I also remember also his car restoration project, which impressed on me Uncle Scott's engineering mastery, mechanical know-how, ingenuity, and - most of all - his "super cool uncle" sense of style. On a family visit to Michigan he showed us into his garage. There we beheld the iconic '57 Chevy Bel-Air he was restoring. It's probably one of the 3 most beautiful cars ever made, and whenever I see one, I am instantly transported back to that garage. How many tools! How carefully each part was crafted! Uncle Scott, always a teacher, took the time to lift me up and show me the engine. He explained the difference between a generator and an alternator ("you could start this car with a dead battery by pushing it down a hill!") In some way I think that project, more even that my father's love of flying, inspired him to begin his own project to build his own aircraft. Always looking up to his big brother. 

Uncle Scott, you will be missed. You were taken from this Earth before your time, but while you were with us, you impressed on us the importance of family, humor, music, knowledge, and kindness. We were elevated by your life and we are diminished by our loss. Your memory will live on through our thoughts and actions. I will carry your memory on by remembering you in my relationship with my own brother, my father, and now as my own role as an Uncle to my nieces. 

My heartfelt condolences go out to you Jan, Alex, Ian, and Bryan, as you struggle with your loss.  


Jerry was my Uncle, though I always knew him as "Uncle Scott". Though it has been many years since I've seen him, I can still recall his bright smile clearly in my mind. I remember him as a deeply thoughtful person, who was also incredibly funny. When we would visit, I remember we would play guitar with my dad for hours and I was amazed at his incredible skill and beautiful voice. He would make me laugh until my belly hurt with his goofy and insightful humor.

One of my most recent memories of Uncle Scott is a day that I'll never forget. He came to visit our home in Virginia. My dad, who is a general aviation pilot, took Scott and me on a flight around the Washington DC area. I remember every detail of that day. I sat in the back seat and marveled at the similarities between them ("Uncle Scott, your hair is just like my dad's!"), and the differences ("Uncle Scott, why are you older than my dad, but he is taller?"). Mostly I remember the Harrier Jet. We landed at Marine Base Quantico, and as we disembarked and stood on the tarmac, there not 100 feet from where we stood, a Harrier jet was landing. The three of us stood there in silence, overwhelmed by the oppressive sound and incredible sight. Each of us, I think, took in the experience through our own lens. Scott, who I always thought had a keen engineering mind, must have marveled at one of the most amazing technological creations in aviation history. My father, whose passion for aviation is unparalleled, must have seen it through the eyes of a pilot. My own boyish wonder is hard to describe as an adult, seeing something that stayed with me all these years, I can now only describe as so unbelievably "cool". It was a moment in time that we experienced together. A moment I'll never forget. 

As I write this I am still in disbelief.  I am a friend of Jan's (Jerry's wife) and we work together.  This just doesn't seem real.  My heart and condolences goes out to Jan, Alex, Ian and Brian.  Jerry was one of a kind!  God broke the mold when he made Jerry.  I never seen a man more dedicated to taking care of his family than Jerry.   He had that agape (Godlike) love for his family and it showed.  Jerry treated Jan like a delicate flower.  I loved that about him.  If Jan had forgotten something at home, he was right there to bring it to her.  He was a man with a great mind.  Jan would always say, "Ask Jerry, he will know".  Always upbeat, pleasant and smiling when you saw him; he would even throw in a joke or two when he would come to visit Jan at work.  I told Jan many, many,  times, "I need me a Jerry"!  The last time I spoke to Jerry was one week before he was hospitalized.  I had laundered my remote control and Jan had mentioned it to Jerry and he told her how I could fix it.  She handed me a little four-way screwdriver and told me the instructions Jerry had given her to fix the remote.  So this particular day I see Jerry coming in the door with his warm smile and I said, "you just missed Jan, she's at lunch".   He said, "  I came to see you" and handed me two more little screwdrivers and told me to keep them.  I was so overjoyed with that little act of kindness that he displayed for me that day but that was Jerry 24-7.  I called Jan and told her, " she had the best husband in the world"!  He was a great man and we could all take a page out of his book.  I will miss his smile.  By the way,  the remote works now!  Thank you Jerry!  Love,  Arnetta and Family.

Condolences to Jan and boys and family: From the mid-to-late 1980's Jerry and I worked together at a little company called S & J Tech Data, producing operator and service manuals, technician training programs, reference books and diagnostic manuals -- mostly for Ford Motor Company. We got to be great friends and even after I moved back to Ohio, we would stay in touch. We shared a love of automobiles and motorcycles, and an enjoyment of anything mechanical.  He was best man when I got married, but our friendship lasted a lot longer than my marriage did. I was at a friend's wedding here in Ohio, Cindy Wagner, and she was marrying a Michigan guy named Rudy Ochs -- who turned out to be one of Jerry's best friends! I ran into Jerry at the reception, and we both nearly passed out! What a small world! Jerry was, by far, the smartest individual I have ever met in my life -- with a broad knowledge of MANY subjects. He could speak with great authority because of his well-read background and almost photographic memory. His great warmth, charm, and endless wit will be remembered forever. His loving, caring, conscientious nature is an example to all, as a life well-lived. Jerry, you will be deeply missed by SO many people! You will never truly know how many lives you have touched just by sharing your life with us. God bless you and keep you my friend. Until we meet again....

Jerry was a wonderful human being and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. When my youngest brother died last year Jerry was so supportive. I will be praying for peace for his family. What a tragic loss. The world lost a great one. Semper Fidelis Jerry, until we meet again my friend.


Dear Clinthorne Family,  We are so sorry to hear  of the great loss your family has had.    Life can be cruel to us it seems, and when good people leave us....well, I just have to shake my head and like everyone else , wonder why.   The world has lost another kind heart.   Stay strong together, the sun will shine for you all again... but maybe not quite as bright.                    Thinking of you.                                                                          The Rawlings Family

I worked with Jerry and I consided him a true friend. I will miss hearing his wit and sense of humor, and being around a gentleman. I never got to hear him play guitar or sing, it is my loss. My prayers are with his family RIP my fiend.

Dear Jan and boys.
                                          Your husband and father was a dear friend I will miss him saying hi to me when he would be in the backyard when I came outside to do work at the church. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. The world has lost a good man... MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!!

Gerry was always kind, helpful, and funny. We know he and Jan shared a deep devotion, love, and respect for each other. He was a good provider, a great father, and a wonderful man. Please accept our sincere condolences on his passing too soon from this life. 

Jerry was a man that freely gave of his time and talents.  I remember Jerry coming over and showing me how to replace my brakes on the old 79 Impala.  Jerry also taught me how to water ski.  And Jerry had a great relationship with my dad - he came to visit him often, especially when my dad was ill the last couple years of his life.  I recently saw Jerry at my father-in-law's funeral, but unfortunately didn't get a chance to say hello and thanks.

Our condolences and prayers to Jan and the boys. 

Roger, Marcy, and family

Mr. Clinthorne was a very great person. I remember years ago I had issues with my car, him and Ian drove all the way out to my house in New Baltimore in the middle of the night, dead of winter, to help. . It was just one silly bolt that wouldn't come lose, and I had spent hours stripping it. I was blown away when Mr. Clinthorne got down there and literally had the bolt off in minutes. . He was a very very smart man, and to this day I appreciate what hes done for me. . I also remember not even a few weeks ago, I dropped off my 3 month old heathen of a puppy so the Clinthorne family could babysit him for the night, for me. . . I remember that day Mr. Clinthorne came home and was so kind and sweet to my pup, as if he was just a part of the puppy family (Despite the fact that the pup was an untrained tyrant at the time). I can't believe he's gone, the entire Clinthorne family is in my thoughts and prayers, every second of the day. Love you guys. 

I first heard of Gerry through my friend and coworker at Raytheon Big Lou Noble.  He would always talk about how Gerry did this, or that and how great Gerry was.  When I finally met Gerry at work he was as advertised a great guy, very poetic, energetic, kind, honest and sincere.  He was very unique and a true renaissance man.  I'm saddened and shocked that he's gone.  Yesterday was a great loss for the world.



My absolute deepest condolences Jan.  I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. We all know what a tight knit family you and Gerald cultivated. Please give Ian a hug from his Stoney Creek family. Sending you prayers and warm memories.

Tracy Bullock

Just heard of Jerry's passing - shocked.  Haven't seen him for a few years.  We worked together at Raytheon/GM.  I remember his warm and welcoming smile, his firm handshake, and "can-do" attitude.  Condolances to his family . . .


Very sad to hear of Jerry passing. We worked together at Volkswagen as curriculum designers. I always found him to be a dedicated and intense individual, with great depth of knowledge and wit. He was always talking about his family, and the great things they would do together. We played together at an open mic in California during a train the trainer, and I was impressed when he appeared to make up words for a song on the spot, giving homage to Volkswagen. I'll post the pictures if I can find them.

My sincere condolences to Jerry's family and friends.



Had not seen him in recent years, as cousins often drift apart, but Scott (as we knew him) and I certainly had some great times together as kids.  Was just watching an old movie of our first birthday (with Jay, Brian, Scott, and I).  Very sorry.

Deepest sympathy to his family.

This is going to take me a while, so most importantly, I want to extend the condolences of our entire family to Jan, Alex, Ian and Brian. 
We are so very sorry. For Gerry, for each of you.
He was indeed a wonderful man.
Rest in peace, Gerry

Gerry was a great friend and fellow worker at Raytheon for many years. His constant smile, quips and firm handshake will be missed by all. 
My condolences to Jan and the boys!

OBITUARY

Gerald "Jerry" Clinthorne

16 August, 1954 – 11 June, 2018

Pixley Funeral Home

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