WENDELL DEAN McCLURE

AUGUST 20, 1941 – JULY 6, 2006

A Heartfelt “Thank You” To All!

As most of you are aware by now, on July 6, 2006 at 2:12 AM Wendell McClure lost his three-year battle with Lung Cancer. The role that his friends and co-workers on the slope played in giving Wendell the will to live and fight this terrible disease was phenomenal. He always held out hope that one day he would be able to work again and was looking forward to it. At times he would feel like giving up, and then another raffle notice from the guys and gals on the slope would show up in his mail, always overwhelming him and bringing tears to his eyes.

On behalf of Wendell’s family and friends, we sincerely thank all of you for your love and support during a very difficult time for Wendell. He was a very special person and he will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

WENATCHEE WORLD NEWSPAPER MONDAY, JULY 10, 2006

Wendell D. McClure, 64, a resident of Leavenworth for the past 53 years, died Thursday morning, July 6, 2006, at his home. He was born on August 20, 1941, to Clifton and Georgia Mae (Smith) McClure at De Queen, Arkansas. In 1952, the family moved to Leavenworth, where he grew up and received his education. Wendell then was employed by the logging division of the Schmitten Lumber Company, in Cashmere for several years. In 1978, he was employed by Nabors Drilling at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska as a heavy equipment operator. He later worked for Peak Oilfield Service, VECO and Arctic Shore Reg. Corporation until ill health forced his retirement in 2003. Wendell loved riding his motorcycle and enjoyed fishing with family and friends. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne and Aaron Smith of Benton City, Washington; step-son, Robbie Ruse of Walla Walla, Washington; granddaughter, Ashly McClure; grandsons, Joshua and Matthew Smith; sisters-in-law, Evelyn McClure of Sallisaw, Oklahoma and LaJuana “Sis” McClure of Leavenworth; a cousin, Roy Waldrop of Leavenworth; and numerous nieces and nephews; many good and special friends, including Debbie Watkins and John Gilcrest. He was preceded in death by a son, David McClure; his parents; and two brothers. A Gathering of family and friends to commemorate the Life of Wendell D. McClure will be held at 11:00 o’clock Wednesday morning, July 12, 2006, at the gravesite in the Mt. View Cemetery, with Pastor Roger Hudson, officiating. Those who wish may make a memorial in his name to the charity of ones choice. Ward’s Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, is in charge of the arrangements.