Obituary: Jon Simpson Clendenin
Born on August 15, 1930, Jon Simpson Clendenin set sail for the last time on October 31, 2011. Anyone who ever met Jon would agree that he was the greatest of fellows and a stranger to none.
Born in Sacramento, Jon spent his youth wandering the dockyards of the Oakland Estuary with his dad, Elmer, traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco on the steam wheeler riverboats, driving up to Tahoe for weekends of skiing. He enjoyed the opening ceremonies of both the Bay Bridge and the Worldand#8217;s Fair on Treasure Island. From the age of 11 Jon enjoyed sailing on and around the San Francisco Bay and Lake Tahoe. Both pleasure sailing and racing took him to places around the globe, participating in such recess as the Trans Pacific Regatta to Hawaii and the Trans Tahoe out of Sunnyside in the 70and#8217;s. Waterskiing in Hurricane Bay, or skiing as a Volunteer ski patrolman at Tahoe Ski Bowl, he loved life to the fullest
In 1962 he founded Nova Industries, Inc. a firm that designed, produced and restored high quality custom light fixtures for forty years.
Jon leaves behind his loving wife Maggie of 29 years, his 3 daughters, (from his former wife Dottie Rademakers, who preceded him in death) Heather Clendenin Anttila (David Anttila) of Mill Valley Ca., Heidi Clendenin Leeds (Phillip Leeds) of Jackson Hole Wy., and Hilari Clendenin Governor of Truckee Ca. His 3 adoring grandchildren: Eliel Anttila, Ellery and Hayden Leeds, also his sister and brotherand#8211;in-law Barbara and Richard Hammond, nephews Robert Ramsey III, Colin Hammond and niece Lisa Hammond.
We hope you will remember Jonand#8217;s smile, his laugh and his generous spirit, he will be sorely missed.
Donations can be made to the Encinal Junior Sailing Foundation, Encinal Yacht Club, 1251 Pacific Marina, Alameda Ca. 94501.
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