In memory of

Gary William Clement

Sep 30, 1942
Oct 2, 2018

Obituary

Gary William Clement was born in Salem, Oregon on September 30, 1942. He was the firstborn of Bob & Merie Clement and he had one sibling, a sister, Karen Mason (spouse Tom) of Salem. He lived his entire life in the Willamette Valley.

Gary lived in Four Corners until sixth grade when the family moved to Brooks. He attended Brooks Elementary and graduated from Gervais Union High School in 1960. After high school, he joined the Army serving in Fort Belvoir, VA, Korea, and Fort Bragg, NC as an Engineer of Equipment Maintenance. He returned home on leave in December of 1962 to marry his high school sweetheart, Mary Dunn of North Howell. Mary and Gary had three children, W. Scott Clement (spouse S. Lynne), Donald Clement (spouse Suzanne) and Kitrena Patton (spouse R. Van).

Like his father, Gary drove truck for a living. He hauled fuel for Truax, Capitol City Transfer and Mobil Oil, and feed for Albers, Land O’Lakes and Foster Farms. He became a grandfather in 1999 with the arrival of granddaughter Mary Beth Clement. In 2000, two granddaughters (Lindsey Widmer and Erin Widmer) and a great-granddaughter (Cloey Widmer) were added to the family. The final addition came in September of 2000 when grandson Dawson Patton was born. Gary enjoyed his grandkids immensely.

After retiring in 2004 he could be found drinking coffee, reading, napping, watching movies at home or mowing grass. He was always quick to lend a hand or loan a book, movie, tool or equipment to someone. He enjoyed volunteering for Antique Powerland Museum Association (APMA), the Oregon Vintage Machinery Museum featuring John Deere (of which he was a co-founder) and the Great Oregon Steam-Up.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2016 and remained active and independent much longer than expected. On October 2, 2018, per his wishes, he died at home surrounded by family.

Gary was easy to talk to and made many friends throughout his life. He will be remembered for his undeniable sweet tooth, fun-loving personality, creative use of the English language and his love of wintergreen Altoids.

True to Gary’s style, there will be no formal memorial service. Instead, an open house Celebration of Life will be held at Gary and Mary’s home in Silverton on Saturday, October 13th from 11a.m. - 3p.m. All are invited to share stories, laughter and enjoy coffee and dessert.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Antique Powerland Museum Association (APMA), or the American Cancer Society.

Service Information

Celebration of Life (Open House)
Saturday, October 13th from 11a.m. - 3p.m.
Gary and Mary’s Home - Silverton

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Noah Seitz says:

    A while back I was out of work. Gary and Mary generously hired me to do yard work for them. I’ll always remember riding in the truck with Gary listening to him joke and spin a tale as we drove around the Labish area, history lesson included 🙂 He was so fun to be around. Thank you for the warm memories, Gary. Your jokes, stories and suspenders will be missed.

  2. Wes Clement says:

    Gary was the older brother I never had. Who else would tie you up in the hay loft and take off? Gary wasn’t into doing things half-way. You mention that big tree you’re taking down tomorrow and he shows up with truck, trailer and Gator!! He was loving and loved.

  3. Lilly and Chuck Eder says:

    So sorry for the lost of Gary! He well leave a big hole in your hearts, and I well miss his friendly wave and honk when I was out in my yard

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