Adair Cleland-Host

Febuary 2nd, 2004 - January 12th, 2024

Adair Cleland-Host, 19, passed unexpectedly on January 12th in a tragic accident. He leaves behind his loving siblings, Kaedon, Rowan, and Connor, as well as his father, Jon, and mother, Heather.

More than a brother and son, Adair was a light in every community he touched, both in his hometown of Midland, then Lake Orion and on campus at Michigan State University, where he was pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Biology and Zoology, with a minor in Creative Writing.

Always curious, willing to take on responsibility, and eager to pursue his passions, Adair was a very involved Sophomore at MSU. He served as Vice President of MSU Science Theatre and was a member of many organizations, including the Zoological Students Association, Research Initiative on the Study of the Environment Program, Tabletop Gaming Club, Northern American Indigenous Students Organization, and Gender & Sexuality Campus Center. Even more indicative of his kind and generous nature, Adair led a week-long trip to 20 underrepresented schools in the Upper Peninsula, inspiring young minds as he shared with them his love of nature and science.

A graduate of Lake Orion High School, Adair demonstrated early on his intellect and leadership skills, founding the Go Green Club and being selected for the Science National Honor Society.

Everyone in his life also knew well of Adair’s ardent storytelling abilities, able to captivate any audience across all genres, whether chronicling a weekend’s activities or passing down Native American Myths he originally heard from his dad. His words weren’t his only medium to capture a moment or tell a story, though, as his photography was another beautiful expression of his creativity and appreciation for nature.

More than a son, brother, Dungeon Master, or student, Adair was a friend to everyone. His kind soul was always there for those who needed him, whether it was to help his cousins say goodbye to their furry best friend or to drive his grandparents to their physical therapy appointments (after beating them at Cribbage of course). And while we might not be able to see him anymore, Adair will still be here for us, in all of our hearts, as we remember the impact that he had on our lives and aspire to be more like him every day to carry on his legacy.

Messages from Friends and Family

Kaedon Cleland-Host

I had Adair by my side for as long as I can remember. He was just two years younger than me, so some of my earliest memories are of him.

When I was 4, I remember riding in the car with Mom and Adair to preschool. We would drop Adair off somewhere and then drive off to drop me off at some other far aways place. I would cry from the second floor window of the preschool for Mom to bring me back. It wasn't until many years later that I learned Adair was just across the street, never too far away.

I remember scheming with two-year-old Adair, encouraging him to help me defeat the child lock on the closet with a broom, and I remember when Mom saw right through me after I tried to blame it on him.

I remember waking him up early and rushing him towards the front window to say goodbye to Dad before he left to work in the morning. Dad would drive his car out in front of the window so we could see him and say goodbye through the walkie talkies.

I remember getting excited whenever there was a big thunderstorm, because we would grab some paper compost bags and scrunch into them so we could lay out in the rain together. I remember the quiet childhood conversations we would have to the sound of the rain pattering on the roof and the trees around us. We even tried to sleep the night out in the rain. Just as it started to thunder, we set up a fort made from the decks chairs and a few towels to keep us safe from the storm. We found out pretty quickly that the chairs were made of a mesh that slowly let the rain drip through onto the tops of our heads.

We were inseparable. Anytime I found a cool stick in the backyard or learned something new, Adair was the first to know, and he carried that eager wonder for the world with him everywhere he went. Just a few months ago he excitedly showed me this strangly shaped stick and told me he was planning on making a wawakeshi (deer) leather handle for it. We grew up always bouncing ideas off each other.

When we moved from that old house, we found Dad's old "magic the gathering" cards in the basement. Adair, Rowan and I would spend many nights building up our decks to beat each other, even with only a few hundred cards that we could find.

I remember discussing our plans to build a snow fort with multiple connecting rooms, and eventually following through with those plans when the weather allowed for it, with Dad's help of course.

When Adair was a freshman in highschool, we would run into each other in the hallways and meet during lunch all the time. I always looked forward to those suprise meetings in the hallway. So many people would mistake us for twins, even years later when we were both studying at MSU.

When I was visiting graduate schools to figure out where I wanted to go I eventually decided to stay at MSU and when I told Adair,, he was so excited.

While studying at MSU, when classes and research would get tough, Adair was always there for me. We supported each other with advice, each other company, and long walks along the bank the red cedar river.

I remember staying up late a night playing video games together. All four brother would get together on discord and play for hours on end. We were so closely connected on those long calls that we would call it the brother hive mind.

Adair loved playing dungeons and dragons. He was always a player or dungeon master in at least 3 campaigns. I was a player in a gamer he hosted and he was a player in a game I hosted. In the late evening after each of these games we would slowly walk our bikes and talk. We planned on riding our bikes home, but that almost never happened. Somehow we would end up walking our bikes the whole way just talking to each other. It wasn't until we came right up to his dorm that we would finally split up. We talked about everything, from the worldbuilding in our D&D campaigns, to his creative writting ideas, to science theatre plans, to what we would do after finishing our degrees. I remember the joy on Adair's face when we would spot each other across campus. Or when he would send me sneaky photos of me on my bike or close up photos of the back of my head. And of course I would too.

Adair thrived on Campus, he was passionatly involved as the vice president of science theatre were he was planning the week long trip to the upper peninsula to bring science to thousands of children. He was involved in the Northern American Indigenous Students Organization where he carried his native heritige with pride. He was invovled in ZSA, Sustainable spartains, tabletop gaming club, campus choir, undergraduate research and so much more.

Life won't be that same without him. Adair was my brother, but more than that he was part of me and I will carry at least some of that part with me for the rest of my life.

Lisa, Kurt, Karmon, Nolen, and Alex

Jon, Heather, Kaedon, Rowan, and Connor my heart is breaking for you all. Adair was an amazing kid. It was a privilege to watch him grow into such a fine young man. I will always cherish all the memories of moments spent with him and the family at the Fellowship, CUUPS events, Adventure Scouts, and other places. There is nothing I can say or do to ease your pain. I want you to know that we are holding you in our hearts with love and gentleness. Even though your grief is deeper you do not grieve alone. When a beacon of light like Adair goes out the whole world is darker.

With greatest sympathy,
Lisa, Kurt, Karmon, Nolen, and Alex

Katy Green

Dear Cleland-Host Family,

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Adair. His radiant spirit, kindness, and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. I was Adair's choral teacher at Michigan State University and had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible person he was.

Adair played a pivotal role in our ensemble, contributing not only his musical talents but also his inspiring leadership. The moments we shared learning from Adair are treasured, and his influence will forever resonate within our musical community.

His infectious smile illuminated every room, reflecting the genuine care and compassion he had for others. Adair's commitment to the happiness of those around him created a positive and uplifting atmosphere that will be deeply missed.

One particular memory that stands out is the Fall 2023 performance when Adair proudly played your family's drum. The joy and pride he expressed during that moment are etched in our minds and hearts, symbolizing the beautiful essence of his presence.

Here is a link of Adair playing and singing, "Gimikwenden Ina" by Corey Payette. https://youtu.be/8bduxUTwLc0

Campus Choir loved Adair. We are immensely grateful for the privilege of having known him. Thank you for sharing him with us. May cherished memories bring comfort during this difficult time.

With love,
Katy Green

Lex Kessler

I had the absolute pleasure of having Adair as a close friend for a long while. He and I met in middle school and sang in choir together from 7th-9th grade, and played online games together even after that. He was one of the funniest and kindest boys I had ever met. After years of little communication, he still showed up to my high school graduation party an hour and a half away from where he lived. I miss him so very much, may he rest in piece. Sending lots of love to the Cleland-Host family.

Amanda Felk

We were so lucky to have Adair work at Dinosaur Hill over the summer. Here he is helping a child make a corncob doll at Heritage Fest. Not only have we personally lost a bright young man with a great sense of humor, but the environment has lost a great advocate. My condolences to his family. We will be planting a burr oak in our preserve in memory of him, because our last text conversation included that particular type of tree.

Alex Spevetz

Adair was a wonderful person. I was lucky to have him in two of my creative writing classes. He was so passionate about his stories, DND, and MSU science theatre. We bonded over theatre as we had both done shows for students. I was excited to exchange more short stories with Adair, and I will miss him dearly.

Cindy Hunter Morgan

I am sorry for your loss and for our loss -- the world's loss. Adair was so very special, and I feel lucky to have known him. I had the joy of teaching him at MSU. He was kind and generous, and I admired him very much. I started that semester with a broken foot, and he was kind and helpful, exceptionally so. He consistently shared smart, meaningful ideas in our classroom discussions, and he was an important part of the community we built over the course of the semester. I loved crossing paths with him on campus, too. He'd always stop to chat, and I'd always learn something from him.

The Sustainable Spartans E-board

Adair was such a kind and ambitious soul. He was so creative and passionate about science and sustainability. He was a member of our club and someone we cherished our time with. His dependability and commitment to things he cared about was always so admirable. He pioneered a collaboration between the MSU Science Theater and Sustainable Spartans for a student demo regarding composting. We are truly hoping to honor him and his idea and finalize this demo with MSU Science Theater in the future. We've made a donation to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) on behalf of Adair and are so sorry for the loss of such a great person. Sending so much love to everyone. - The Sustainable Spartans E-board

Victoria Trinder

So sad to hear of the passing of this amazing young person. I'm grateful for the friendship he shared with my MSU student. May there be opportunities for peace and healing for his family and friends in the time ahead.

Sophie Kreiman

Adair was an amazing person. I am devastated by the news of his passing. I will miss having him in class with me. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Alex Goonis

I had the pleasure of having an Intro to Creative Writing class with Adair last year. He was always passionate and thoughtful, and really listened to you when you spoke. He was an excellent writer and exceptionally kind. I didn't know him that well, but from the brief time I talked with him, you could tell he was an incredibly bright and unique soul. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, and I am sending so much love during this devastating time.

Katrina Groeller

I had the pleasure of knowing Adair through one of the courses I was a Teaching Assistant for, People and Environment. He was a wonderful and kind individual, always engaged with myself and the professor both during class and afterwards. Though we only spent a few weeks together I will miss him dearly!

Kathleen Paloyan

My daughter is a member of the choir and a friend of Adair. He will be greatly missed.

Jennifer Newhouse

We love you. We are so sorry. -Eric, Jen, Ella and Austin

Lexa

Adair was a classmate of mine, and I'm so lucky I got to experience his talent and kindness. He was one of the most talented writers I've gotten to work with, and his stories are ones that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
I will miss the light he brought with him into every room.
I will miss his creativity, how he viewed the world with a kaleidoscope of color.
Lastly, I will miss his smile.
I will forever be happy I got to know him, and sad that he left us so soon.
Rest peacefully Adair.

Isabel Schroeder

This last fall I took an Intro to Fiction Writing course, where I met Adair. He helped establish the camaraderie and friendship of everyone in that class with his kind words, jokes, and beautiful writing in combination with illustrations of his own. His passion for writing, especially for his current, "Teya's Travels" is incredibly inspiring, and it reflects who he was: fun, outgoing, passionate, kind, creative, imaginative, and the list goes on. The joy I possess to have been able to know him, as a friend and an author, is something that I can't explain. I'm grateful for the pieces of him we still have left, whether it's his writing, his critiques, or memories.

Quen Williams

Absolutely heartbreaking news to hear. My deepest condolences to Adair's family and friends! I sang in Lake Orion High School's Chorale choir with Adair and am eternally grateful to have the honor of saying that simple statement. Adair was talented, considerate, committed, and reliable. May the Lord continue to bring comfort and peace to you all forevermore. God bless you!

Gloria Hesse

This was a tragic shock. Adair was one of the most considerate people I knew in Lake Orion. He was always excited to share his interests with me, always willing to hear about my own. I would confide in him when there was no one else I felt safe with. Even though I'm terrible at keeping up with others he would always reach out. I should've made time to see him more, but I'll keep him in my heart forever.

Hope from LOHS

To Adair's Family,

I've only been able to meet up with Adair a few times, but he was amazing. His passion for kindness and storytelling was something else.
Take care of yourselves and each other. Adair will be well loved by all who remember him.

Nikki Edwards, Drew, Ashton, John, and Zeke

My truly deepest sympathies to you all Jon, Heather, Kaedon, Rowan, and Conner, as the rift in your family identity is so utterly profound. I have wonderful memories of Adair and your family as well. I remember Adair's 8th Oxygen birthday party, as it was the first birthday party Ashton was invited to when we were new to the area. And then, we ended up buying a home a few doors down. The intersection of your 4 boys and my 4 boys was so meaningful, and we were saddened when you all needed to move away.
I just want to say, the love of everyone, holds you all so dearly, and I hope you can feel that. When we remember Adair: his curiosity, joy, willingness, his spirit of fun, adventure, care, allowing, and giving, and when we focus and act on those things that are Adair, we will feel him right there with us.
It was my honor to have known Adair and all of you Cleland-Host family, and I so appreciate the time my family had with yours. Thank you!
With so much love for you all!

Troy and Andrea Cornell

Jon, Heather and family, we are greatly saddened to hear of the loss of your son and brother Adair. May you find peace and comfort in the celebration of the life he lived.

Connie Barlow

Reading the email was a shock. Reading these short remembrances is a blessing. It has been weeks since I have shed tears, but they are overflowing now. Death of an elder is culimunation; death of a younger is nothing but tragedy. All: Two comments already have included a link to a short solo by Adair with the MSU choir. What a voice! And the mournful tone of the song itself brings an emotional release. So here is the url again: https://youtu.be/8bduxUTwLc0

Steve Ghikadis

I only got to meet him once, but he was very kind to my young children. I could tell from his demeanor, that he was a very special person. His memory will live on, in the hearts and minds of those he touched.

Anonymous

To Adair's family & friends - wishing you peace during this difficult season. May your memories of Adair keep him alive in your hearts always.

"It's ok to cry
It's ok to fall apart
You don't have to try
To be strong when you are not
And it may take sometime to make sense of all your thoughts
But don't ever fight your tears
'Cause there is freedom in every drop
Sometimes the only way to heal a broken heart is when we fall apart"
-Ryan Stevenson "When We Fall Apart"

Jenny Blair

I am so deeply sorry to learn of Adair's passing.

Cathy Chartier

I was heartbroken to hear about Adair. He was a remarkable young man who had so much love for his parents and brothers. He will be greatly missed in this world. Love from your Midland neighbor.

Dot Hornsby

Sending you much love and warm thoughts. We will all miss Adair. We are all grieving with you. Peace to all.

Alisha Shah

Dear Cleland-Host Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Adair was in my Environmental Physiology course this semester, and although I only had a few days to interact with him before his passing, I found him to be a warm, curious, bright soul. He was particularly excited about joining my lab for research experience this summer. His absence in class is palpable, and we all miss him.

Wishing you strength and love in this time of grief.

Warmly,
Alisha Shah

Amber Kramer-Manke

There are truly no words to express my heartbreak at the loss of Adair. Having had the privilege of watching him mature into a wonderful human being, the world is a harsher place to not have him in it.

Jon and Heather, please know that my heart is with you during this time. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Amanda Arcuri (Clifton)

Cleland- Hosts... Adair was such a nice young man. His kind spirit will not be forgotten. It was a pleasure to watch him grow up. Sending love from the Cliftons.

Carolyn Malmstrom

Dear Cleland-Host Family --

It was a privilege to be Adair's instructor in plant ecology at MSU this fall. Adair was a great question-asker, brave, and passionate about nature. He was fearless about exploring questions that daunted most everyone else and deeply focused on understanding and doing his best work.

For his term project, Adair chose to focus on bur oaks, which were one his favorite trees. He surveyed Tenhave Woods and Bald Mountain and thought about how oak distributions had changed there and across Michigan over time. True to his kind spirit, he ended his report by thanking his classmates for doing amazing work in performing the additional tree surveys he drew on. In the short time he had, Adair made a big positive impact on many people, and the loss of his gifts to the world is difficult to accept.

Thank you for sharing Adair with us.

With deepest sympathy, Carolyn Malmstrom

John Halstead

From the Halsteads. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Mike & Cathy Sielawa

Jon, Heather and Adairs band of brothers, we are so sad to hear of Adairs passing. We hope the comfort of friends and family surround you.

The Atheopagan Society

You are in our hearts now and always.

Emily Moore

I hadn't known Adair for long, only for about four months. He was in my writing class at Michigan State, and his work was always written beautifully with admirable craft and talent. He would edit his documents to match the atmosphere of what he wrote, such as adding a textured, tan effect to the paper for his story about a character from a fantasy world writing in a travel journal, and his attention to detail in what he wrote always drew me in. It was an honor to give feedback on his work, and for him to do the same with mine. We loved to talk about Dungeons and Dragons together, and he was a staple in MSU's creative writing community. I may not have known him for long, but I am truly saddened to hear about his passing. May he rest in piece.

- Emily Moore

Jillian and Gwen

We will have you in our thoughts and we will miss him greatly. He was a light in the dark and it was an honor to know him.

Aron Tobias

Here is his choir's performance from last semester, of which I was part. His role was a special one, especially in the song beginning at 16:05. https://youtu.be/8bduxUTwLc0

Malosza Syrocki

I only met Adair last year, but he brought immense joy in the short he was in my life. We were in two DND campaigns together, and I was one of the people in his own DND campaign. He clearly was a fountain of knowledge about the real world and the one he brought to the table. As his players, I could only imagine how little we explored of the beautiful world he had built for us. It was an event I looked forward to every week, and I know my heart will feel empty every time Thursday night comes around. I grieve and will continue to grieve over this early loss. My deepest of condolences for the family.

Anonymous

Adair was a creative and curious soul. He made the world a better place and will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was unapologetically himself and moved through the world with so much grace. He was always eager to learn more and put so much effort into everything he did.

Grace Beem

Adair was an amazing person to anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was extremely passionate and would always put so much love into whatever project he was working on. I was in his DND campaign for this past semester and the effort he put into building the world and characters was unlike anything I had ever seen. Adair was always a bright spot in my day, even if it was just passing by each other and smiling while walking to classes. He will be dearly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.

Anthony Kirk

Adair was such a wonderful person. Holding you all in my heart.

Gretchen and Jack Van Hoorelbeke

Dear Heather, John and family,

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Adair's passing. We will always remember all the good times he shared with our sons. We were so happy that the three of them were able to keep in touch and continue their friendship even after we moved from Michigan. Adair will be greatly missed.

We wish you peace. Our hearts and thoughts are with you at the difficult time.

Gretchen and Jack
Van Hoorelbeke

Sidney

I didn't know Adair for very long, in fact I only shared one semester with him in choir, but he was always so incredibly kind to everyone and a bright soul. Adair was kind to a fault and it's hard to imagine the same person that I ran outside with to grab pizza's to help bring into the building is no longer with us. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss but I am also so thankful I had the opportunity to meet him.

Broderick Johnson

Adair was one of my good friends during Highschool. I was able to get to know him through the schools gaming club and we played together all four years, even online during the pandemic.
He was a vital part of our group as he supported others and let his character mix into the story. He just loved a story and always had one to tell.
Outside of games Adair was constantly engaged in a good cause. He worked with student leadership and school groups to improve the lives of others around him. He loved nature and shared that love with others.
He was a true friend.

Maxine Guettler

My heart goes out to you all during this incredibly difficult time. Reading all the memories of Adair makes me smile as I see all the lives he has touched. He was a genuine light in this world.

Joy Burton

My heart breaks for your family. I cannot fathom the grief and loss. Sending loving thoughts. Know that so many people around the entire country are thinking of Adair and your entire family.

Jeffrey Parker

I am grieved for your loss. Even as a parent I can't even imagine what you must be going through. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Keana

To his family and friends, I am deeply sorry for the loss of life. He was a great kid when I met him and fun to be around. Blessings and grace to you all.

Shana Barth

We are so sad to hear about this loss of a beautiful light from the world. I fondly remember interacting with Adair in the middle school/high school RE class. Adair was so smart, so kind, so thoughtful. He could anticipate a need and just did it quietly. He was so wonderful with the kids. As we watch our four children growing up at UUFoM, I think of your boys running around the same way. I cannot imagine the grief that your whole family is feeling. Listening/reading others' memories puts me in awe of the number of people his life touched in the short time he had in this physical world.

As always, we hold you in our hearts with love, a love as free as skies above, a love as deep as seas below, we love you more than words can show.

Love, always, from the Barth Family

Pat Munt from UUFOM

May cherished memories bring comfort during this difficult time.

The Hughes Family

We love you Cleland-Host family and are so sorry for your loss. Adair was such a kind, intelligent, and loving person. The world is a lot darker without him. We miss you all very much.

Anonymous

I have a picture of Adair allowing himself to be made into a mummy for my grandson aerasmus's Egyptian birthday party. He was kind. Caring. A true light in this world. We were better for having known him. My heart breaks for you all.

Jill Haver-Crissman

Heather, Jon, Kaedon, Rowan and Connor,
I’m so sorry for the pain you must be feeling.
Sending love and hugs.
With great sadness,

Elspeth Hetrick

Adair was a wonderful human being. He was so tender and patient with my Awesome Autistic kiddos. They have years of fond memories of how he would play with them, guard them, and instruct them. He was taken too soon, but has left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Ngoc Pham

To my Brother and Sister, Family. Sincere condolences to the family. Hope the family and everyone soon overcome this pain of loss, You in my Love 🙏

Megan and Sarah Street

Although Adair may have been several feet shorter the last time we were in our life’s, we still share in the way this amazingly bright young man has touched those around us. We are confident that his contributions will continue to impact the world in positive and uplifting ways.

Kimberly O'Connor

What a tragedy. I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. My condolences to you and your family. I wish you comfort in the memories of your son.

Janelle Dombek and Tim Wagner

Jon, Heather and boys, we are so very sorry to hear about Adair's death. He was a great kid, friendly to all (even us adults!) and really good with children. What a tremendous loss. Our hearts go out to you all.

Tim and Janelle

Vicki Rothhaar

Jon and Heather, so sorry to hear about Adair. It is such a horrible loss. May your memories of Adair warm your heart with time.

Vicki Rothhaar

Susanne Lopez-Norling

So very sorry. Our thoughts are with you.

Susanne, Greg, Alain and Alex Lopez-Norlng

Judith and Sara Hill

Jon, Heather, Kaedon, Rowan and Connor, We're so sorry. Our thoughts are with you.

-- Judith and Sara

Mark Green

It was so good to meet him at Suntree Retreat. A fine young man. I am so very sorry. Much love to all of you.

Teri Bushofsky

I was on my deck and he was mowing the back yard I looked to see who it was and we both looked at each other. He had the biggest smile and we both waved. I knew he was a good kid from the start

Teri Bushofsky

Seeing him mow the lawn he had the biggest smile A very sweet kid with a big future in store.

Katrina Groeller

I had the pleasure of knowing Adair through one of the courses I was a Teaching Assistant for, People and Environment. He was a wonderful and kind individual, always engaged with myself and the professor both during class and afterwards. Though we only spent a few weeks together I will miss him dearly!

Gail Kantak

My heart breaks for you, Heather and Jon and brothers of Adair. His joyous energy goes on.

Carolyn Mahaffey

Heather, Jon and boys, I am so sad and so sorry to know of Adair's passing. My heart is with all of you and my sympathy wraps you in love.

Arleen Montney.

I,m so very sorry to hear about your son. I can't imagine how hard it is. My heart goes out to you. I never met him but what I've read he was a great kid.

Jacqueline Kraeuter

Words fail us, emotions do not.
Uncle Gene and Jacqueline Kraeuter