Claude See

Claude See IN LOVING MEMORY It is extremely rare to utter the phrase "once in a lifetime". Most often, this is reserved for those precious moments in a life that bring us great joy or a significant level of self-fulfillment. To use this phrase in description of an individual is nearly unheard of, but in this unique case, extremely accurate. Claude See was, without a doubt, an individual that one comes across "once in a lifetime". Born on July 16, 1940, to Ray and Johnie Dale See, Claude spent his childhood years in Fresno, Calif. Upon graduating from Roosevelt High School in Fresno Calif., Claude attended Fresno State University. While at Roosevelt High, Claude joined the cheer team, thus beginning a life-long trait of genuinely cheering on the success of those he came into contact with. Upon graduating from Fresno State, Claude made two life-long commitments. The first was to the love of his life, Lindy See. Claude and Lindy shared a passion for life and a passion for people and, together, shared a union of 41 years. The second commitment Claude made was to the food industry, starting with his parents' grocery store in Fresno. He then continued with Gerber Baby Food and Crown Zellerbach Claude's 45 year career in the food industry will be remembered for the passion and energy he brought to everyone with whom he came into contact. Before leaving Fresno, the See family expanded by two, with the birth of their daughter Cindy and their son Craig. Through the light in his eyes and the expression in his voice, it was easy to tell just how proud Claude was of his two children. After leaving Crown Zellerbach, Claude embarked upon a 30 year career as a food broker. In Spokane, he helped to create Haffner See. Claude left Spokane to join Cage Barratta Harry as a partner in Portland, Ore. From Portland, Claude re-located to the Bay Area to join Carey Ahrens as a partner in the business. At each stop along the way, Claude made a lasting and memorable impression, both in the business he helped build, the clients he represented the customers he came into contact with and, as always with Claude, the people he befriended. With his career, as with his life, Claude saved his best for last. In 1994, Claude re-located to Seattle, Wash. to start Impact Sales, Inc. During his 13 year tenure with Impact Sales, Claude helped establish offices up and down the West Coast, personally re-locating first to Portland, Ore. and, finally to Boise, Idaho. Claude's last day at Impact was met with the same enthusiasm, energy and success as his first day at Gerber Baby Food. Claude never came across an enemy, never met a stranger and never failed to win over a new friend. His ever-present energy was contagious, his smile could warm the coldest of days and his passion for the moment was legendary. Claude never uttered a bad word about an individual or a situation, opting instead to allow extreme optimism control his thoughts. As with every part of his life, Claude left nothing for tomorrow. He brought energy, passion and unconditional love to his career, to his family and to his friendships. He was truly a "once in a lifetime" individual and he will be deeply missed. Claude leaves behind a loving wife, Lindy, two children, Cindy and Craig, a daughter-in-law Rita a granddaughter Shay, his mother, Johnie Dale, his brother Don, nephews Jack and Casey. A memorial service will be held Round Hill Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Claude See Memorial Fund at Idaho Community Foundation, located at 210 W. State Street, Boise, ID 83702, from which the family will direct proceeds to benefit a charitable organization to honor of the life of Claude See.