In Loving Memory of PLSO Founding Lifetime Member
Clair Ernest Pense
December 21, 1927 - May 7, 2019
Clair Ernest Pense was born at home on Dec. 21, 1927 in Bonesteele,S.D. to parents, Charles Abraham Pense and Grace Elizabeth Pinkham Pense, and passed away at his home in Gresham, Ore. on May 7, 2019.
His wife of over 50 years, Violet Naomi Pense; and daughter, Virginia Rae Pearce preceded him in death. He is survived by children, Cynthia June Reynolds (Bob) and Dr. Stanley Clair Pense (Sharon); 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren.
Pense graduated from Gresham High School in 1945 and proudly served as a Submariner in World War II and the Korean War. He later attended Multnomah College (later merged with University of Portland) and attended Portland State. He served as Multnomah County Surveyor in the 1960's and later became a Land Surveyor in private practice until retirement.
He was actively involved in his community on many levels. Pense was a founder, past president and Lifetime Charter Member of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon, a director of the Convention of the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping, a past president of the Engineering Architect Council of Oregon, a school board member for the Centennial School District and a board member for Mt. Hood Community College and adviser for their Civil Engineering Technology Committee. He was part of the American Legion and a designer of Heroes Memorial Park at Main St. Park in Gresham, Ore.
Pense was also keenly interested in politics as a proponent of things that promoted ethical and moral practices according to the U.S. Constitution. He would continually submit letters to public officials including our Presidents advocating that the laws were for the people and of the people, sealing the back of his letters with "In God We Trust." He served mankind well, being interested in others and loving his family and friends. He was forever teaching his great-grandchildren and very patiently learning from them as well. In fact, he was a friend wherever he went….he just loved people.
In his retirement he enjoyed working with the Submariner Veterans Group and Willamette National Cemetery. His love of country was very passionate. His sense of humor was a treasure to all and is carried on through his family through the many stories and jokes he told.
His family has said how proud they are of their father and grandfather, who lived knowing that his life was in his Heavenly Father's hands and are at peace knowing he is with their mother and grandmother, and most of all with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at 1 p.m., June 1, 2019, at Pleasant Home Community Church, 32120 Dodge Park Blvd., Gresham. A burial service will be held at 11 a.m., May 31, 2019, Willamette National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, any contributions may be made to: Eagle Fern Camp, Estacada, OR 97023. Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
