Clyde Albert Fawcett, Jr.

Clyde lived a long life, passing away just one month shy of 99 years old and four years short of his desire to live to 103 like his Grandpa. However, 98 years old seems fitting. It is said that the number 98 is a sign of “divine will and protection”. Divine will and protection are most definitely characteristics of Clyde that sustained his longevity and desire to always take care of his wife, Helen.

Clyde and Helen were married March 10, 1951. For 72 years, their love story was long and will be everlasting. They raised three children, watched their family grow with five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The memories throughout this obituary are part of the story they wrote and weaved together.

Clyde was born in Waukegan, Illinois. He was a proud “Bulldog” at Waukegan High School, class of 1943. He played the drums in the high school band and later, played in the Drum and Bugle Corp for the Sharvin Post 397 in North Chicago, Illinois.

After high school, Clyde served in the United States Navy in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Bennion 662 Destroyer as Sonarman 2C SV6 USNR in the Pacific. The U.S.S. Bennion survived numerous kamikaze attacks and was most prominently recognized for assisting in the sinking of the Japanese battleship, Yamashiro.

Over the years, Clyde stayed closely connected and enjoyed numerous reunions with his Tin Can shipmates from the U.S.S. Bennion. On the news of Clyde’s passing, shipmate Victor Sepe writes, “Getting news of Clyde’s passing has saddened me a great deal. We were not only shipmates, we were partners – a team. How ironic that from a crew of some 376 men, we were the last two standing. I will miss not having Clyde stand with me.”

Clyde was also the longest living member of the American Legion Post 44 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Post 44 honored him in 2021 on his 97th birthday with a small ceremony where they declared and cited him as an “outstanding contributor to the accomplishment of programs of the American Legion”. He was a contributing member for 78 years.

Throughout the years, Clyde and Helen were lucky to have a group of tight-knit friends that was coined, the “Cookie Company”. They traveled to Big 10 football games, celebrated life’s big moments with all the families and enjoyed their annual Christmas cookie exchange. The bond the Cookie Company forged through the years made them more like family than friends.

Most summers Clyde and Helen vacationed for weeks at the family cottage on Pearl Lake in Red Granite, Wisconsin. There, Clyde could be found lathering for a shave while stoking the rocks in the sauna, hooking up the water skis or enjoying a Peoples beer on the pontoon. Memories of fish frys, Elmer’s bar and extended family all gathering to belly laugh were some of the greatest times.

The pride of Clyde’s life were his three children. He devoted himself to always being there for them and their families. If the walls of their family home on Leith Avenue could talk, they would speak about Clyde giving Scott and the nephews post Sunday school haircuts, flocking the Christmas trees, making Johnny Mazetti, raking the shag carpets, smoking Master’s cigars, sitting in his special recliner chair, mixing a cocktail or enjoying a cold beer at the basement bar.

After the war, Clyde worked for Illinois Bell until he retired in 1982. Throughout retirement, Clyde was a golf enthusiast and loved golfing at Bonnie Brook Golf course in Waukegan. Clyde and Helen spent many winters in Arizona before officially moving to Sun City West in 1998. He spent many days cruising in his beloved golf cart from course to course and golfing at least 5 days a week.

Clyde loved watching his grandchildren grow up and always being part of their life events. His eyes twinkled at the sight of his great grandchildren. You could see the pride he felt in the legacy he had a big mark on making.

In 2015 Clyde and Helen moved to Ahwatukee, Arizona to be closer to family. It was always Clyde’s hope to live on a golf course. That dream came true as they enjoyed their home on the first hole of the Ahwatukee Golf Course.

In 2017 they moved into Clearwater of Ahwatukee where he enjoyed playing BINGO and living out his days and final breath with Helen always by his side.

Clyde was fondly referred to as “Handy Andy” by Helen as he could often fix anything. He was a tinkerer and creative problem solver. He found joy in making things work. His pocket always held a Swiss Army knife that proved useful for opening presents, cutting a dangling string or just about any project that needed fixing. But with all the broken parts Clyde could fix, he never told us how to fix our broken hearts for life without him. For that, we can only try to emulate his strength, Sisu, and endurance to face each day as it comes.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parent’s Clyde Albert, Sr and Hessie Anderson Fawcett. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Helen Mikkila Fawcett. His children, Kathy (Rob) Makela, Scott (Pennae) Fawcett and Peggy Jo Fawcett. Grandchildren, Scott (Kelly) Makela, Ted Makela, Kiirsten (Dan) Kamrath, Chad (Mandy) Fawcett, Kevin (Jill) Fawcett. Great-Grandchildren, Kaarina and Kamryn Makela, RJ and Kamden Kamrath, Trey and Isla Fawcett, Luke and Ellie Fawcett. He was also survived by his loving friend and Rob’s mom, Jean Makela and his loving caregivers in recent years; Juanita, Susie, Jessica, Esmerelda, Sandy, Alma, Noemi and the kind staff and medical care team at Clearwater Ahwatukee.

Clyde had a beautiful life’s journey, but his magnificent eternal journey has only just begun…love you forever. ♥

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary 10940 East Chandler Heights Road Chandler, Arizona 85248 on November 4, 2023 at 11:00 am. Immediately following, there will be a luncheon at Clearwater Ahwatukee 15815 South 50th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85048.

Clyde was able to take part in the Honor Flight to Washington DC to be recognized and visit the World War II Memorial. In lieu of flowers, should you desire, please make a contribution to Honor Flight https://www.honorflight.org/donations/