Claris Clayton Poppert

Claris Clayton Poppert

June 2, 1934 - November 27, 2023

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Claris Clayton Poppert of Portland Oregon on November 27, 2023 at the age of 89.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Corlee "Corky" Poppert; children Clay Poppert and his wife Kimberly, Mona Whited and her husband Jeff; grandchildren: Nathan Leitz, Brandon Poppert and his wife Caitlin, Tyler Whited and his wife Analisa, Lis Harmegnies and her husband AJ; great grandchildren: Jaxon, Beau, and Reagan. He was preceded in death by his son Keith Poppert, his parents Clarence and Nettie Poppert, and sisters Patricia Seller and Peggy Tower.

Claris graduated from Albany High School in 1953. He lettered in football, basketball, and track. He graduated from Willamette University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, he participated in football, track and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Claris and Corky eloped on June 15, 1957. They renewed their vows in a formal wedding ceremony on their tenth anniversary.

Claris was baptized in 1965 at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon. He was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran and St. Andrew Lutheran Churches in Beaverton, Oregon. He was instrumental in building expansions and organ purchases for both churches.

Claris started his professional career at Pumilite Block and Supply in 1958. He founded Pumilite Glass and Specialty Company in 1960, which he sold in 1968. He started at Tom Benson Glass Company in 1968 as the General Manager. He was later promoted to Vice President, President, and CEO. He retired in 1997.

Claris lived his life generously, contributing to many charitable organizations, including: Willamette University, OMSI, Friends of Timberline, Emanuel Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, and several others. He received the Distinguished Citizen Award for Philanthropic Leadership in 1991. He became a lifetime Trustee of Willamette University in 2006. He and Corky were also members of OMSI's J.C. Stevens Legacy Society. He was president of various organizations, including: Oregon Jaycees, Salem Home Builders Association, Oregon Associated General Contractors, Lutheran Family Services, Friends of Timberline, Emanuel Hospital Foundation, University Club of Portland, and Portland Golf Club. He was vice president of the Portland Arlington Club and Portland Chamber of Commerce, as well as a lifetime honoree of the Chamber of Commerce. He was appointed to the Board of Directors for the State Accident Insurance Fund by Governor Victor Atiyeh and was on the board of Liberty Mutual Insurance as well as five Oregon banks.

Claris was active in political advocacy including Finance Chair for: Victor Atiyeh for Oregon Governor; David Frohnmayer for Oregon Attorney General, Secretary of State and Oregon Governor; Norma Paulus for Secretary of State and Oregon Governor; Bill Rutherford for Oregon State Treasurer; and Tony Meeker for Oregon State Treasurer. He served as Chairman of the Finance Committee for President Ronald Reagan's election campaign and his reelection campaign. Claris was awarded Republican of The Year in 1971. He was also the State of Oregon co-chair for President George Bush.

In his spare time he enjoyed flying his plane, skiing, golfing, playing card and dice games, and spending time with family and friends. Claris and Corky enjoyed traveling extensively, making friends along the way.

A celebration of life for Claris will be held on January 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 12405 SW Butner Road, Beaverton, OR 97005. Claris, forever the philanthropist, requests in lieu of flowers that all donations go to OMSI. Mail: OMSI Development 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214. Online: https://omsi.edu/make-a-gift.