Gary Claypoole

1941-2004

 

 

Gary Claypoole enlisted in the USCG Reserves and entered basic training in Cape May, NJ in September 1959. He was in Chief Parson’s Charlie-41 company for those 13 weeks. Then he spent 3 weeks on the Unimak and then on to Groton CT to finish his 6 months active duty. He returned home to the Washington, DC area where he completed his obligation.

 

Gary was what the Bible calls “a good Samaritan”; someone who lends a hand to friends and strangers alike. Of course, strangers who met him soon became his friends. If you needed help building a deck, making a cabinet, constructing a fireplace or lighting a room, Gary was there for you. If you needed a volunteer to fight your fires, coach your kids or start a PTA chapter, Gary was your man.

Gary died of a massive stroke on November 6, 2004. As he was a giver in life, he was also in death. Gary was an organ donor. We know that his liver (perhaps other organs) was transplanted to restore life to an eager recipient.

Thanks Gary

 

The obituary:

CLAYPOOLE, GARY MORGAN (Age 62)
Of Clifton, VA, died on Saturday, November 6, 2004 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janice Ann Claypoole; their two daughters, Joanne Mann and Kimberly McCuen; four grandchildren, Allison and Michael Mann and Nora and Clara McCuen. Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 11, 2004, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, November 12, 2004 at FAIRFAX MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 9902 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The American Stroke Association, c/o The American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.