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John Clausen Obituary
HENDERSONVILLE - John Clausen, much loved father, brother, uncle and friend, died at home March 20, 2013. Born in Minot, N.D., on Oct. 21, 1949, to Morten H. and Doris Paff Clausen, John grew up on the family farm. As a young man he was a rambler, having many adventures and storing them away to become the anecdotes he told with such wit, humor and charm to the great many friends he also collected along the way. His marriage and the birth of his son rooted the rambler in Hendersonville, where his wife's family was located. He became a wonderful father to Pete, of whom he was justifiably very proud.
John held a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a Masters from Antioch College. He worked as a reporter on weekly and daily newspapers in Arizona and Kansas, edited several magazines, owned a California-based advertising agency that specialized in direct mail, and taught classes in journalism and advertising. John's book, "Too Lazy to Work, Too Nervous to Steal," was the Writer's Digest Book Club main selection in May, 2001. His work was published in a wide variety of periodicals from The Christian Science Monitor to The New York Daily News Sunday Magazine. One of his articles was purchased by Penthouse, but, much to the relief of his father, it was never published. He also self-published his debut novel, "Big Hungry," a rather strange murder mystery set in North Dakota, online last year. In recent years, John taught English at Blue Ridge Community College in Henderson County and was working on another novel, much anticipated by his fans, but unfinished at his death.
John is survived by his son, Pete; his sisters, Ann and Jane, his ex-wife but still close friend, Sandy McGlashan and her husband, Ken Weitzen; his brother-in-law, Peter Dajevskis; his nieces, Mara, Erika and Daina Dajevskis, and David and Mona McGlashan, and an enormous collection of wonderful and supportive friends.
All those who survive him will miss his humor, his compassion, his smart mouth and the acceptance he offered to every person he gathered into his circle. The world will be less interesting without John, and not nearly as funny.
A memorial service will be held for John at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Unitarian church in Hendersonville. Anyone wishing to donate something should send a donation to the Free Clinics, 841 Case St., Hendersonville, N.C. 28792.
A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Clausen
John Flinchum
January 11, 2024
I met John at Quick Prints photo on Church Street.
I´d see John quite often around town and have the best of discussions with John about life. John had amazing stories but also knew how to articulate and deliver meaning in words like no other.
I was so honored to photograph John in his office for his book that I didn´t ever send him the bill.
A cup of chai tea and conversation with John at the Black Bear coffee shop was worth more than money could buy.i know John is missed by many even this many years later.
Anne Bruce
June 12, 2013
John Clausen was one of the dearest, sweetest, most gifted writers I've ever known. He was a dear friend to my husband David and always made us laugh. We adore you John. Rest in peace. Annie and David
Bob Bly
March 25, 2013
John was a great guy and a talented writer.
Lowell Allen
March 25, 2013
John and I partnered to create many magazine promotions. John wrote and I designed. He made it seem easy. In fact, he made it easy. The man could write. "Clausenisms" have become part of my conversation, like "that's not feeding the bulldog" for an unproductive activity, and "he's got air in his shocks" for someone who can withstand difficulties. John was the best type of friend -- an old friend, and he will be greatly missed.
March 23, 2013
John Clausen:We jacobsons love you so;more family than friend.Rest in peace John.carol jacobson kuvaas
March 22, 2013
John will never be forgotten by all of us in Hendersonville who knew him .I met him years ago when he was looking for a shop to rent. He was a great person and a good friend.
Ethel Allen Scottie Realty
Lorrie Fernandez
March 22, 2013
To the self proclaimed "only man I'll ever love", I miss you sorely today and dearly forever. Your words, your wit and your wisdom will be carried with me for the rest of my days.
Much love and a hug you would pretend not to want - Forever, Darlin'
March 22, 2013
Have many fond memories of John as a classmate, good friend and Buddy. Always enjoyed his visits, humor and quick wit.
John will be missed by all who knew him. You will be missed.
Greg Grenvik
Greg Jones
March 22, 2013
My connection to John began in the late 70's when I began working part time for Sacramento Magazine. John was the managing editor, and his salty wit had me and the rest of the staff laughing all the time. We worked together at Sacramento for probably less than a year, but reconnected several times over the many years that followed. John demonstrated his promotion and copy writing skills many times over to his hundreds of clients, including several publishers I referred his way. What I will miss most of all is our frequent phone conversations, which always left me laughing. John, I appreciated your friendship. You will be missed.
March 22, 2013
Having helped with a garden at the Clausen farm, even though North Dakota still has lots of snow, I do know that gardening and farmers' market will not be the same without John. He will be missed by many.
Al Scherbenske
Ron Johnson
March 22, 2013
John was a neighbor in North Dakota, shared his apartment in Tucson, and we did some travels. (The Idaho Trip) And we did hike the Grand Canyon to the river and back out, thus the M&M story. John's use of words, wit, and even his switch of accents from North Dakota norwegin, to a cockney Britsh speal. And yes it is true he helped name a Bar in Tucson, (The Hole in the Wall). Of course at some damage to his car. My thoughts are of those who knew him and those who were part of his life. John you are missed my friend.
holly bosshard
March 22, 2013
Thank you for the memories, the friendship, and the love and encouragement along the way.ohh you'll be missed, my friend.
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