Gordon CLAPPISON, MD

CLAPPISON, KEEPERS, LEACH, KINCAID

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/12/2008 at 15:03:45

July 24, 1925 - November 8, 2008

SUBLIMITY - Gordon Clappison, M.D. died peacefully in his sleep on November 8 at his home in Sublimity, Oregon. He was 83. Dr. Clappison was born to Harry M. and Gladys B. Clappison at Dow City, Iowa on July 24, 1925. Dr. Clappison was the valedictorian when he graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1942. He attended Iowa State University for a year, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served three years, initially as a medic in New Guinea and the Philippines, and then with the Army of Occupation in Japan. Returning to Iowa State University, he finished a pre-medical course, and then went to the University of Iowa, where he received his medical degree. He was in general practice in DeWitt, Iowa for a time, before returning to Iowa City for a residency in anesthesiology. He later practiced in Yakima, Washington and in Salem, Oregon. Dr. Clappison had a life-long interest in flying. He learned to fly while he was still a student at Ames. He built two of the planes he flew and took one of these to the experimental aircraft show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He loved skiing, camping, and travel; he and Jean took many wonderful trips overseas. They also traveled to Alaska, Mexico, and many states with their travel trailer. He was famous among friends and family for his harmonica playing and poetry recitations.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Valerie Clappison and her husband, George Keepers; grandchildren, Miranda, George, and Gordon Keepers; and two sisters, Marian Leach of Omaha, Nebraska and Bonnie Kincaid of Guntersville, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia; his son, Brian; and his wife, Jean. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 in Portland Oregon. Please call Valerie at 503.679.9795 for details. Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon
11/12/2008