William Randall Clow

William Randall "Randy" Clow

Born May 27, 1924 in Ukiah, CA; passed away November 14, 2015 in Portland, OR at age 91. Randy was raised on a sheep ranch in Willits, CA, adjacent to the Ridgewood Ranch of Seabiscuit fame. The Clow family were early pioneers of Anderson Valley, CA (Mendocino County). He graduated from Willits High School in 1941 at age 17. While attending University of California at Berkeley Randy played Rugby and Basketball and was involved in FFA.

At 17 Randy enlisted in the Marine Corp. during WWII. He served as a Radio-Gunner, Aviation Squadron VMB-613, the only Marine Corp squadron to employ the cannon-armed PBJ-1H in combat. He also qualified as a rifle expert. During his service Randy was stationed in the Pacific on Kwajalein atoll, receiving various medals including the AIR MEDAL for a series of meritorious acts while participating in aerial flight in the Central Pacific. During basic training in Jacksonville Florida Randy broke his arm and was delayed in dispatching to service. Once Randy was released for duty he asked the commander if he could be reunited with his squadron. He was told if he could be packed and on the tarmac in 15 minutes he could catch a plane leaving for "Kwaj." He made it! And every time he told the story he would say it was a lousy packing job, as he just threw everything into the duffle bag; but he wasn't about to miss getting to serve with "his men". He made life long friends with the men he served with, enjoying many reunions through out the years. He was honorably discharged March 14, 1946 with the rank of Sergeant.

After returning from service, Randy completed his education at UCLA, graduating with a BA in philosophy. He returned to the Bay Area.

Randy married Marion Catherine Littlefield on December 26, 1949. They were a blind date, and I believe their first date was a football game with Berkeley and Stanford. Marion worked for a union and helped Randy get a job as a Press Helper for a large printing company, Moore Business Forms in Emeryville, CA. At the time Randy thought this would be a temporary job until something better came along, but pouring himself into it (as he did with all things) he soon started to move up, working as a Pressman, Press Supervisor, Layout/Prelim Dept. Supervisor and Order Planning Supervisor. In 1973 Randy was transferred to Twin Falls Idaho. Sometime in 1977 Randy was given an opportunity to change companies and was hired as Plant Manager for Duplex Products, Inc. in Santa Ana, CA. After Randy retired, he and Marion enjoyed travelling abroad, and through out the U.S. in their RV. They had two children, Steven Ames Clow and Anne Marie Clow. They were married until Marion's death April 20, 1997.

Randy met Roberta S. Bunnell in 1998 in Oceanside, Oregon while vacationing. They had a lot in common and enjoyed a long-distance courtship and were married August 21, 1999 in Oceanside, OR. They lived in Lake San Marcos, CA, Fallbrook, CA, Willits, CA, then to Oregon in November 2011. They enjoyed travelling to visit friends and family in their motorhome. They had 16 happy years together. Randy was indeed blessed to have found not just one, but two wonderful ladies to love.

Preceded in death by Maron C. Clow and sister Better Carver.
Survived by wife Roberta Clow, son Steven Clow and wife Mayumi; daughter Anne Clow. Step Sons Larry Bunnell, Terry Bunnell, Lee Bunnell and Step Daughter Lynne Irwin and husband Randy; Sister and brother in law: Phil and Vernetta Barnett and Archie and Marie Anderson; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Randy was very well loved and will be greatly missed.

Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held Friday November 20, 1:30pm at The United Methodist Church, 168 N.E. 8th Ave., Hillsboro, Oregon. A reception will follow with light refreshments and photo displays with memorabilia.