Michael Clow

Michael Brewer Clow, age 72, of Palm Springs, California, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Born on April 11, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, Michael was the son of the late Harry Beach Clow Jr. and Leonore Cudahy Clow. He lived a life of generosity, warmth, creativity, and deep affection for those he loved.

From an early age, Michael embraced both discipline and artistry. In high school, he was a dedicated member of the swim and debate teams, and participated in the joint Drama Club productions of Lake Forest Academy and Ferry Hall. He starred in numerous plays, bringing charisma and heart to the stage, while lending his voice to the choir. His love of language and culture was evident in his favorite subject, French—a class in which he consistently excelled. He was also an avid tennis player and cherished annual spring break ski trips to Vail, Colorado.

Michael’s adventurous spirit shaped much of his life. One summer, he worked on the Strang Ranch in Aspen, Colorado—an experience he considered one of the most special of his life. He sailed both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with his longest voyage being the 1987 passage from Hawaii to San Francisco.

He pursued higher education at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, before transferring to Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. After graduation, he worked for the Hyatt Regency Hotel Corporation in Milwaukee for five years, gaining experience that would shape his future career.

In 1982, Michael and his former wife Susan J. Parker became the youngest bed and breakfast innkeepers in the state of California. They established and operated The Foothill House from 1982 to 1992, creating a beautiful and welcoming retreat for travelers. His leadership extended throughout the Napa Valley hospitality community; he served as president of the Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast Association from 1983 to 1990 and was a founding member of the Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers of California. His commitment to excellence and service helped elevate the industry across the region.

Following his 1987 sailing voyage, Michael entered a particularly meaningful season of life devoted to his family. During that time, he was a deeply attentive and loving father. He regularly attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and helped organize the church’s annual crab feed fundraiser. He volunteered as a parent helper at his children’s preschools and elementary schools, excited to be present and involved. An avid gardener, Michael took great pride in working with landscape designers to cultivate the lush and welcoming grounds of The Foothill House, creating an environment of beauty and peace for guests and family alike.

In 2000, Michael moved to Palm Springs, California, a place that felt like both an adventure and a homecoming. Drawn to the warmth of the desert sun and the vibrant gay community, he embraced a chapter of life filled with authenticity, friendship, and celebration. He loved the desert’s endless blue skies, dramatic mountainscapes, and warm evenings that invited connection and conversation. Palm Springs offered the culture, nightlife, and spirited energy he enjoyed so much—evenings spent dancing, laughing with friends, and savoring the unique blend of glamour and ease that defines the desert.

Michael’s adventurous heart continued to lead him far beyond California. He traveled with friends and partners, always eager to explore new cultures and landscapes. His favorite journeys included a cruise to Egypt to stand in awe before the pyramids, travels through Greece and along the Mediterranean Sea, and sun-soaked escapes to Key West and Acapulco. Whether crossing oceans or simply gathering with friends under the desert stars, Michael embraced life fully. Palm Springs became not just a residence, but a place where he celebrated freedom, friendship, and the joys of being alive.

Michael is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lexi and Josh Clayton of New Braunfels, Texas, and his four beloved grandchildren; his son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Nicole Clow of Austin, Texas; and his three siblings and their families. He is also remembered with love by many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his half-siblings, Harry Beach Clow III of Durango, Colorado, and Adrian “Muffie” Walsh of Los Gatos, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Desert Aids Project. While he never suffered from the tragic illness, Desert Aids Project was an organization he supported and was close to his heart.

Michael will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of the arts and the sea, his gift for hospitality, and above all, his devotion to his family. The beauty he cultivated—in gardens, in community, and in the lives of those he loved—remains his enduring legacy.