Richard Clegg's Obituary
Richard Clegg, a person who brought so much compassion, love, and enthusiasm to those he knew, interests he held, and careers he followed passed away with his son at his side in Tucson, Arizona.Dick was born to Earle F. Clegg and Edna Mae Lamb on April 14, 1927 in Pomona, California. He relocated to the Bay Area with his family shortly thereafter eventually settling in Redwood CIty. Dick grew up a Christian Scientist and later became a Lutheran by faith. Dick attended Sequoia High School where he accelerated in athletics playing varsity football, basketball, and baseball. During the mid 1940’s Sequoia High School athletics experienced great success and Dick was on the varsity football championship team of 1943, the 1944 PAL championship varsity baseball team, and the 1945 PAL championship varsity basketball team. Dick was the captain of the Sequoia 1945 varsity baseball team and co-captain of the 1945 varsity basketball team. Dick accelerated and thrived as a baseball player playing the position of catcher while at Sequoia. He truly loved to play hard and always tried to inspire his fellow baseball team mates to do the same while behind the plate. Upon graduation from high school in 1945 Dick was drafted and served in South Korea as part of the Army’s 32nd infantry division post World War II occupation forces. Dick was fortunate enough to avoid military conflict and was listed as an entertainment specialist where he played on the undefeated Army’s 32nd infantry division baseball team. Towards the end of his service he played as back up catcher for the US Armed Service all pacific team championship game played in Manila, Philippines. After release from the military in Dick was accepted at Stanford University in 1947 where he played on both the varsity basketball and baseball teams. Dick true success was in baseball where he played on the varsity team from his sophomore through senior years and was the co-captain of the 1951 Stanford varsity baseball team. While pursuing his bachelors degree at Stanford he also played three summers of semi pro baseball playing for the San Carlos Grays, Humbolt Crabs, and the Elko Indians. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Dick received a Bachelors of Education degree from Stanford in 1951 and for a short stint played in the LA Dodger farm team the Billings Mustangs. Afterwards he earned a Masters in Education degree from Stanford in 1952. Later that year Dick had his first chance share his competitive spirit in a coaching role accepting the position as freshman basketball, freshman baseball, and assistant varsity basketball coach.In 1957 Dick accepted a teaching position at California State University Long Beach. He was the head baseball coach from 1960 to 1963. Afterwards he was the intramural coordinator, and became full professor in 1967. His favorite classes to teach were baseball methods and introduction in intramurals. During his tenor at Long Beach, being encouraged and inspired by his mentor at Stanford Dr. John Nixon, Dick earned a Doctorate of education from Stanford University in 1962.Dick’s pride and career highlight was reinvigorating the intramural program at CSU at Long Beach. Dick was a fan and inspired by Delbert Oberteuffer. Dick recalled the words “the joy of effort” in describing the essence of the intramural program. Afterwards he accepted a position as athletic director at New York University at New Paltz. In 1973 Dick relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona where he accepted a position as Athletic Director for the Scottsdale School District. During his tenor at both universities at Long Beach and New Paltz he co-wrote the book Modern Sports Officiating with Bill Thompson.In 1973 Dick moved to Scottsdale where he accepted a position as athletic director for Scottsdale school district where he played a key role in the development of the districts drug and alcohol abuse, sex education, and title 9 programs. Wanting an escape from the administration aspect of his career Dick spent the last 8 years teaching Adaptive Physical Education to special needs children.In retirement Dick had a variety of interests including traveling the world visiting over 30 countries, completing crossword puzzles, playing cribbage, playing golf and especially following sporting events. One of his favorite places he visited was the Swiss alps as he loved the mountain country. Dick will be remembered as a kind, humble, and loving individual who lived every aspect to life to the fullest. He was a die hard San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan and of course would always be following and rooting for the Stanford Cardinal in any athletic event. He enjoyed nature immensely and would love to visit national parks. Dick also was a big fan of music, especially classical and jazz. His favorite pastime in his later years was spending time with his son Peter.Ultimately though Dick just loved to compete. As an athlete he would always try to give his best effort and would inspire his teammates to do the same. He would also share this competitiveness as a coach and as an intramural director. And before retirement he would try to encourage the special needs children to give their best effort in physical education.Dick is survived by his son Peter, niece Susan (Kevin) Fitzgerald, and niece Valerie (Mark) Hollister. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Stewart, and niece Catherine Lynn van der Paardt.Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo, CA Donations may be made in Dick’s name to your favorite charity.
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