Todd Gibson

Todd Gibson didn’t really do “ordinary.” He had a big ol’ brain, a sharp wit, and a mischievous streak that never fully retired, even after 20 years in the Navy tried to make him behave. Even from the beginning, he had the most perfect nerd credentials, because apparently the universe understood the assignment for this amateur radio, electronics, computer, and weather enthusiast.

Todd's parents, Tom and Martha, welcomed him into the world on Pi Day, March 14, 1973, in Charlotte, Michigan. He and his sister Amanda enjoyed a childhood full of Fish Lake, boating, swims at the Mill Pond, and the kind of family road trips that become legend, including one infamous UP camping trip involving an actual tornado.

Todd never let a little chaos ruin a good story. If anything, the unexpected just gave him better material. Following in his father, uncle’s, and cousin’s footsteps, Todd joined the U.S. Navy with dreams of seeing every corner of the world. He built a well-respected career as a meteorologist and oceanographer, or, as the Navy affectionately called them, a “weather guesser.”

Over two decades of service, he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, traveled the world, and rang in the new millennium watching fireworks in Bahrain. Still, some of his favorite moments were the quiet ones: standing on the back of the ship at sunrise, coffee in hand, watching the horizon do its thing. Those mornings stuck with him. Long after the Navy, Todd carried that same ritual of coffee and introspection into nearly every morning that followed.

Along the way, he also picked up a Navy man’s love of liberty: the kind of trouble that makes for great stories and a slightly late return to the ship. As a Chief Petty Officer, leadership wasn’t just part of the job. It became part of who Todd was. He had a gift for bringing people up with him, pushing those under his charge to rise to their own potential rather than simply following orders. It was the kind of leadership that doesn’t retire when you do, and it never left him.

Todd loved his family and was incredibly proud of his kids, Alyssa, Jonathan, and Genevieve. He enjoyed watching his adult children independently establish their lives and carve out their place in this world. He was excited to take on the special role of "Bad Grandpa," a.k.a. "Baba Todd," to his grandchildren Bryn, Monroe, and Halle. He had a blast teaching them things they probably weren't supposed to know and loving every minute of it.

And then there was Betsy. They met after both listing “the answer is always 42” in their dating profiles. (If you get it, you get it.) Todd told her from the start that they came from the same stardust, and together they packed five lifetimes of adventure, laughter, and love into the short time they had. They were married on Halloween in 2020, in Hell, Michigan, dressed as vampires… because, well, of course they were.

Traveling was one of Todd’s greatest loves and he and Betsy explored the world together. He’d get an itch that couldn’t be scratched if there wasn’t a trip on the horizon where the two of them could chase new places, enjoy unforgettable meals, meet interesting people, and tell all the good stories.

Life was especially good in their Airstream, affectionately known as Pan. It carried them on many adventures, including their Covid-era time capsule of a trip from San Diego to Michigan in May 2020 after Todd felt the strong call home to spend more time with his family. It was then that they set up their new home…a dream Victorian in the heart of Kalamazoo.

Live music was practically sacred to them. They called concert nights “going to church.” Get Todd on the water, and he was truly in his element. Kayaking with the crew, he was appointed “Old Man River,” always making sure everyone stayed safe while navigating the river, sharing cold Leine’s, and enjoying the slow roll past trees, wildflowers, turtles, and sharing meaningful conversations along the way.

When he wasn’t on the move, he was usually in the kitchen. Cooking was one of Todd’s love languages, and you would know it if you were lucky enough to enjoy his freshly baked bread, cured meats, famous beef bourguignon, or one of his legendary sauces. His sauces were nuanced and thoughtful, one of his favorite artistic expressions. Watching people enjoy something he made brought him so much joy.

Todd never met an animal or a kid who didn’t immediately love him back. It was one of the most beautiful things to witness. Affectionately known among family and friends as Dr. Doolittle, he was the guy who held full conversations with the dog while watching sci-fi. He hated small talk and would much rather dig into real conversations about experiences, curiosities, weather observations, feelings, science, life, the universe, and everything.

Retirement, of course, did not mean Todd was done learning. After leaving the Navy, he went back to school and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, because apparently one lifetime of decoding weather systems, ocean patterns, and Navy jargon was just not quite enough. When Todd joined Newmind Group in Kalamazoo last year, that same Chief Petty Officer spirit showed up immediately. He was quickly promoted, admired, and loved by the team. He was a sharp problem-solver, a respected leader, and a good friend. He led his team the same way he led sailors, not by pointing the way, but by walking alongside them and challenging them to rise to their own greatest potential.

More than a few people can point to Todd as the reason they believed they could. He never expected recognition for it, but the number of messages remembering the impact he made is undeniable. And now we can say that without him downplaying it, so there ya go.

Todd didn’t want to be thanked for the good he did, and he definitely didn’t want to be made into a saint on a memorial page. So we won’t. We’ll just say this: he was funny, kind in a way he would never admit to, deeply curious, wildly capable, stubborn in all the ways that mattered, and full of love for the people, places, animals, music, food, and adventures that made up his life. He wanted more time for more adventures. But he also said he had loved his life, lived it well, and had no regrets.

Todd had a way of knowing when to be serious and when to crack a joke, usually at the exact moment everyone else was trying very hard to hold it together. He cared deeply for the people around him, though he would have preferred we not make a whole thing out of it. So let’s put it this way: Todd will keep showing up. In weird weather. In a dog suddenly staring at something no one else can see. In a song that comes on at exactly the right time. In stories that get better every time they’re told. In the perfectly timed inappropriate joke. In every glass raised with direct eye contact and questionable judgment. In a flash of mischief that makes everyone say, “Yep. Todd’s here.”In every wild idea, every dirt road, every kitchen experiment, and every person who is a little more themselves because he loved them well. Gone too soon from this earth, yes. But gone completely? Not a chance.

Todd rejoined the stars at his home in Kalamazoo on July 17, 2026, at age 53, entirely too soon and very much still in charge of the playlist. He leaves behind his wife, Betsy; children Alyssa Gibson (Tyler), Jonathan Gibson (Jax), and Genevieve Mori (Jeff); grandchildren Bryn, Monroe, and Halle; parents Tom and Martha Gibson; sister Amanda Carr; and nephew Joe Carr, along with a whole fleet of friends, family, shipmates, coworkers, dogs, kids, and fellow mischief-makers who will never stop telling Todd stories.

Military Funeral Honors will take place Thursday, July 30, at 2:30 PM at Fort Custer National Cemetery. And because Todd wanted absolutely nothing to do with a stiff, snoozy, “he’s in a better place” kind of memorial, we’re sending him off his way. Please join us for Todd’s Last Liberty Call on Friday, July 31, from 5 to 7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900. Think less traditional funeral home remembrance, more pulling into port in a foreign country with just enough shenanigans to make you wonder if you’re getting back to the ship on time. We’ll be raising glasses and toasting asses with the best stories about this pirate who lived a life full of adventure and no regrets.

In the spirit of his infamous Dr. Doolittle gene, you’ll be greeted by the staff therapy dogs at the door for some emotional support and feel goods. We’ll end the night with a HELL YEAH toast to the Salty Sailor and a signature cocktail featuring Todd’s favorite booze-forward drinks, being sure to make direct eye contact as we do so to avoid being cursed with seven years of bad sex. Dress is casual. Your favorite band T-shirt (or Todd’s!) or Navy bragging rights shirt is highly encouraged.

Fair Winds and Following Seas ~ Team Todd

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