George Ray Clawson

George Ray Clawson passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 12, 2009. He was born on September 28, 1925 to Ray Clawson and Veva Harker in Shelley, Idaho. He was raised in Charlo, Montana with his siblings Veva, Orilla, Marion, Rone, Jack, Myrtle and Beth. When he was 16 years old, his mother passed away so he lived with relatives in Shelley until his Aunt Leah invited him to be a part of her family. He called her his "second mother." George's father Ray later married Margaret Lieshman, combing his family with her six children. George left high school in order to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II; Aunt Leah walked through the high school graduation line in his place. He was in the Pacific Theater on the USS Alhena (AKA 9) as a Motor Machinist Mate II. After the War in 1946, George was called on an LDS mission to New Zealand where he was greatly loved and was given the honored Maori name of "Korohana," which means "Old Man" or a tribal leader. He learned to speak the Maori language and was later privileged to participate in the Maori LDS temple film. For many years he entertained audiences by doing Maori war dances (haka) and telling of his love of New Zealand and its people. Our family gatherings still include a haka. George met a beautiful blonde from Shelley, Idaho and pledged his love to her for all eternity. George married Helma "Margene" Andersen in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1951. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's degree in refrigeration and air conditioning. During college, George became a commissioned officer in the Air Force Reserves. The Clawsons lived in Salt Lake City, Bountiful and Spanish Fork, Utah before moving to Idaho, where they resided in Twin Falls and Hazelton, and then settled in Twin Falls. George was one of the first teachers hired by the new College of Southern Idaho. He taught refrigeration and air conditioning until he retired in 1991. He subsequently earned two Master's degrees. Six children were born to George and Margene: Ron (Sharalee), Luan Zenk (Stan), Lynn (Connie), Arlene Madsen (Duff), Sally Richardson (Corky), Chad (Penny Buckland). He has 21 grandchildren and 4-1/2 great-grandchildren. George left a legacy of love for his posterity; he never doubted his testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and his children knew that. George served in many capacities in the LDS Church including Scoutmaster, Bishop, Counselor, Stake Mission President, Sunday School teacher, High Councilor and Priest's teacher. George encouraged his children and grandchildren to gain an education and to serve missions. He was always a missionary and loved teaching the gospel; he would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and it always led back to the Church. George and Margene served four missions together: Rapid City, South Dakota; Auckland, New Zealand; Cove Fort, Utah; and Palmyra, New York. George was a great advocate of the Boy Scouts. As Scoutmaster he helped several boys earn their Eagle rank. He was also advancement chairman and was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of scouting service. George loved being outdoors. He camped and fished whenever he had a chance. He loved watching his garden grow; on summer evenings you could always find him outside with his pants rolled up, pulling weeds and checking on his vegetables. He grew a huge garden and was eager to share his bounty with neighbors. George had twinkling eyes and an infectious smile. Four years ago he suffered a stroke during knee surgery and since that time has been cared for by his loving wife, Margene, who rarely left his side. Many thanks to all who have helped during these past few years with meals and rides and "grandpa-sitting services." George is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Veva and Beth and brother Jack. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel on Hankins Road North, Twin Falls, Idaho, with a viewing beginning one hour prior to the services. On Friday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. friends and family will be welcome at Parke's Funeral Home. Interment will be in Goshen, Idaho following services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boy Scouts of America, the Church Missionary Fund, or the Perpetual Education Fund. We love you Dad.