With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Chad Lawrence Ewald, who peacefully entered God's eternal embrace on March 19, 2025, shortly after 10 PM. Chad departed this world surrounded by love, with one hand in the hand of his husband, Alexander R. Clayson, and the other in the hand of his mother, Diane Ewald. As he took his final breaths, his loved ones whispered how much he was cherished, gently assuring him it was okay to go—Heaven was ready, and family and friends were waiting to welcome him home. As Chad slipped away, rain streamed down the windows, as if angels themselves were weeping for our great loss.

On January 17, 2025, Chad visited the emergency room, where he was admitted to the hospital and soon after diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer that quickly changed the course of his life. His journey was heartbreakingly short, filled with unimaginable challenges, but he faced each moment with grace, courage, and immense love for his family. Though cancer took his body, it never touched his spirit.

Chad was born on December 2, 1978, in Saginaw, Michigan, and raised in Hemlock, Michigan, where he spent his childhood surrounded by family, community, and Midwestern values that helped shape the incredible man he would become. He later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he spent the majority of his adulthood building a life full of love, meaningful friendships, and unforgettable experiences.

Chad lived with passion, creativity, and kindness. He approached life with a remarkable energy that touched everyone he met. He gave generously, loved deeply, and built a life rooted in connection, hospitality, and adventure.

Chad's love for his family was his guiding light. He is survived by his devoted husband, Alexander R. Clayson; his beloved sons, Grayson and Easton; and one of his dearest lifelong friends and former spouse, Mary E. Ewald. Together, Chad, Mary, Alex, and the boys shared a deep and unique bond filled with mutual respect, love, and joy. Their family created countless memories together through travel, holiday celebrations, and precious time spent at their favorite destination—the beach home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Chad also leaves behind his loving mother, Diane Ewald; his brothers, Brian Ewald (MaryLynn), Jason Ewald (Sue), and brother-in-law Matt Clayson (Kim); his cherished nieces and nephews; and his in-laws, Ralph and Jean Clayson. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He follows in death his father, William R. Ewald; his oldest sister, Tammy Ewald, who passed away as an infant; and all of his grandparents.

Chad enjoyed a fulfilling and successful career that reflected his creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. He was the proud owner of Great Lakes Sign Company and most recently served in a division leadership role with MARCECO, where he led their ServeCorp business division. His professional journey began in the restaurant industry, where he made a lasting impact and developed lifelong friendships—first at Cooker restaurant and then as an Area Director with Chili's.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chad was a creator of memories and a bringer of joy. He had a gift for hospitality and found fulfillment in bringing people together. Whether hosting family gatherings, planning holiday dinners, or coordinating trips, Chad always put his heart into making others feel loved and celebrated. He and Alex worked in perfect tandem, pouring love and care into every experience they offered their friends and family.

Chad had a deep love for boating and adventure. He and Alex spent nearly a decade enjoying life on Lake Michigan, forming friendships that became family and living fully in every moment. He also had a strong passion for design. Whether he was transforming a landscape into a backyard oasis or redesigning an interior space with comfort and style in mind, Chad had an incredible eye for detail. His creativity could be seen in every room he touched and every garden he brought to life—turning ordinary spaces into places of beauty, warmth, and meaning.

Though Chad's earthly journey has ended, his legacy will live on through the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories he helped create. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, and a light to so many.

To Chad—thank you. Thank you for being a source of love, laughter, and inspiration. This is not goodbye forever; it is until we meet again.

You are missed beyond words, Chad Lawrence Ewald. Your love will forever guide us, and your spirit will continue to shine through the lives of all who knew and loved you.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 2501 Richmond St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Grayson and Easton's scholarship fund are appreciated and may be made at: https://gofund.me/50376077

Flowers may also be sent to Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in honor of Chad's Celebration of Life.