November 7, 1914 ~ October 17, 2011
Resided in:
Carson City, NV
CLARENCE HARVEY MENTEER
Clarence H. Menteer of Carson City, Nevada passed away peacefully on October 7, 2011. He was 96 years old. He is survived by his loving companion of twenty years, his children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Clarence was one of eight children born to Ed and Verna Menteer on a farm in Forest County Pennsylvania. He left home with only a few dollars in his pocket at the age of 16 hitchhiking his way across country to make a new life in Southern California. Over the course of his early years in the L.A. area, he became a skilled machinist and expert tool and die maker. His lifelong love of trains, led him to found what would become Model Die Casting, a company manufacturing model railroad kits for other train enthusiasts. He ran the company successfully for over 60 years until his retirement at age 90. Clarence was a rare individual that cared for his family, friends and for those less fortunate than himself. He eagerly supported local food banks and was active in providing meals and shelter for the homeless. His kind heart and gentle spirit will continue to inspire those of us who knew and cared for him. He will genuinely be missed. According to his wishes Clarence's earthly remains were cremated. Please consider a donation to your local food bank in his name as an honorarium.
Guestbook
All of us who were lucky enough to know Clarence are better people because of him. His kindness and generosity to everyone – even those he didn’t know – made him a role model to look up to. We love you, St. Clarence. Rest in peace. xoxo
Clarence was a true friend with always a kind word and smile for everyone. His memory will stay with all who knew him for years to come.
Uncle Clarence was a special man, he will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Uncle Clarence…a life well lived. Proud to have been his nephew. We loved his trains that showed up as Christmas presents when we were kids. And as an adult I marveled at what he succeeded in building. Happy trails Uncle Clarence…
Uncle Clarence was one of two of my Dad’s brothers that I was fortunate to meet in our time on earth together. As an adult I have come to realize how special it is to get to ‘hang’ with a parental sibling because you get to know your own parent from a different angle. I stayed with him in ’87 – a week in Hawthorne – when I took my son to skateboard camp in Visalia, CA. Clarence had an accepting manner that kind of tripped a lever for me when I later considered my own father. And the trains – always there at Christmas and always there in the basement cupboard waiting to be assembled. On a short work stay in New York City circa 2000 I was visiting a contemporary art museum and there on the floor running between the rooms and sometimes through a hole in the wall was one of Uncle Clarence’s train’s – an HO ‘Steam Train’ with the logo on the box car. It made me feel so proud and connected. My condolences to all of you with whom he shared his love and generosity.
We only met Uncle Clarence once and enjoyed his zest for life, his sense of humour and smile. He also has the best lemons we have ever tasted. We feel honoured to have met such a wonderful man. Thank you Ed, Bev and Vicki for introducing us to your wonderful Uncle Clarence – god speed.