Claire Abbott Gillette

Claire Abbott Gillette of Hemet, CA, 99 years, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. He was born on November 10, 1916 in Pomona, CA. Born to parents William Gillette and Anna Abbott. Raised in the Claremont / Pomona area, Claire attended college at Pomona and graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a BS in Mining Engineering. In 1941 Claire entered into the Army. Claire married Mary Bell in 1942. He enjoyed camping trips and going to church with the family. Claire had a wonderful voice and sang in the church choir up until the age of 95.

While proudly serving our country, Claire trained officer candidates at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and later led troops in Africa and Italy. After having a wonderful 53 year marriage to his first wife Mary, she passed away in 1995. Later in life, Claire proposed to Frances, by laying out an elaborate multiple vacation plan on a table and asking Frances what she thought about it. She replied, "It looks great." Claire then said, "there's only one problem, I don't' want to go by myself." Frances smiled and accepted Claire's invitation. They were happily married for 18 years.

Claire worked as an Engineer for Eastern Municipal Water District starting in 1952 until 1979. He was also a citrus rancher. Known for his extraordinary story telling ability, Claire's children would bring their college friends over to sit around and listen to him. Claire had a great sense of humor and had a steady, quiet and calming spirit. One of his favorite quotes was, "Moderation in All Things". Claire was very active throughout the city including Boy Scout leadership, 55 years with Lions Club, 14 years on the Hemet Unified School District Board, and the board of the Hemet United Methodist Church.

Claire was preceded in passing by his mother, Anna Abbott, father, William Gillette, son, George, sisters Jean Wright and Grace Gillette. Claire is survived by his wife, Frances Gillette, sister, Billie Goff, brother, John Gillette, son, William Gillette, son, Robert Gillette, daughter, Margaret Lowe, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Claire touched many lives and will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Boy Scouts of America or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.