Grandpa
Marvin Bennett Clatterbuck
O my People, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things,
things from of old---
what we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
Psalm 78:1-7
Grandchildren's Memories
As a kid I always thought it an adventure to go to Grandpa and Grandma�s house in Salem. To have that huge play area available for our use was kid heaven. We climbed the apple trees and pretended we were in the jungle in the bamboo forest. The box of toys in the living room closet kept us busy in the house---- Grandpa never ceased to act surprised when the grandchildren offered him a �marshmallow� from the can, and a toy snake popped out! We loved to amuse ourselves with the old antique telephones in the basement. Grandpa�s darkroom was mysterious--- it always scared me!
Grandpa always made us behave, and I was a bit scared of him, until I realized he always said what he did with a twinkle in his eye. When I was about 6 years old we had a reunion at the beach in Oregon. I got busy playing in the sand and got a royal sunburn. Grandpa gave me my first lecture on the virtues of sunscreen. He also taught me that no matter how cold it is at the beach--- you always walk barefooted. Nothing better than the feel of sand between your toes! Grandpa took us to the tide pools and introduced me to the magical creatures that lived in the cracks and crevices- of course we had to come home with a starfish and a fistful of agates.
I think because Grandpa lost his parents at such a young age that he had a special concern for orphans. One of Kent�s roommates in college was a missionary kid at the school at the same time Grandpa and Grandma were there. While he was there his father was killed in a car accident. He had much appreciation for the care that Grandpa and Grandma extended to them while he was there especially after his father died.
A few years ago I attended a women�s retreat and met one of Phyllis� friends. She had lost her parents and was working at the deaf school. One day Grandpa called her into his office, she was nervous, not sure about what he wanted. When she got there, he had a piece of paper lying there. He told her that she would make an excellent teacher and that he had figured out a way for her to both work at the school and attend classes at the university. When I met her she had just retired from a long teaching career and credited Grandpa with getting her started.
Grandpa loved us all so much and was so proud of all us grandkids and great grandkids. Family was important to him. He was always concerned about our needs and prayed so faithfully for us. I think he wanted to be sure that we all knew that we were loved and never had to experience the loneliness that he felt when he was all-alone in the world. If we can extend Grandpa�s legacy to our own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, they will have a rich heritage indeed.
-Cathy-
Grandpa and Cathy
The one thing I will never forget that Grandpa said to me was his last words to me, �stay close to Jesus�. I will, Grandpa, I will! -Bob-
My memories tend to be snapshots, especially at the school for the deaf, such as eating cantaloupe on the picnic tables, playing on the school grounds, the humongous fire slide, the cherry trees, and roller skating downstairs (I am not even sure if that was at the school).
One of the greatest memories Grandpa (and Grandma) gave me that became life changing was the opportunity to go to Africa to see them. To open my heart and mind to other countries, people groups and ultimately to missions was a life change that has stayed with me. What an incredible experience that was. I remember how funny it was when their house boy came over while we were there and Grandpa pointed out how his heels stuck out in the back - in the houseboy�s presence, and we were all mortified that he would say such a thing in front of him, only to realize he didn�t speak a word of English and had no idea what Grandpa was saying.
Oh, I remember the first time they went to Africa and stayed with us a short time in Minnesota before going on to Africa. Of course Grandma was watching soap operas then, and desired to watch them on our TV before they left. Being kids, who wanted to watch our own shows, she kindly let us, not saying anteing about her desire to watch her shows. Grandpa came up to us and in a somewhat firm tone told us that she would like to watch her shows as she would not get to for a couple of years in Africa. Then as we were feeling bad about our selfish behavior, he had a twinkle in his eye as he said �they will be right where they left off when we get back� - meaning that it took forever for anything to actually happen in those shows. We let her watch her shows.....
Living with Grandpa and Grandpa for a summer was something I look back on now and realize that was such a privilege. They had such a great relationship with each other. You could tell they loved each other dearly, but would get on each others nerves at times, only to walk away from it and forget it moments later. But the one thing that is burned into my memory is the fact dinner was never eaten until Grandpa had read scripture at the table, and then we prayed.
More recently, I cherished any of the times I could see them. Family was everything to them. They were always waiting open armed to me and my family, and interested in all that we were doing. They were grateful for any time we could give them, and never made us feel bad if that wasn�t very long. I feel fortunate that my children were able to know them.
Grandpa�s love for his heavenly Father is a heritage I will always be grateful for. It was something that was part of his every day life. It made him such a man of integrity, who was always ready to help when and where he could. With that came a level of wisdom that I will sorely miss. He truly was a man who had a great impact on my life, for he (and Grandma) were the ones that raised my dad to be such a Godly man, that in turn raised me to love God with all my heart. I am grateful to God for putting me in a family that has such a Godly heritage, and to think that I could even come close to filling shoes as big as his in raising my kids with the same love for God is one I see as an awesome challenge - and he has given us the foundations by example to do that. Some of those examples of always spending time in the Word and in prayer every single day. He rarely missed a Sunday at church, was missions minded always, here and abroad, and always kept his eyes fixed on Jesus.
I look forward to seeing both Grandpa and Grandma again someday.
-Becky-
Grandpa and Becky
My earliest memories of him were from the times he worked at the school for the deaf. I remember the long drive up to Oregon and him greeting me with his strong hug and welcoming voice. Not too much longer after arriving he would produce the bag of coins that we grandchildren loved getting and came to expect. Even then he was the teacher. He didn�t ask what we would spend the money on but his demeanor indicated that it was to be saved. He was the example of how to care for the money God gave us. You never saw him buying excessively or filling his house with unneeded items. He never stopped his coin giving, he simply passed it on to the great-grand kids. The strong hug and welcoming voice never stopped either.
I was blessed as a child to be able to visit Grandpa and Grandma in Africa and I remember that this trip opened my eyes to the world and that what we had at home was only a small part of a much bigger picture of life. Grandpa�s lesson to me in Africa was �Don�t chase the frogs and try to catch them, there might be a snake behind them.� This was a lesson for everyday life. We must always look beyond what we are pursuing to be sure that we don�t get caught by something we didn�t anticipate.
I think Geritol should have used Grandpa in their ads. He was always busy. (Now I know where my dad and I get it from.) I still have shelves that he made for me 15 years ago and I plan on giving my grandchildren the rocking chair that he made for Josue. I remember him swimming in San Leandro and walking every day that he could. I hope that I can be so dedicated to my health. I believe he did it for Grandma and his family.
Grandpa was the family patriarch. He saw himself as the keeper of the family unit. When a holiday rolled around the question �Are you coming to dinner?� was more of a statement than a question and you had to have a really good reason if the answer was no. He loved his family, and he loved God. He was a man that could be held up as an example to all.
I have no doubt that when he arrived in heaven he heard, �Well done my good and faithful servant.� He is probably teaching a woodworking class for the angels right now. I look forward to day of seeing him again.
Thanks Grandpa for all you taught me.
-Karen-
Grandma, Karen and Grandpa
Of course there is always the memory of driving from Minnesota to California with Grandpa, Grandma and Karen :o) Grandpa would sit in the back and �nap� while either Karen or I drove, but if either of us went 56 mph instead of the speed limit of 55 mph, he would sit up, reprimand us then go back to his �napping�. That was one of the longest car trips I ever took, in fact I think Karen and I cried when we got to California because we were so happy to be there! But, I would turn around and do it again if given the chance!
-Lori-
Grandpa and Sarah
As an only child, the four people who�ve had the most profound influence on my life are my parents, and my Grandma and Grandpa Clatterbuck. You see, they always lived very close, and for a while right across the street. So, nearly every afternoon after school was spent with them in their home.
My grandfather demonstrated many of the values that I aspire to - hard work, joy, selflessness, inclusiveness and a deep trust in God.
He basically pulled himself, as a young orphan, out of poverty and worked his way through college. He took a job far away from his home in Missouri working for the Oregon State School for the Deaf. While he was working there, he did his advanced degree by correspondence, and eventually became the superintendent of that school. That is where he met my grandmother and raised his four children - Phyllis, Bruce, David, and my dad, Gary.
His hard work did not end there. Even after retiring, he and my grandmother left the country for several years to work at a school in Africa - in the Ivory Coast. My first memories of my grandparents was when I met them there. We traveled to Africa when I was four years old to see them. Later in his retirement, he volunteered at church and he worked with his hands - making things from wood, and giving them to people he met. He was famous for his under-counter jar openers. But, what I remember most is the handmade, dovetailed portfolio case he made for me when I graduated from college. It was his way of helping me get started in my career. He also worked himself hard physically. Even when mobility became challenging he would head out on his daily walks, or if it was raining, he would spin on his stationary bicycle. Even in the last few months, he still wanted to walk, even though walking certainly meant falling. He just wanted to keep himself strong.
He and my grandmother demonstrated selflessness and inclusion. Their home was always open - especially for meals. And, while they always had family or friends from church over, there was a steady stream of others who came to their home. We ate with people who were different - who looked different, had different abilities and had different beliefs. None of these mattered - all were welcomed to the table. This was how my grandparents modeled what it meant to be a follower of Christ to me. There was nothing they reserved for themselves that they wouldn�t freely share with anyone they met. And, anyone who came for the first time was sent home with plenty of leftovers and a jar opener for under their counter. :)
I never felt like Grandpa loved me any differently because I was a girl. He just shared his interests with me and encouraged my interests. He taught me how to fish and how to work with tools around the house. He let me help with various woodworking projects. he would frequently drive me to basketball practice after school. He let me mow the lawn or rake leaves at his house to earn money for school. We agreed on a price of $10. Of course, he often came out to pay me with a $20 bill, saying he �didn�t have any smaller bills�. He gave generously to me. When I became successful in my career, he was always reminding me to give generously to others. He would remind me that I should give back to God some of what I had been blessed with. In fact, that was the topic of the last e-mail he ever sent me.
When I think of the radical changes that happened during his lifetime (since 1911), it amazes me how well he adapted to all that change. Even at the age of 88, he learned to use a computer and send e-mail. He never really got the concept of an e-mail dialogue, but he would often send updates on his life, or important messages he wanted to pass on. For a while, I never knew if he read my e-mails, until I found a bunch of them printed out sitting by his chair. He had a funny way of typing in all caps a lot of the time. I think it was because he didn�t have the dexterity to type, and would accidentally push �caps-lock� when he meant to push �shift�.
My grandpa loved my grandma more than anything. He was always tender with her. They never used harsh words with each other. He loved it when she would wear red. Of course, she preferred to wear pink. Occasionally, she would indulge him and wear red. I think it drove him wild. Even in their late 80�s I could see him look at her as his lover. Since they both knew sign language, they would sit in church and talk to each other in signs. Of course, most people couldn�t tell they were talking through the sermons. :) I know he missed her for the last four years.
he thing I think of most when I think about Grandpa was his joy. He had a cute, crooked smile where his mouth opened on one side more than the other. And when he would smile, his eyes would light up and twinkle. My dad has a little of that same smile, but it is especially visible in my Uncle Bruce. Of course, this was especially charming when he would chuckle. He had this really dry sense of humor. Sometimes you couldn�t be sure whether or not he was joking. But, eventually, you would see one side of his mouth open a little wider and his eyes start to dance, and that would give it away. The chuckle at the end was the payoff. Even in the worst of times, he could manage this smile. Even when I spoke to him last week and he was feeling so awful, I made joke about getting older, and he chuckled. I could picture him in my mind smiling.
He also had a great joy in the Lord. He couldn�t wait to get to be with God. For the last couple of months, he kept talking about going on a trip. I knew he meant the final trip. He was packed and ready, and just waiting for God to call his number. It was hard to say good-bye when I went to see him last month. He was eating breakfast when I said good-bye. I told him, �I think next time I see you, we�ll be singing with the angels.� His eyes widened and lit up with excitement, like a young boy about to go on an adventure. He asked me �Really, you think so?�
When I grow up, I want to be just like Grandpa.
-Sarah-
Grandpa and Sarah
It was a very warm meeting where I got to see Grandma�s studio full of her paintings and Grandpa�s workshop, filled with his handiwork, including the beautiful Myrtlewood coffee table he made for our wedding present. Over lunch, we got into that discussion, and I tested the waters to see what he thought about having a Japanese grandson-in-law. He assured me that my race was not an issue in his mind. He told me that the only two things that mattered to him regarding a partner for his granddaughter was that �you are a good Christian man, and a good Democrat.�
Seeing that I was employed at the time at the Washington State Republican Party, it led to a sudden uncomfortable silence around the table. Grandma, sensing my apprehension, told me that she was a Republican and that she loved me. She responded by giving me a big bear hug. Grandpa, not adding anything to that conversation, flashed me a wry little grin. I knew things were going to be okay, and they were for the many years I knew him hence.
Though I personally miss him very much, I am so glad that Grandpa is reunited with Grandma in glory. They were such great friends and partners in life, and I know how much he missed her over the past four years.
-Kent-
Memories of the Great Grandchildren
I remember Great Grandpa�s house had many pictures of family, some very old and some outdated, but fun. The walls were also full of Grandma�s paintings. Every time I would go over we would have a home cooked meal and Grandma and Grandpa would sit in their recliner chair. I remember my Grandpa Bruce and Great Grandpa had a riveting discussion on being Democrats. I asked my Grandma Marge if she was a Republican or Democrat and would not fess up to the truth. But Great Grandma set the record straight. She said that she was a Republican and Grandpa was a Democrat and that is how it always has been.
Every time I would go over Grandpa would give me change that he had been collecting in his prescription bottles or a couple of dollars out of his wallet. He said that when he visited his Grandpa�s house how s Grandpa would always give him money, so he would always give me money.
I also remember when he lived in his old house (In Stockton) he had an elaborate garden. He even had �Naked ladies� in front of his house and was very proud of them. I would eat things out of his garden. I also remember that he was quite crafty as he built many things like the coffee table that has been in the living room of my parent�s house for as long as I can remember.
He came to visit in Hawaii with Great Grandma when I lived there. So I know that he traveled the world. With Grandpa there was a lot of history. It is not lost completely because I know that Grandpa documented a lot of his life. He helped me with my report once when he wrote me a letter answering questions about his childhood. Great Grandpa knew people who lived during the Civil war and Great Grandpa was alive during World War II, I always thought it was cool to have three Great grandparents living throughout my childhood, I was connected to history. Great Grandpa will be sorely missed.
-Laura
Laura, Holly, David, Grandma and Grandpa
-Holly-
-David-
Bob Jr., Layne, Josh, Grandma and Grandpa
Grandpa and Nickie
-David and Kayla-
Grandpa and Josue
-Josue and Alicia-
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
Luke 1:50
Pictures of 2006 Reunion
Marvin's Photo Album
Marvin's Family Photos
Memories of Marvin's Childhood
Marvin Bennett Clatterbuck
