Aaron Boyd Clements

Aaron Boyd Clements Aaron Boyd Clements "Boyd" passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on the morning of August 27, 2010. Boyd was born April 11, 1930 in Florence, Arizona. He was the first child of Clifford Aaron Clements and Margaret Hall Clements. In 1943, when his father became part of a cattle-feeding operation the family moved to Phoenix and quickly adapted to the "big-city". Boyd attended Emerson Grade School, easily making friends, some of who were with him throughout his entire life. He went on to North Phoenix High School where he lettered in three varsity sports and was offered a football scholarship to the University of Arizona. Born to be a rancher, he received his degree in Agricultural Studies. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and it was during this time he met the blue eyed blonde California girl "Beth Schulze" who became the love of his life and soon his wife. After graduation they were married in 1952. Boyd entered the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lt. and served on bases in the U.S. and on a small island off the coast of North Korea during the Korean War. After the war, Boyd's cattle feeding and ranching business thrived; he was a partner and the operating manager of Spur Industries for more than 30 years. He maintained consulting relationships with The King Ranch in Texas and consulted for the Rockefeller's on their Texas cattle and farming operations. Boyd also implemented ranching programs in El Salvador and various locations in Mexico for both governments. Boyd was a true American Cowboy in every sense of the word. Not because he wore a cowboy hat, a pair of boots, ranched and fed cattle for a living, but because he was gentleman who loved his family and friends first. He craved adventure, whether it be flying his plane deep into Mexico to buy cattle, or landing on a short dirt airstrip in Baja to do some deep-sea fishing with his buddies. This was at a time when Cabo San Lucas was an undiscovered sleepy little fishing village with only one hotel. His life was filled with more adventures than most people could experience in two lifetimes and boy could he tell a good story about each one. He could do it with such great detail; it made you feel like you were part of it. He was a great husband, father and friend whose long ride has touched many people. Boyd was a member of the El Zaribah Shrine and held a distinguished title of 33rd degree Mason with the Phoenix Scottish Rite, President and Chairman of the Arizona Literacy Learning Center, he was a member of the Phoenix Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Country Club, and President of the Valleyfield Riding and Polo Club. He was the Director of the National Cattleman's Association, Chairman and Director of the Arizona Cattle Feeders Association, and Charter member of Club Caza y Pesca De Las Cruces, La Paz. He is survived by Beth his wife of 58 years, daughter, Cathy Ladd (Jay), their children Lindsey and Joe. Son, Jeff Clements (Laurie), their children Kristin, Kelly, and Justin. Daughter, Leslie Clements Jenkins and her children Allie, Tillie, and Hank. Sister, Cynthia Tubbs, her daughter Diane Rousseau (Dave) and son, Jay Tubbs (Karen). Should friends desire, memorial donations may bemade to Arizona Literacy and Learning Center at 14001 N. 7TH Street, suite F112 Phoenix, 85022 or Hospice of the Valley (Gardiner Home) 1510 E Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014. Bebo, you will be missed and cherished by those who knew and loved you. Private Memorial Service to be announced at a later date.

Click here to view the obituary as it appeared in print.