In memoriam Cletus Abbott September 1998

Photo/jpeg courtesy of Dale Smith

April 24, 1940 - September 1, 1998.

Son of Cletus L. Abbott, Sr. and Marjorie Fern Hoagland.  Survived by his wife of 40 years, Marjorie L. (Marshall) Abbott, three children: Debbie Jean Abbott, Cletus Lyman Abbott III, and David Glen Abbott and no less than 13 younger people called him Grandad:  Cletus IV, Daniel, Dawn, Jared, Kyle, Emma, Tammy, Steven, Kimberley, Sarah, Kaitlin, Alexzandria, and Ashley.

Cletus was a hydraulic engineer for United Airlines for 32 years and invented the ski-pole marking technique used at many Games today. He and Marjorie assured that the Clan Keith tent appeared at many of the Games they attended over the years.  They were also members of the Family Motor Coach Association.  Prior to his engineering career Cletus served in the US Air Force from 1957 to 1966.

Cletus entered Kaiser hospital in San Francisco for a by-pass operation early in August.  The operation was a success but a series of infections and followup operations failed to keep him alive.  Due to diabetes he had lost the functioning of both kidneys over the past couple of years and entered the hospital with less than an even chance of survival.

He will be sorely missed for his ability and knowledge on the athletic field, his generous sense of humor and his honest friendship.

A Proper Send-off

On Friday, September 4, 1998, a crowd of over 200 people crowded into the small chapel at the Golden Gate National Cemetary in San Bruno.   They came to pay respect to a friend and family member who left this life a wee bit early.

They stood in the aisles and around the back door and spilled out and down the steps.  They laughed at the tributes by friends and family because Cletus inspired laughter.  They cried at the tears when family spoke of the emptiness they felt.

They listened to the lone and distant piper and the young woman who had the courage to sing Amazing Grace unaccompanied.  They watched a proper military ceremony officiated by a sword-bearing former Marine, complete with kilted athletes carrying the Calie Club flags.  They listened in tear-filled silence as a bugler played taps.  They watched almost without breathing as the Air Force flag detail folded and presented the US flag to Marjorie.

They left, shaking hands and driving back into life's freeway, all just a bit bigger for having known this person: our friend, Cletus Abbott.

At the Pleasanton Games

Even though many athletes knew of Cletus' passing before their arrival at the Games, there were still a lot of shaking heads and long faces as we began the first Games without his familiar presence.  Someone had printed out this webpage and put it in a plastic holder.  Someone else made up "Cletus" cloth stick-on labels that disappeared in short order.

Past Chief Malcolm Ramsay, director of the Pleasanton Games Athletic Committee called for a moment of silence on the athletic field on Saturday morning, September 5th.  Masters class athlete and SAAA Sec/Treas Rod McKenzie gave a tribute to Cletus and Malcolm spoke of Jim Teague, a long-time member of the athletic crew who had passed away earlier in the year.

Club Chaplain Harold Duncan asked for both men to be remembered as he gave the opeing prayer in the opening Games ceremonies.

Malcolm also named a new trophy for Cletus:  The Cletus Abbott Women's Weight for Height Trophy.

Tributes and links:

SAAA tributes from fellow athletes.  This is the SAAA Bulletin Board and posts and comments can be added there at any time.  Once on the page simply "search" for Cletus.

Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 12:07:16 +0800
From: Cederstrand <vikingclan@earthlink.net>
To: jardine@slip.net
Subject: Cletus memorial tribute
Hi Jim,
We have written a memorial to Cletus, and would like to include it in your memorial website. It is a wonderful idea to post such tributes to a great man. All three of us, particularly August, were deeply affected by his passing. Thank you for this opportunity, we sincerely appreciate it. Thank you also for your recent kindly words of encouragement. They helped ease the depression August has felt since Cletus departed. We look forward to seeing you at future games!

Yours truly, Laura

Cletus Abbott was one of the finest people you could ever hope to meet. People commonly say such things in memorials, but in his case it is no exaggeration. Indeed, it is difficult to find the words to describe a man possessed of so many sterling qualities.

He never failed in his tenderness and consideration for others, whether he knew them well or not. When August was injured in his third game, Cletus was right there offering support. He made sure later that evening that all was well, and that nothing else was needed. This concern for an athlete whom he barely knew illustrates the intrinsic thoughtfulness for his fellow man that was a hallmark of Cletus' nature. Uncounted numbers of people can relate similar tales of his kindness.

Cletus was a noble gentleman who inspired everybody who knew him. He was the first person most of us met upon starting the games, and his sweet, fatherly demeanor recruited many an athlete. He always took interest in everyone, generously offering encouragement and advice. He exemplified the ideal of a moral man, living an honorable life that was leavened with a gentleness of spirit that was truly exceptional. We are deeply thankful for the three years we were privileged to know him.

Dear Cletus, we miss you dreadfully and will always keep your memory alive in our hearts. May you find peaceful repose in the arms of your God. Good-bye old scout.

Joan, Laura, and August Cederstrand

From: NCOUSMC@aol.com
To: jardine@slip.net
Subject: Cletus
Jim:

Once again I would like to thank you for your help with Cletus' passing. I think we sent him off the way he would have wanted.

I drive by GG cemetary everyday and waive "Hi" to our friend at each passing. If I can help you or the Caledonian Club of San Francisco in any way in the future, please feel free to call on me, no matter what the task.

John Hollis Sawtelle

Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 21:22:32 EDT
From: TackneyNY@aol.com
To: jardine@slip.net
Subject: Web Spot

I surfed on your web spot--I had a kidney transplant in 95.  I'm so sorry this man passed away--waiting for an organ.  Everyone PLEASE sign your organ donation cards and tell your family of your wishes!!  Maybe then our loved ones who wait for organs will not have to wait any longer!!

Donna Tackney

Copyright (C) Jim Jardine and The Caledonian Club of San Francisco 1998-2007
Last updated June, 2007. Comments or questions?