Barbara Arlene Clysdale

Clysdale, Barbara Arlene
Kalamazoo, MI Passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2013, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo. She was 84. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Edward Gene Clysdale, who passed at Rose Arbor the very same day in 2011. She is survived by two sons, Ned and Matt Clysdale of Kalamazoo; one grandson, Joshua Brooke Clysdale of Kalamazoo; and one great-grandson, Jackson Clysdale. An only child, Barb was born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 29, 1929, the daughter of the late George and Ethel Fisher Kremble. Naturally precocious, she learned elocution at an early age and would entertain veterans at the VA Hospital dressed as Shirley Temple. Her family moved to the south when she was young and her exposure to segregation helped form her adult outlook on fairness and equality. She went on to receive her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in English from Western Michigan University. Following graduation she taught English for the Parchment Public Schools, Portage Public Schools, and Western Michigan University, and was well liked by her students, befriending some for life. With the help of family friend, and then U.S. Representative Gerald Ford, she was awarded a teaching post at a Department of Defense school for American children in Hiedleburg, Germany. She traveled all over Europe and the UK, becoming fluent in both German and French. Upon her return to the States, she met and married the love of her life, Edward Gene Clysdale. The two of them returned to Europe and spent their most memorable years living in Angouleme, France from 1960-63, where Gene taught children at an American military base. Together they traveled throughout France and Europe, constantly meeting new people because of Barb's open and engaging personality. Her favorite encounters included meeting Josephine Baker, Orson Wells, and Albert Schweitzer at Chartres Cathedral. It was during this time that Barb and Gene befriended Frances and Victoria Littna, whom they would later assist in immigrating to Kalamazoo. Upon returning to the States, Barb left a career in education to raise--and teach--her two sons, as well as play a very active role in the community. A life-long volunteer, Barb served as a patient advocate at the Kalamazoo State Psychiatric Hospital, was a founding member of Gryphon Place, and was a proud supporter of the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party, serving on the KCDP Executive Committee and as a contributing editor of the KCDP Newsletter. She was also a vital member the KCDP mailing team, where she'd talk politics and weave social history. A true democrat, she supported many local and national campaigns, personally consulting and advising many local candidates in their run for office. She adored Barack Obama and his family. Barb also supported numerous local, national, and global non-profits and charities, including The Arcus Foundation, Planned Parenthood, The Sierra Club, Unicef, and many others. Barb loved local geneology and social history, learning the family trees and social relations of both personal and prominent families in town. For her, everyone was related in some way. She was an avid reader, drawn to everything from Shakespeare and the classics to modern fiction, non-fiction and periodicals. She was especially interested in the brain and human development, and how a better understanding can bring about greater happiness and wellness. A passionate humanist, Barb believed in the inherent goodness of people and always stressed the value of education and democracy as a way to improve people's lives. She was also a global citizen, befriending people of all nations and cultures, infinitely curious about their lives. Growing up during the Great Depression, she believed in hard work, saving, and living modestly within one's means. She loved the Norman Carver designed house she and Gene built on Sun Valley Drive, Kalamazoo, and insisted on living there right up until she entered the hospital. During her final days she was able to share a few moments of wisdom, including, "All we have in life is love. Love your self, love your life." She will be missed. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held at Martell's restaurant, 3501 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 on Sunday, January 19th from 1-3pm. A graveside service for both Barb and Gene, including military honors, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21st at 11am, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Donations in Barb's name can be made to the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Condolences can be sent to The Clysdales, 4039 SunValley Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.