This is my Grandpa.
Clyde Allen Monteith was born July 25, 1922 in Weiser, Idaho and passed away Jul 1, 1992, in Portland, Oregon.
(Most of this was taken by the eulogy given by Richard Monteith)
During his early years, he lived in various towns in Idaho and Oregon and joined the US Navy August 13, 1940, at age of 18.
During his 6 years in the Navy, he served mainly aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CV-6, which participated in almost every air battle in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Clyde's rank was QM1, Quartermaster 1st Class. His position was at the helm of the ship.
The Enterprise was one of the most heavily decorated ships in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dad's battle station during all of this history-making combat was at the wheel of the ship, in the pilot house, steering the ship. this special vantage point caused much of the danger and risk faced by the ship over those four years of war to be deeply impressed upon Dad, which contributed later in his life to his stress and nervousness.
The Enterprise was the flagship of Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, fleet commander, who was a good officer and very famous. Dad was proud to have served with Admiral Halsey. In addition to seeing admiral Halsey regularly, since Dad was part of the navigation division aboard the ship, Dad had an additional duty of winding a number of designated clocks aboard the ship each day, including the clock in Admiral Halsey's cabin.
On one occasion, when Dad approached the cabin to wind the clock, the armed Marine at the door refused to let Dad in. Dad explained why he had to go in, but the Marine still refused. Dad left, having done his best. Within a couple of hours, Dad was summoned to the Admiral's cabin. Upon entering the cabin, Dad was at first a little surprised to find Admiral Halsey, already a famous and powerful man, waiting in his underwear. The Admiral asked Dad how he expected him to run a war in the Pacific if he didn't even know what time it was. Dad explained that he tried to get in to wind the clock, but was unable to do so. The Admiral accepted the explanation and told Dad he would make sure that there were no further interference by the Marines, and there was not.
During this time Dad saw a lot of death and destruction, including the deaths of a number of his shipmates aboard the Enterprise. Sometime during the war Dad wrote the following poem about death:
I have looked upon the face of death
And found there naught to fear.
Perhaps 'tis but the fear of death
That makes our lives so dear.
Many times I have met with him
And seen him turn away
Each time, I admit, I have given thanks
To live another day.
But why? When often that extra day
Has turned to a living hell,
And I have wished that I, too, lay
With shipmates who sadly fell.
So often I've seen that gruesome shade
That defiantly i stand
I see him watch me come so close
Then turn from my outstretched hand.
I wonder what is in store for me
That death must pass me by
How long, how far, what place is marked
For my time and place to die.
Each day the sweet sun shines on me
I'll live it with a will
A measure of joy, a measure of love
The purpose of life fulfill.
But, soon or late the day must come
That the dreaded shadow fall
Across my path in the light of day
How will I heed the call?
So many must die while very young
And so few with dignity
I wonder how I shall meet with him,
When he shall call for me.
By CLYDE A. MONTEITH
On March 29, 1945, he was married to Elda Hatt in San Francisco, California. Two days after his discharge from the Navy, his first child, Richard Alan Monteith
was born, August 14, 1946 in San Francisco, California.
Becky Ann Monteith
was born April 23, 1949 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Keith Edward Monteith was born February 16, 1952 in Portland, Oregon.
Dad worked in the coal mines as a neon apprentice until 1950 in and around Rock Springs, Wyoming. Those who worked with him were impressed with his precise and methodical way of working, and with his ability to read and commit to memory precise directions, including measurements down to small fractions of an inch. Dad was working once with Carl Rees Boyer, Mom's brother-in-law and the two disagreed over a measurement of a particular part of what they were building. The disagreement continued until Dad suggested to Uncle Rees that he go and check the plans. When Uncle Rees checked, he found, of course, Dad was right. Uncle Rees chuckled later as he retold the story as an example of Dad's good memory for details.
Moving to Portland, Oregon in 1950, Dad worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad for the next 22 years, retiring in 1972 because of stress built up during the war and never completely released.
In December 1955, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was subsequently ordained to the office of an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. He served as a member of the Sunday School Presidency, and as an adviser in the Young Men's program, and as an instructor in genealogical research.
At various times in his life, Dad enjoyed camping, needlepoint, computerized strategic games, mountain climbing, travel, writing poetry and doing genealogical research.
Dad gave many things to his children, including desire for education, a love for genealogy, an ability to work precisely and diligently, and his constant loyalty and encouragement to do right. his love of poetry, and for writing, are some other gifts to us. Some of them are passed on unawares. I have two sons who write constantly, filling notebooks with long and involved stories. i used to wonder where they came by such an urge.
Dad's own unquenchable loyalty was his gift to those he held dear. His closest friend all his life, and the only one who returned to him the kind of loyalty he offered, was his wife, Elda. We are all thankful to her steadfastness and faithfulness to Dad and all she did for him. During his last years, they traveled together, enjoyed scenery in Mexico, Hawaii, British Columbia and the western United States, and visiting friends and family.
Dad's health has not been good for years. high blood pressure along with the strain of his heart, had caused his life to loose much of the quality it once had. Mom bore much of the strain of caring for him, and though his last years were physically difficult, she did her best to make him comfortable.
Clyde Allen Monteith was born July 25, 1922 in Weiser, Idaho and passed away Jul 1, 1992, in Portland, Oregon.
(Most of this was taken by the eulogy given by Richard Monteith)
During his early years, he lived in various towns in Idaho and Oregon and joined the US Navy August 13, 1940, at age of 18.
During his 6 years in the Navy, he served mainly aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CV-6, which participated in almost every air battle in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Clyde's rank was QM1, Quartermaster 1st Class. His position was at the helm of the ship.
The Enterprise was one of the most heavily decorated ships in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dad's battle station during all of this history-making combat was at the wheel of the ship, in the pilot house, steering the ship. this special vantage point caused much of the danger and risk faced by the ship over those four years of war to be deeply impressed upon Dad, which contributed later in his life to his stress and nervousness.
The Enterprise was the flagship of Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, fleet commander, who was a good officer and very famous. Dad was proud to have served with Admiral Halsey. In addition to seeing admiral Halsey regularly, since Dad was part of the navigation division aboard the ship, Dad had an additional duty of winding a number of designated clocks aboard the ship each day, including the clock in Admiral Halsey's cabin.
On one occasion, when Dad approached the cabin to wind the clock, the armed Marine at the door refused to let Dad in. Dad explained why he had to go in, but the Marine still refused. Dad left, having done his best. Within a couple of hours, Dad was summoned to the Admiral's cabin. Upon entering the cabin, Dad was at first a little surprised to find Admiral Halsey, already a famous and powerful man, waiting in his underwear. The Admiral asked Dad how he expected him to run a war in the Pacific if he didn't even know what time it was. Dad explained that he tried to get in to wind the clock, but was unable to do so. The Admiral accepted the explanation and told Dad he would make sure that there were no further interference by the Marines, and there was not.
During this time Dad saw a lot of death and destruction, including the deaths of a number of his shipmates aboard the Enterprise. Sometime during the war Dad wrote the following poem about death:
I have looked upon the face of death
And found there naught to fear.
Perhaps 'tis but the fear of death
That makes our lives so dear.
Many times I have met with him
And seen him turn away
Each time, I admit, I have given thanks
To live another day.
But why? When often that extra day
Has turned to a living hell,
And I have wished that I, too, lay
With shipmates who sadly fell.
So often I've seen that gruesome shade
That defiantly i stand
I see him watch me come so close
Then turn from my outstretched hand.
I wonder what is in store for me
That death must pass me by
How long, how far, what place is marked
For my time and place to die.
Each day the sweet sun shines on me
I'll live it with a will
A measure of joy, a measure of love
The purpose of life fulfill.
But, soon or late the day must come
That the dreaded shadow fall
Across my path in the light of day
How will I heed the call?
So many must die while very young
And so few with dignity
I wonder how I shall meet with him,
When he shall call for me.
By CLYDE A. MONTEITH
On March 29, 1945, he was married to Elda Hatt in San Francisco, California. Two days after his discharge from the Navy, his first child, Richard Alan Monteith
was born, August 14, 1946 in San Francisco, California.
Becky Ann Monteith
was born April 23, 1949 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Keith Edward Monteith was born February 16, 1952 in Portland, Oregon.
Dad worked in the coal mines as a neon apprentice until 1950 in and around Rock Springs, Wyoming. Those who worked with him were impressed with his precise and methodical way of working, and with his ability to read and commit to memory precise directions, including measurements down to small fractions of an inch. Dad was working once with Carl Rees Boyer, Mom's brother-in-law and the two disagreed over a measurement of a particular part of what they were building. The disagreement continued until Dad suggested to Uncle Rees that he go and check the plans. When Uncle Rees checked, he found, of course, Dad was right. Uncle Rees chuckled later as he retold the story as an example of Dad's good memory for details.
Moving to Portland, Oregon in 1950, Dad worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad for the next 22 years, retiring in 1972 because of stress built up during the war and never completely released.
In December 1955, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was subsequently ordained to the office of an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. He served as a member of the Sunday School Presidency, and as an adviser in the Young Men's program, and as an instructor in genealogical research.
At various times in his life, Dad enjoyed camping, needlepoint, computerized strategic games, mountain climbing, travel, writing poetry and doing genealogical research.
Dad gave many things to his children, including desire for education, a love for genealogy, an ability to work precisely and diligently, and his constant loyalty and encouragement to do right. his love of poetry, and for writing, are some other gifts to us. Some of them are passed on unawares. I have two sons who write constantly, filling notebooks with long and involved stories. i used to wonder where they came by such an urge.
Dad's own unquenchable loyalty was his gift to those he held dear. His closest friend all his life, and the only one who returned to him the kind of loyalty he offered, was his wife, Elda. We are all thankful to her steadfastness and faithfulness to Dad and all she did for him. During his last years, they traveled together, enjoyed scenery in Mexico, Hawaii, British Columbia and the western United States, and visiting friends and family.
Dad's health has not been good for years. high blood pressure along with the strain of his heart, had caused his life to loose much of the quality it once had. Mom bore much of the strain of caring for him, and though his last years were physically difficult, she did her best to make him comfortable.
This is my Grandpa.
Clyde Allen Monteith was born July 25, 1922 in Weiser, Idaho and passed away Jul 1, 1992, in Portland, Oregon.
(Most of this was taken by the eulogy given by Richard Monteith)
During his early years, he lived in various towns in Idaho and Oregon and joined the US Navy August 13, 1940, at age of 18.
During his 6 years in the Navy, he served mainly aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CV-6, which participated in almost every air battle in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Clyde's rank was QM1, Quartermaster 1st Class. His position was at the helm of the ship.
The Enterprise was one of the most heavily decorated ships in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dad's battle station during all of this history-making combat was at the wheel of the ship, in the pilot house, steering the ship. this special vantage point caused much of the danger and risk faced by the ship over those four years of war to be deeply impressed upon Dad, which contributed later in his life to his stress and nervousness.
The Enterprise was the flagship of Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, fleet commander, who was a good officer and very famous. Dad was proud to have served with Admiral Halsey. In addition to seeing admiral Halsey regularly, since Dad was part of the navigation division aboard the ship, Dad had an additional duty of winding a number of designated clocks aboard the ship each day, including the clock in Admiral Halsey's cabin.
On one occasion, when Dad approached the cabin to wind the clock, the armed Marine at the door refused to let Dad in. Dad explained why he had to go in, but the Marine still refused. Dad left, having done his best. Within a couple of hours, Dad was summoned to the Admiral's cabin. Upon entering the cabin, Dad was at first a little surprised to find Admiral Halsey, already a famous and powerful man, waiting in his underwear. The Admiral asked Dad how he expected him to run a war in the Pacific if he didn't even know what time it was. Dad explained that he tried to get in to wind the clock, but was unable to do so. The Admiral accepted the explanation and told Dad he would make sure that there were no further interference by the Marines, and there was not.
During this time Dad saw a lot of death and destruction, including the deaths of a number of his shipmates aboard the Enterprise. Sometime during the war Dad wrote the following poem about death:
I have looked upon the face of death
And found there naught to fear.
Perhaps 'tis but the fear of death
That makes our lives so dear.
Many times I have met with him
And seen him turn away
Each time, I admit, I have given thanks
To live another day.
But why? When often that extra day
Has turned to a living hell,
And I have wished that I, too, lay
With shipmates who sadly fell.
So often I've seen that gruesome shade
That defiantly i stand
I see him watch me come so close
Then turn from my outstretched hand.
I wonder what is in store for me
That death must pass me by
How long, how far, what place is marked
For my time and place to die.
Each day the sweet sun shines on me
I'll live it with a will
A measure of joy, a measure of love
The purpose of life fulfill.
But, soon or late the day must come
That the dreaded shadow fall
Across my path in the light of day
How will I heed the call?
So many must die while very young
And so few with dignity
I wonder how I shall meet with him,
When he shall call for me.
By CLYDE A. MONTEITH
On March 29, 1945, he was married to Elda Hatt in San Francisco, California. Two days after his discharge from the Navy, his first child, Richard Alan Monteith
was born, August 14, 1946 in San Francisco, California.
Becky Ann Monteith
was born April 23, 1949 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Keith Edward Monteith was born February 16, 1952 in Portland, Oregon.
Dad worked in the coal mines as a neon apprentice until 1950 in and around Rock Springs, Wyoming. Those who worked with him were impressed with his precise and methodical way of working, and with his ability to read and commit to memory precise directions, including measurements down to small fractions of an inch. Dad was working once with Carl Rees Boyer, Mom's brother-in-law and the two disagreed over a measurement of a particular part of what they were building. The disagreement continued until Dad suggested to Uncle Rees that he go and check the plans. When Uncle Rees checked, he found, of course, Dad was right. Uncle Rees chuckled later as he retold the story as an example of Dad's good memory for details.
Moving to Portland, Oregon in 1950, Dad worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad for the next 22 years, retiring in 1972 because of stress built up during the war and never completely released.
In December 1955, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was subsequently ordained to the office of an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. He served as a member of the Sunday School Presidency, and as an adviser in the Young Men's program, and as an instructor in genealogical research.
At various times in his life, Dad enjoyed camping, needlepoint, computerized strategic games, mountain climbing, travel, writing poetry and doing genealogical research.
Dad gave many things to his children, including desire for education, a love for genealogy, an ability to work precisely and diligently, and his constant loyalty and encouragement to do right. his love of poetry, and for writing, are some other gifts to us. Some of them are passed on unawares. I have two sons who write constantly, filling notebooks with long and involved stories. i used to wonder where they came by such an urge.
Dad's own unquenchable loyalty was his gift to those he held dear. His closest friend all his life, and the only one who returned to him the kind of loyalty he offered, was his wife, Elda. We are all thankful to her steadfastness and faithfulness to Dad and all she did for him. During his last years, they traveled together, enjoyed scenery in Mexico, Hawaii, British Columbia and the western United States, and visiting friends and family.
Dad's health has not been good for years. high blood pressure along with the strain of his heart, had caused his life to loose much of the quality it once had. Mom bore much of the strain of caring for him, and though his last years were physically difficult, she did her best to make him comfortable.
Clyde Allen Monteith was born July 25, 1922 in Weiser, Idaho and passed away Jul 1, 1992, in Portland, Oregon.
(Most of this was taken by the eulogy given by Richard Monteith)
During his early years, he lived in various towns in Idaho and Oregon and joined the US Navy August 13, 1940, at age of 18.
During his 6 years in the Navy, he served mainly aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CV-6, which participated in almost every air battle in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Clyde's rank was QM1, Quartermaster 1st Class. His position was at the helm of the ship.
The Enterprise was one of the most heavily decorated ships in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dad's battle station during all of this history-making combat was at the wheel of the ship, in the pilot house, steering the ship. this special vantage point caused much of the danger and risk faced by the ship over those four years of war to be deeply impressed upon Dad, which contributed later in his life to his stress and nervousness.
The Enterprise was the flagship of Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, fleet commander, who was a good officer and very famous. Dad was proud to have served with Admiral Halsey. In addition to seeing admiral Halsey regularly, since Dad was part of the navigation division aboard the ship, Dad had an additional duty of winding a number of designated clocks aboard the ship each day, including the clock in Admiral Halsey's cabin.
On one occasion, when Dad approached the cabin to wind the clock, the armed Marine at the door refused to let Dad in. Dad explained why he had to go in, but the Marine still refused. Dad left, having done his best. Within a couple of hours, Dad was summoned to the Admiral's cabin. Upon entering the cabin, Dad was at first a little surprised to find Admiral Halsey, already a famous and powerful man, waiting in his underwear. The Admiral asked Dad how he expected him to run a war in the Pacific if he didn't even know what time it was. Dad explained that he tried to get in to wind the clock, but was unable to do so. The Admiral accepted the explanation and told Dad he would make sure that there were no further interference by the Marines, and there was not.
During this time Dad saw a lot of death and destruction, including the deaths of a number of his shipmates aboard the Enterprise. Sometime during the war Dad wrote the following poem about death:
I have looked upon the face of death
And found there naught to fear.
Perhaps 'tis but the fear of death
That makes our lives so dear.
Many times I have met with him
And seen him turn away
Each time, I admit, I have given thanks
To live another day.
But why? When often that extra day
Has turned to a living hell,
And I have wished that I, too, lay
With shipmates who sadly fell.
So often I've seen that gruesome shade
That defiantly i stand
I see him watch me come so close
Then turn from my outstretched hand.
I wonder what is in store for me
That death must pass me by
How long, how far, what place is marked
For my time and place to die.
Each day the sweet sun shines on me
I'll live it with a will
A measure of joy, a measure of love
The purpose of life fulfill.
But, soon or late the day must come
That the dreaded shadow fall
Across my path in the light of day
How will I heed the call?
So many must die while very young
And so few with dignity
I wonder how I shall meet with him,
When he shall call for me.
By CLYDE A. MONTEITH
On March 29, 1945, he was married to Elda Hatt in San Francisco, California. Two days after his discharge from the Navy, his first child, Richard Alan Monteith
was born, August 14, 1946 in San Francisco, California.
Becky Ann Monteith
was born April 23, 1949 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Keith Edward Monteith was born February 16, 1952 in Portland, Oregon.
Dad worked in the coal mines as a neon apprentice until 1950 in and around Rock Springs, Wyoming. Those who worked with him were impressed with his precise and methodical way of working, and with his ability to read and commit to memory precise directions, including measurements down to small fractions of an inch. Dad was working once with Carl Rees Boyer, Mom's brother-in-law and the two disagreed over a measurement of a particular part of what they were building. The disagreement continued until Dad suggested to Uncle Rees that he go and check the plans. When Uncle Rees checked, he found, of course, Dad was right. Uncle Rees chuckled later as he retold the story as an example of Dad's good memory for details.
Moving to Portland, Oregon in 1950, Dad worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad for the next 22 years, retiring in 1972 because of stress built up during the war and never completely released.
In December 1955, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was subsequently ordained to the office of an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. He served as a member of the Sunday School Presidency, and as an adviser in the Young Men's program, and as an instructor in genealogical research.
At various times in his life, Dad enjoyed camping, needlepoint, computerized strategic games, mountain climbing, travel, writing poetry and doing genealogical research.
Dad gave many things to his children, including desire for education, a love for genealogy, an ability to work precisely and diligently, and his constant loyalty and encouragement to do right. his love of poetry, and for writing, are some other gifts to us. Some of them are passed on unawares. I have two sons who write constantly, filling notebooks with long and involved stories. i used to wonder where they came by such an urge.
Dad's own unquenchable loyalty was his gift to those he held dear. His closest friend all his life, and the only one who returned to him the kind of loyalty he offered, was his wife, Elda. We are all thankful to her steadfastness and faithfulness to Dad and all she did for him. During his last years, they traveled together, enjoyed scenery in Mexico, Hawaii, British Columbia and the western United States, and visiting friends and family.
Dad's health has not been good for years. high blood pressure along with the strain of his heart, had caused his life to loose much of the quality it once had. Mom bore much of the strain of caring for him, and though his last years were physically difficult, she did her best to make him comfortable.
Inscription
[Military Marker]
CLYDE ALLEN MONTEITH
QMI US NAVY
WORLD WAR II
JUL 25 1922 JUL 1 1992
