Clyde Lowell Spence

Clyde Lowell Spence, 87, recently from Novi, Michigan and long term resident of Interlochen, Michigan, passed away on November 23, 2025. He was born on March 8, 1938 in Leavenworth, Kansas. He served in the Air Force Reserves and moved to Detroit in July 1967.

Lowell had a happy childhood and often talked about doing what he liked to call typical boy things. He enjoyed school and spent many summers in Missouri with cousins on the farm where he picked up many practical skills. One summer he worked on a dude ranch in Colorado and remembered that experience as one of the best times of his life. In his younger years he also became an avid scuba diver which brought him a lot of joy and adventure, and he spent a great deal of time experimenting with photography and learning new techniques.

Lowell met his wife, Janet Ruth Shaw, in Detroit. They were married on February 15, 1969 and built a life centered on partnership and enjoying everyday moments. They raised their family in Livonia and enjoyed traveling, especially throughout Northern Michigan. That part of the state became an important place for them and eventually they made it their home.

He built a long career in the insurance industry as a safety engineer and later a certified ergonomist. He cared about improving workplace safety and always took the time to think through problems. That habit led him to design a device intended to help prevent carpal tunnel issues and it was later patented, something he was very proud of.

Lowell was a very present father. Weekends often meant small outings and he never missed school or extracurricular events. He planned weekly activities with his daughters including sailing, tennis, and they could even talk him into a trip to Chuck E. Cheese once in a while. He enjoyed strategy games with them and they always knew he treasured that time together.

Becoming a grandfather brought him tremendous joy. He created memories with each grandchild through hiking, boating, and showing them how to handle the lake he lived on. He took them to museums and parks and always made sure chocolate milk was stocked in the refrigerator. He taught them anything he could, whether it was reading the Sunday funnies, fishing, or talking through current events. He was proud to sit in the audience at their plays, concerts, soccer games, and skating performances.

Lowell was active in the community. He belonged to the Sons of the American Revolution and served as a chapter president. He had a strong interest in genealogy and traced his family history across many generations leaving behind a vast collection of names, photographs, and stories. As a veteran he cared deeply about supporting other veterans in practical ways.

He had a dry sense of humor and a quick mind. His friends and family remember the quiet one liners and the small grin that followed. He enjoyed gathering a wide range of viewpoints through his Sunday morning news shows, but he always appreciated the lighter moments especially the weekly Moment of Nature segment. He liked to tinker, learn, and fix things.

More than anything, Lowell valued his family. There was a time in his career when he could have pursued a path with more recognition, but it would have meant more time away from home. He chose his family without hesitation and never looked back. He treated people with courtesy and kindness and many told his family he was one of the nicest men they had ever met.

Lowell is survived by his children, Tracy Bailey and Terry Griffith (James), and his grandchildren, Logan, Kennedy, Brandon, and Sarah. He is also survived by his brother, Neal Spence (Melissa). He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; his parents, Oma and Beatrice Spence; and many loved ones who shaped his early years.

Lowell's wishes were for a private Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Support.WoundedWarriorProject.org or MyGoodDays.org.