Richard William Clipson

Richard William Clipson, son of Carlyle C. (“Jack”) and Ruth Clipson, passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2015 in Connecticut. Richard and his wife Gelena moved from Iowa to Connecticut in 2001, where Richard promptly took up the job of bellhop at the Trumbull Marriott. He loved meeting and greeting people through this vocation, and also acquired his chauffeur’s license which enabled him to drive many a guest around New England. He was tough, a fighter and a survivor. Following the passing of his beloved wife Gelena, Dick went on to battle cancer for the second time, endure a knee replacement, and undergo several other surgeries. Eventually, dementia set in and although he fought the good fight it ultimately took its toll. He never did quit singing, though. When he first moved out to Connecticut he was asked by Paul Knox, his church’s music director, to sing solos from time to time. He was always humming a tune and would break into song whenever the mood struck him. Even on his last Sunday in church, he was still tapping along to the music being played.

Richard grew up in Silver City, Iowa. He was known as “fleet of foot”, apparently for often running away from trouble (that was usually of his own doing). He was a loving son and brother, hard-working, and always sticking up for those he loved and for what he believed was right. Yet he never lacked for a sense of humor, usually more than willing to pull a prank or two. When war broke out he enlisted in the Navy and became a fighter pilot, serving on aircraft carriers in the Pacific theatre. Upon returning home to Iowa he married Gelena Fisher of Pacific Junction, and the two settled in Glenwood, which was halfway between their respective birth places. Richard and his wife raised three children Richard William II, Craig Franklin, and Frances Elaine. The two owned several small businesses over the years: the West Side Cafe, the Chief Motel, and Malvern Hardware. During this same time Dick and his family worked and harvested two large gardens, one in Silver City, and one in Pacific Junction. His produce often earned ribbons at the county fair, in particular the muskmelon! There was always a blue ribbon and an empty plate after judging. He was also a long time member of the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department with over 25 years of devoted service. Another talent Richard was known for was his singing. He had a beautiful tenor voice and was often asked to sing at church, weddings, and funerals. He even once was offered the opportunity to try out for the Lawrence Welk Show.

You could always count on Dick for help. If something needed fixing, he would do his best to repair it”Ófrom stuck bike chains, to broken windows and doors, to motors that wouldn’t run, he would tackle just about anything; you could definitely count on him. Following his small business ownership, Dick worked for nearly 10 years as a caregiver at the Glenwood State Hospital School. He and Gelena moved to Pacific Junction for a number of years and then eventually to Council Bluffs, where Richard became a bellhop for Harvey’s Casino. There he was often called upon to shuttle the “stars” to and from the airport, chosen for that detail because he was never one to be too impressed with actors and actresses. During his down time he would walk the golf course at the casino (as he had once done in Glenwood) and pick up stray golf balls. After moving to Connecticut”Óto a property that abutted a golf course”ÓDick took this to a whole new level, collecting over 6,000 golf balls on his daily walks through the rough.

Richard was a blessing and was blessed. He had the privilege of wearing many different hats throughout his lifetime, and meeting many different people from many walks of life. He fished, he built, he fought for his country. He traveled across the United States to California, Idaho, South Dakota, Montana, Michigan and many other states visiting family and friends seeing the beauty of the mountains, oceans, and national parks. Living on the East Coast afforded him the pleasure of walking on the beaches, collecting shells, and enjoying family. He was fortunate to live a long rich life, and those who knew him were fortunate to have someone in their life whom they could *always* count on, no matter what. Through his actions he imparted the life lesson that whenever you do something you should do it from the heart, not expecting anything in return. He will be deeply missed.

Richard William Clipson was preceded in passing by his parents, Carlyle C. (“Jack”) and Ruth Clipson; his loving wife of 56 years, Gelena; his six siblings, Dorothy, Helen, James (Jim), Mary, Jon, and Frances; his son Richard William II; and many other loved ones. Surviving him are his son Craig Clipson of Oldtown, ID, his daughter Frances Morra and her husband Michael of Stratford, CT; his sisters- and brothers-in-law Gerry Clipson of Big Bear, CA, Ella Schlagenhauff of Omaha, NE, and Jack and Donna Fisher of Britt, IA; his grandchildren, Audra, Jared, Johna, Jeremiah, Jason, Beth, Emily, Stephanie, Megan, Ryne, and Michele; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and “Ònephews, and dear friends. He will be laid to rest with Military honors on his family’s plot in Silver City, Iowa.

Interment and Military Rites will be held in the Silver City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Glenwood Fire Department.

Visitation:Wednesday, January 6, 2016
10:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Wednesday, January 6, 2016
11:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534