was a passionate music lover who spent a significant portion of his youth enthusiastically supporting local bands and attending an incredible number of concerts. His love for music extended beyond listening – he was a skilled instrumentalist and vocalist who even built his own guitar.

Clayton loved the outdoors and had a deep respect for nature and the environment. He enjoyed hiking, foraging, camping, and spending time in the wilderness. He was a skilled disc golfer and loved sharing the sport with friends.

He also found great joy in his passion for gaming, cherishing the long and meaningful conversations he shared with friends during their gaming sessions.

Clayton hated anything defining him, and he was one of the strongest, most stubborn people you could ever know. He survived childhood leukemia and lived for over twenty years after any doctor thought he could.

Clayton was a true and loyal friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was always ready to offer his attention, support, and insightful perspectives when his friends needed him.

Clayton is preceded in death by his Grandparents James and Bonita (Bonnie) Whitcomb and Alan and Bonnie Schmidt, Uncle John Whitcomb and cousin Matthew Whitcomb.

He is survived by his parents Kevin and Pam Whitcomb, his sister Bridgette (Isaac) Reynolds, nephews Clayton and Oscar, niece Bonita Reynolds all of Sitka, Alaska. Aunts and Uncles Cindy Young of Portland, OR, Pete (Lisa) Schmidt of Unionville, MO, Shawn (Hirut) Whitcomb of Jenison, Walter Schmidt of Wyoming, Shelley Whitcomb of Sand Lake, Alan (Trisha) Schmidt of Walker, Jamie (John) Bender of Newaygo, Eddie (Allison) Schmidt of Rockford, Pat Whitcomb of Coeur d’Alene, ID and Jennifer (Kari) Williams of Waterford Township. As well as his beloved cousins and countless dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Millennium Park Picnic Open Shelter A on Monday June 17 from 4-7.