Lawrence V. Clements

Lawrence V. ClementsApril 13, 1913 - April 29, 2006Lawrence (Larry) V. Clements passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2006, at Timberline Lodge, his home in Longmont, Colorado. Larry was born in Petrolia, Ontario, Canada, to George and Verna Clements. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, until graduating from Wayne State University with a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and The University of Michigan with a Degree of Masters of Science Aeronautical Engineering. He spent the majority of his life in San Diego, California, before moving to Colorado in 2004.Larry started his career as an aeronautical stress and structure engineer for Curtis Wright in St. Louis in 1937; then worked for Douglas Aircraft in El Segundo for a short time; then worked for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft at Vultee Field in 1940, when he transferred to Convair Division of General Dynamics in 1947, retiring in 1977. He was most noted for his work on the Vanguard dive bomber, the XP-81 interceptor, missiles built in San Diego, the F-102 and F106 delta wing fighter jets, closing out his career on the Centaur upper stage rocket used on the Atlas missile.Larry enjoyed playing bridge, square dancing, swimming, playing his piano, biking (which he did until age 89), and camping at his favorite spot in the Mammoth Lake region of the Sierras at Upper Soda Springs campground where he fished for many years. His biking friends presented him with a trophy in 1983 saying ?Larry, Champion of Soledad Mountain Road,? as he would ride his bike daily up the steep road to the top of Soledad Mountain in La Jolla for many years.At 93, his sharp wit and humor was still evident when a nurse at the hospital asked him if he was in pain. He replied ?No, am I supposed to be??Larry missed his beloved wife, Marge, who preceded him in death in 1956, much too young at the age of 38. They were married in 1939.Larry is survived by his son Gary and ?favorite daughter-in-law? (his only one!) Pat of Pinewood Springs, Colorado; his son Merle of Alpine, California; and his daughter Joan of Jackson, Wyoming. He is also survived by his three grandchildren Jack, Cathy (Diebold), and Michael, along with his five great-grandchildren Justin, Jacob, and Lauren Diebold; and Mikaela and Madison Clements.Larry?s wishes are to be cremated and buried at sea in San Diego with no services to be held.While Larry would prefer you remember him in your own special way, contributions to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026, would be greatly appreciated.