Claude Dale Elmore

Claude Dale Elmore, beloved husband, brother, and friend, passed away on July 18, 2023. He was 76 years old. Claude was our warrior with a big heart and gentle soul. He will be greatly missed by the large circle of family and friends who surrounded him throughout his life. Claude was born in Tacoma, Washington on May 4, 1947 to parents Peggy and Claude Elmore Sr. He was raised by his grandmother, Bertha Elmore, fondly known as “Grannie.” Grannie had seven children of her own, with Claude becoming her eighth child. In 1961, Claude moved to Coos Bay where he joined his new Coos Bay family: parents Ed and Edna Wade, brothers Michael and Patrick, and step-siblings Linda, Karen, and John. Claude attended Marshfield High School, where he met another newly transplanted Washingtonian in the first class of the first day. He and Paul McGregor became life-long friends. They graduated from Marshfield High School together in 1965 and attended Oregon State University that fall. Their lives changed when they joined with a group of friends to rent a house on “14th Street” for their Senior year. Renowned weekly parties were held, friendships made, memories formed, and grades were a challenge. Everyone remained close for the next 50+ years. At Oregon State, Claude participated in the Army ROTC program. He graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Immediately after graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army and began training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In the Army, Claude became an Airborne Ranger serving with Special Forces in Vietnam. He demonstrated bravery and commitment to his country during the war. After his Vietnam duty, he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where as a Captain he led a construction battalion until his honorable discharge in 1972. In 1970, while in the Army, Claude married his college sweetheart Connie Miller of Tigard, Oregon. After their amicable divorce in 1994, Claude and Connie remained steadfast friends for the rest of Claude’s life. Following his military service, Claude held a variety of professional positions in the financial services industry, including equipment leasing and mortgage brokerage. In 1996, while working in Denver, Claude met his soul mate and the love of his life, Melissa Waters, sister-in-law of Claude’s best friend, Paul. Claude and Melissa were married in Portland, Oregon, in 1999. The couple relocated to Oregon - first to Tigard, then Corvallis. Claude and Melissa were dog lovers and their family included Zoey, their one-of-a-kind greyhound. In Corvallis, Claude was better able to follow his passion as an OSU Beaver booster. An enthusiastic supporter of all OSU sports, Claude held season tickets for football, basketball, baseball and gymnastics. He also sat on the Board of the Beaver Club, fundraising for OSU’s athletic department. Claude and Melissa were committed to attending all Corvallis sports events. Claude was a sports enthusiast personally as well. He was a competitive volleyball player, playing at OSU, on the All-Army Volleyball team, and later in various competitive clubs. He was an avid golfer and belonged to Columbia Edgewater in Portland and later to Corvallis Country Club. Claude loved traveling with friends and having adventures. He turned trips into parties and memorable events. He particularly enjoyed visiting Scotland. Claude was also a lover of good wines and appreciated all kinds of classical music, especially opera. Above all, Claude loved his wife, family, and friends. He was a tall man with a loud voice and a big heart. He was a hugger. He was generous with his time and attention. He was quick with a story and a good laugh. After a series of strokes, Claude spent the last 18 months of his life in memory care at Conifer House in Corvallis where he was known as their MVP: Most Visited Person. Claude was blessed with friends and family who made repeated trips to visit him in his last months. His brother Michael shared many hours weekly watching sports and listening to opera. The family wishes to recognize the loving and caring staff of Conifer House and Signature Hospice and to thank them for their dedicated support. Claude was loved by many people. Some preceded him in death: Grannie, Ed and Edna, and his brother Patrick Wade. He is survived and will be missed by his wife Melissa Elmore of Corvallis, siblings Michael Wade of Portland, Tricia Brookshire of Spokane, Linda Davis of Puyallup, Karen Woodward of Makenzie Bridge and John Garkow of Coos Bay. There are many beloved nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Claude. Claude will be especially missed by a score of his life-long college friends and by best friends Paul and Sue McGregor of Tigard and Connie and Ed Morrison of West Linn. Claude was a big part of many lives, and we all are honored to know him. A celebration of life is planned at the Tualatin Country Club, October 22nd from 12-3 pm. Memorial donations can be made to Oregon State Athletics, Oregon State Marine Mammal Institute, or a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Claude Dale Elmore

May 4, 1947 - July 18, 2023