Clinton Clyde Clerc passed away on May 20, 2023 at the age of 97.
A beloved third grade school teacher at San Cayetano Elementary School for 21 years, many may also remember him teaching students after school to play the recorder or learn how to folk dance. He was always happy when a former student would come up to him years later to thank "Mr. Clerc" for being their teacher. After he retired in 1987, he moved to Ventura and eventually settled in Port Hueneme, California.
Clinton was born on September 13, 1925 to Joseph and Odette Clerc in Rochester, Pennsylvania, one of 4 children (Raymond, Leonard, and Odile). He often shared tales of mischievous fun, growing up with his siblings.
Wanting to do his part to win World War II, but too young to join the Armed Services, Clinton joined the Merchant Marines at age 16, delivering supplies by ship to those fighting overseas. At age 18, Clinton joined the Army, becoming an instructor which influenced him to become a teacher. With the help of the GI bill, he studied Education at the University of Pittsburgh, earning a BA and Masters of Education.
Clinton also taught abroad, and when teaching at the American Naval base in France he met the love of his life, fellow teacher Suzanne Yver. The two married and eventually settled in Fillmore, California, raising three daughters.
Clinton pursued volunteering over his lifetime; as a scout leader with the Boy Scouts and Drum & Bugle Corps, a teacher for 55 Alive courses, and a docent at the Museum of Ventura County and Channel Islands Maritime Museum.
Always health conscious and active, Clinton enjoyed golf, pétanque, dancing, hiking, watercolor painting, reading, and traveling the world. When asked his secret to a long life, he said, “Stay curious and enjoy the world around you. Eat well and keep moving."
Clinton was predeceased by his wife Suzanne, his brothers Raymond and Leonard, and his brother-in-law Bob Robinson. He is survived by his daughters Sonia Clerc, Colleen Doane, and Dorinda von Stroheim; his son-n-laws Rex Doane and Otto von Stroheim; his grandchildren Vander and Dashiell von Stroheim; his sister and best friend Odile; his niece and golf partner Diane Pasapara; and his many nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.
Clinton will live on through the colorful stories he loved to share with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his name to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum at www.cimmvc.org.