Austin Chip Clary

Austin "Chip" Clary

Austin James Clary II, affectionately known by many as Chip, left our world on September 13, 2022 after a sudden complication with a recently diagnosed rare cancer. His family was by his side.

Chip was born November 9, 1960 to Richard and Margaret Clary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1976 he met the love of his life, Kirsten (Freeland) and they married in 1983. Together they raised three incredible humans: Caitlin, Austin, and Brennan. He often referred to them as his "greatest achievements" and loved them to the moon and back.

He graduated from Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Class of 1979) and obtained an HR degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He worked in the field of Labor and Employee Relations for thirty years and enjoyed helping employers better their businesses and make a difference in the lives of their employees.

He loved music, wine, playing the guitar, drawing, and anything outdoors. Like his father he was passionate about and loved the game of golf. He played often and sunk a 15-footer on the 18th hole on the last day he played this month. He was an amazing cook: his smoked ribs were unrivaled and his smoked trout would make you beg for more. Chip had many, many friends, both personal and professional, and he cared deeply for each of them. He wanted to "be there" for everyone and many have described him as a "one-of-a-kind person" and "a truly great guy." He was compassionate, witty, loving and giving and our lives are forever better for his presence.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret Clary. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kirsten, daughter Caitlin Clary Haley and her husband Neal, son Austin Clary III and his wife, Erin; daughter Brennan Clary and her partner, Jennylyn; his beloved grandson Henry James Clary (son of Austin and Erin Clary); his sister Leslie Clary Wagner, brothers Tim Clary, Rob Clary, Rick Clary; and his huge family of friends.

A celebration of his life will be held in October in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Chip's legacy to each of you would be to remind you to "...hold 'em close (your loved ones) and love them every day." Please do that for him. If you would like to offer a tangible gift in his memory, he would ask you to support First Tee Tulsa (https://firstteetulsa.org) or Clarehouse (https://www.clarehouse.org).