Gary William Clement

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.