Clayne W. Dice

CLAYNE WILLIAM DICE, 73, of Ocoee, Florida passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 13, while in the loving care of his devoted family. Born in Logan, Utah, Clayne graduated from Pocatello High School and attended Idaho State University. At age 15, Clayne began working at the Bannock Hotel and it was there his life in the hospitality industry began. After serving a year in the military in Fort Lewis, Washington, Clayne returned to the Bannock Hotel in 1962 and was later transferred to the Hotel Boise and promoted to Assistant Manager. In 1964, Clayne was again transferred to the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco where he welcomed the Beatles on their trip to the United States. From there, Clayne moved to the Century Plaza in Los Angeles where he worked in many capacities. While working there, Disney approached the Westin Hotels in search of someone to oversee hotel development for their new theme park in Central Florida, Walt Disney World. Clayne seized the opportunity and was then hired as Project Director for the Disney hotels and supervised all Westin Hotel consulting for this major hotel complex. In 1970, Clayne joined the Walt Disney World company as Administrator of Hotel Planning and continued to work on the Disney hotel projects developing policies, manuals, rates and systems. In January, 1971, he was named General Manager of the Polynesian Resort which opened October 1, 1971. His experience in operating a first class hotel in conjunction with a major theme park was established. After leaving Disney, he continued managing and consulting for several hotels in the Orlando area. In October 1994, Clayne was appointed Chairman of the Board to the Florida Hotel Motel Association. In 1999, Clayne joined the Comfort Suites Maingate East in Kissimmee as General Manager, where he was instrumental in the construction and design of this new hotel which opened in 2000. During his time there, the Comfort Suites went on to win Choice Hotels Inn of the Year in 2003 and 2007. Clayne was also awarded Florida Hotel Motel Association Hotelier of the Year in 2004. He was a active member of the Nasty Spoon Club, the local Magicians Group and SKAL Club. He was also appointed Honorary Deputy status with the Orange County Sheriff's Office by Sheriff Kevin Beary. Clayne was a loving husband, supportive father and a one of a kind grandfather. He enjoyed white water rafting with Team Danger, performing magic tricks, traveling and spending time with his family including his dog, Buffy. His family always looked forward to the games he created for them to enjoy on the holidays and the unique cards he made specifically to celebrate their special occasions. Words cannot begin to express how deeply he will be missed. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vicki; daughters Debbie Moran (Bill) and Traci Dice; gandchildren Ashley Sabat (Zach),

Matthew Dice, Jennifer Cool (Jerry) and Allison Moran; great-granddaughter, Aubrey and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel Dice and his son, Victor Dice. The family will be receiving friends at Woodlawn

Funeral Home on Saturday, July 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. A Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 18 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Give Kids the World at www.gktw.org. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com. Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home.

407-293-1361.