I drove his school bus when I was in college and he was a student at Douglas Freeman HS. He reminded me of that at a law school alumni judges breakfast when he announced it  to everyone to great laughter. Great fellow. Always enjoyed being with him. 

I learned to know Rick when I worked as Mrs Claybrook’s caregiver. I enjoyed his memories of Bridgewater College. I enjoyed his stories, his laughter, his knowledge and eating the food I prepared with no complaints. My condolences to Mrs. Claybrook, Helen and Doug and the nephews. 
Carolyn Grasse 
First Choice Home Health 

RICKY we grew up together.  Cousins so close in age.  You sent met images while I worked at the landfill. VI hope between  the two of us we set some one the right path.  I know the McNeal in us had it in us.  I will miss you.  

Sorry to learn that Rick Claybrook, as I knew him for only about 5 years at Asbury, will not have more springs to photograph the cherry tree framing Asbury from across the street at the cafe...one of his favorite shots. Along with being a wise judge, he was a superb photographer with a great eye.

Rick was a great friend to the law enforcement community.  He was always there for us and willing to help in any way, be it professional or personal.  He will be greatly missed by all of us.  Rick was a fantastic person and his life will be celebrated by his friends forever. He is unforgettable.

I grew up with "Ricky", and as cousins we played together.   His sense of humor was present from childhood.  He could make you laugh by playing the old pump organ like a circus grinder,  or retelling an event with his humorist twist.  Will miss the laughter. 

Rick was a very dedicated to serving our Community, with fellowship and Goodwill. He was always willing to help in anyway he could for the Ruritan. He was a very caring person. The last email I got from him was when I was in the hospital with COVID-19 and he was wishing me to get better. RIP my friend 

Rick and I met while we were on Governor John N. Dalton's staff and bonded a lasting friendship through all these years forward.   His sense of humor, kindness, and loyalty were ever present...a true gentleman who never wavered from his faith and family,   I shall fondly remember this good man.   My sincere condolences to all during this difficult time.

Words cannot express how shocked I was to hear of Judge Claybrook’s passing. He has been a friend to me since I first made his acquaintance in the late ‘80’s. He along with others were instrumental in my decision to pursue and subsequently become Harrisonburg GOP chair in 1990. He was always willing to lend a hand and was always such a source of encouragement to me. I will miss his wit and his friendship. May God bless and comfort his family.

Judge Claybrook, was a colleague and friend  of mine for over 30 years, he was a good judge, a respected attorney, and most of all a fine gentleman , He will be missed. 

The Honorable Richard Claybrook (Rick) was a dear friend.  His love of church and his faith in his Lord was strong.  His participation in the life and ministry of Asbury UMC was  exemplary.  He will be missed.  His respect for the law and his steadfastness in his belief were admirable.  God bless, dear friend.

Rick was a pleasure to work with.  His laughter was infectious.  I had a real sense that he enjoyed life and all it had to offer.  I am very sorry his life was cut short.  My condolences to his mother, family friends and fellow lawyers.  

Mrs.C, Helen and family and Ann, 

I was shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of Rick. He will be deeply missed.

All my love and prayers, 

Rainey
First Choice Home Healrh

I just learned of Rick's passing. I always enjoyed working with Rick; when he was a practicing  attorney; when he was with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office; and then especially when he became a judge. He was always enjoyable to be around. He was fair in his assessment of cases whether as a CA or as a judge and his humor and cheerful spirit were always ever present. 
We  shared a special bond over one particular client whom I always seemed to represent and he always seemed to prosecute. I will miss Rick  greatly. 

Angie and I wish to express our most sincere sympathy and condolences for Rick's family and friends.  Rick was our friend, colleague, and fellow public servant. We shall always remember his dedication and care for the citizens of Rockingham County, Harrisonburg, and Virginia. We will remember his humor, good nature, and fun loving spirit. We thank God for Rick, and a life well lived. We will fondly remember our trips together with Rick to the Urbanna Oyster Festival, Shad Planking, Ruritan Meetings, and many Republican dinners and rallies before his service as Judge of the 26th Judicial District. Rest in Peace friend! 

Steve and Angie Landes

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Claybrook family and friends of Rick. Rick was a wonderful family friend. Very close to my parents Dee and Martha Floyd. Also our lawyer. The world will be a lesser place without him. You will be missed Rick. ❤️🙏🙏

My deepest condolences to the Claybrook family! Rick was a wonderful  colleague and dear friend! He always had a warm and welcoming smile! I have so many fond memories of Rick both in the courtroom and in the community! Heaven gained a beautiful angel! Rest in peace Rick, until we meet again!

I am proud to call Rick a friend of mine and my entire family dating back to  the early 1990's. My father Tom Murphy was his pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church.  Rick was a mentor of mine while I served as a Harrisonburg City Police Officer and again as a Virginia State Trooper. He represented me and the citizens of Virginia on many criminal cases over the years. We had many moments with one another from training with one another to meals. We shared laughter and always talked about our families. He always took an interest in me and asked how my children and parents were doing. I will always remember the friendship we shared (Both on and off duty from our jobs) and was so shocked and saddened to hear about his death. He will be sorely missed by me and the rest of his friends and I hope that he has now found peace in heaven.  Rest in Peace my friend...!!!!!!!!!

Rick taught the Francis Asbury SS Class at Asbury UMC for the last several years. Since September,  he taught every Sunday. While also teaching the lesson,  he shared many stories about his extended family near Lively, Va. His sense of humor and loyalty to church and family was obvious. Recently, upon the death of a class member, he noted, "We will never know what happens until it is our time." I firmly believe Rick is in the arms of Jesus. He was taken way too soon. Rick, my friend,  you will be GREATLY missed.

Rick was a great man, and a wonderful Ruritan. Which is where I got to know him. for the past several years we had served on the Zone board together. Rick was someone who always helped  it could be advice or showing up. Last year I asked rick if he would be our officiant at our small wedding. He graciously accepted right away, he worked with us on our wishes for the ceremony which meant the world.  He will be deeply missed by many in this community. My condolences for his family. May he Rest in Peace.  

Rick was one of the first people I met at Bridgewater in September, 1970 when we both were freshmen.  To the day before he died we have remained friends and in regular contact.  His last email to me was Monday evening and I did not have a chance to respond before learning of his death. 
   I was very proud of his career as a caring public servant, both for the Commonwealth's Attorney's office and the Virginia courts as a Judge.  He tried his best to be both fair and compassionate in deciding cases, and I know how that weighed on him.  In addition, he loved BC and served it in many roles for most of his post-college life.  I will miss him greatly.   My condolences to his family.  Jeff Heppard, BC '74

He was a sweet man. I met him through working with his mom. Prayers with the family

I worked with Judge Claybrook both in Shenandoah Co GD Court and Frederick Winchester GD Court.  He was such a nice, pleasant, and jolly soul.  Sure going to miss him.  Prayers to the family.

The Albertson hearts are hurting for you. He has been a part of our lives since we started in Harrisonburg....
Today our family lost a much beloved “Uncle Rick”. He became a part of our family in the early 1990s when Dennis was starting at HPD, being his weekend “date” in the patrol car. He was instrumental in my move to the CWA’s office in the Victim-Witness program. When we moved to Broadway he bought the house next door, and he “hired” the kids to do his yard work. He married Andrew and Sarah not once,but twice, in the middle of a pandemic. And every year it was a race to see who would call whom first on our birthday - and who could sing the loudest. He always had a story to tell and a twinkle in his eye. I will miss his laugh (and snorts), his generous spirit, and his oversized heart. RIP RAC

Libby, Ann and family, I am shocked and saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. This truly breaks my heart. Hugs and prayers for you all. 

Jenny Cubbage
Former First Choice employee

OBITUARY

The Honorable Richard Allen Claybrook, Jr.

13 May, 1952 – 16 November, 2021

Lindsey Funeral Homes

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