Clyde Arthur Esselbach Clyde was born in Seattle on January 23, 1924 and died in Mount Vernon on September 18, 2009 after a struggle with Parkinson's disease. He died at home, surrounded by his loving family. His early years were spent in Seattle. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1942 and began studies at the University of Washington before joining the army as a combat engineer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon returning home he worked for the Seattle Times, retiring after 34 years. His post-retirement activities included employment at JB Instant Lawn, which led to his interest and involvement in landscape architecture. Other pursuits included travel, playing poker, and his lifelong love affair with the game of golf. Clyde married Ruth Dobbins in September of 1948. They lived in Seattle for many years before moving to Woodinville and then to Mount Vernon in 1994. Ruth preceded him in death in 1998 after nearly 50 years of marriage. In October 1999 he married Clara Roth of Mount Vernon. They enjoyed their years together traveling and wintering at their Rancho Casa Blanca home in Indio, California. They spent their summers golfing and enjoying their Mount Vernon home. Clyde is survived by his wife Clara, son Scott (Mary Gene), daughters Gayle Lefever (Lon) and Lynda Martin (Harris), and stepchildren Tye-Ann Berghuis (Paul), Barbara Jo Frost (Scott), Jeff Roth (Leanne), and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren nieces and nephews. We all shall miss him. Special thanks to Skagit Hospice, Mount Vernon Fire Dept., Kathy Dolan, Dr. Roger Estep, Cathy Peebler and our neighbors Darlene and David Wilson. Services will be Thursday September 24, 2009, 2:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Church, 100 South 5th St. Mount Vernon Washington 98274. Committal Service will follow at Hawthorne Memorial Park and a reception at the Church Parish Hall In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Skagit Hospice (819 South 13th St., Mount Vernon, WA. 98274), or Immaculate Conception Church of Mount Vernon.