Clifford Galen LaMear

Clifford Galen LaMear passed away peacefully from Alzheimer-related causes at Columbia Memorial Hospital, with his beloved wife Arline by his side. He was 85 years old.

Cliff, who went by the name Galen in his early years, was born in Astoria, Oregon to Anna Belle and Clifford Vern LaMear. Cliff received his high school diploma in West Seattle, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University, and a Master Degree in Professional Engineering from the University of Utah.

With his first wife he had three daughters – Jina Marie, Amy Kathleen, and Spring Gale. The family lived on Guam while Cliff worked as a civilian for the Navy, and he worked for the Veterans Administration as Chief Engineer of hospitals in San Fernando, Helena, Salt Lake City, and Portland.

After retirement, Cliff found himself back in Astoria, the city of his birth, where he met Arline Joan Bauska. They married in 1999 on the replica of the Endeavor, the first ship sailed by Capt. James Cook on his voyages. The couple wore period costumes, and Cliff was dapper in his tricorn hat.

Committed to community involvement, Cliff and Arline were Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for 13 years. Before a stroke limited his speech, he read to children in the SMART Program and worked on several committees and boards of the Astoria Public Library. Cliff was an inveterate bridge player and achieved Life Master Status. Until dementia took its toll, Cliff and Arline traveled in Europe (Turkey was his favorite) and throughout the U.S. A passionate democrat and reader, he loved his dog Tavish, chocolate, and most of all, his family.

Valuing education, Cliff supported his children’s and grandchildren’s college aspirations. He was known by all as supremely warm-hearted and a good listener.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Phillip, and his granddaughter Emerald.  He is survived by his wife Arline LaMear; daughters Jina LaMear, Amy Thomas, and Spring Liberty (Matt); stepsons Todd and Scott Luton; and grandchildren Aurora and Emerson Thomas, and William LaMear.

A celebration of life will be held July 24 at the Astoria Senior Center, 2 to 4 p.m.

Many thanks to the staff at Astor Place Assisted Living Community. Donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Astoria Public Library Foundation, or Clatsop CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).