Toby Clifford Aldrich

Toby Aldrich passed away on July 21st, 2024, moving from this life to the next with a peace and gratitude rooted in his deep faith and readiness to move on to his next journey. Toby will be remembered as a generous and thoughtful person, committed to experiencing the most from this life, self-growth and reflection. His uniqueness shone through, from his long ponytail to his myriad travels and the stories he so loved to gather and share. Toby was born in Toledo, OH to Jane and Clifford Aldrich, the youngest of four sons. He is preceded in death by his mother Jane, father Clifford, brother Mike, and brother Terry. He is survived by his brother Bob. Toby grew up in the small town of Ottawa Lake, MI, joining the military upon graduation from Whiteford High School. After serving in the Army he graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He spent his life living all over the country, from out West to the deep South to his final home in Kingsport, TN. Despite his distance, Toby expressed that his love for his family remained strong. Toby saw himself first and foremost as a writer, spending years committed to writing, editing, learning, and writing some more. He was eager for deep conversations, and was excited to discuss anything from civil war history, to family genealogy, to his own personal journey and feelings. Toby was that person who made others feel seen, delighting nieces and nephews by traveling to see them perform music and showing genuine interest in who they were through his questions and patient listening. Whether sharing in some New Orleans beignets, exploring the history of Savannah, playing his guitar or laughing his loud and infectious laugh, Toby brought love, intentionality and generosity into a space. Perhaps one of the best ways to understand Toby is to understand that he lived and died on his own terms. This quote describes him well, “Sometimes you have to stop thinking so much and just go where your heart takes you.” – unknown Toby will be laid to rest with a natural burial in a Tennessee nature conservatory at his request. A graveside service will be held on September 7th. For more information, contact Dan Aldrich.(dcarich@gmail.com)

Toby Clifford Aldrich

September 4, 1952 - July 21, 2024