Clair A. Bortner

Clair A. Bortner, age 88, of Spring Grove passed away peacefully on August 7, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Shirley E. (Dayhoff) Bortner; together they shared 70 years of marriage.
Clair was born on June 15, 1934 and was the son of the late William Bortner and Rosa (Grote) Bortner. He attended Stauffer's one-room schoolhouse until 6th grade. An entrepreneur all his life, Clair owned several successful businesses including The Old Forge Philips 66 Gas Station in Spring Grove, the College Avenue Laundromat in Spring Grove, Bortner's Gulf Station located at the 5-mile house at the cross section of Route 30 and 116. He also worked as a truck driver for Cletus Mummert Trucking for many years. He later went on to own and be known as "The Town Cobbler" a popular shoe repair shop on Main Street in Spring Grove. Clair and his wife, Shirley, attended Harvest Time Temple in Hanover.
Cobbling was only one of his masterful trades, Clair was known by all who knew him as a man who could fix anything. He was often the "go-to" guy for his sons, friends, and even strangers when something seemed impossible to repair. Clair was always able to figure it out. Clair loved a crowded table and spending time with his big family was important to him. He could often be heard bragging about his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even the nurses knew the names of his children in his final days. In addition to his family, Clair enjoyed four-wheeling with his friends and taking trips to the mountains or visiting his newborn great-grandchildren.
In addition to his loving wife Shirley, Clair is survived by two sons: Rodney C. Bortner and wife Sherry (Thoman) of Spring Grove and Torey W. Bortner and his wife, Ronda (Hahn) of Spring Grove; Four daughters: Sheila G. Miller of Spring Grove, Wanda F. Colyer of Spring Grove, Michelle S. Livingston of McSherrystown, and Darla K. Dwyer and husband Otts from Spring Grove. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey B. Bortner. Clair was beloved by his eleven grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as their "Pap": Heidi Miller, Troy Bortner, Adam Bortner, Brian Bortner, Justin Lamboy, Miguel Lamboy, Kara Tervo, Allyn Watson, Seth Bortner, Colby Webb, and Grant Bortner. He also has 15 great-grandchildren and also several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. He leaves two sisters, Margaret Blasser and Esther Messersmith. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Bortner and George Bortner.
A Funeral Service in celebration of Clair's life will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 11:00AM at Harvest Time Temple, 700 Black Rock Rd., Hanover, PA 17331 with Rev. Fred Mummert officiating. He will be laid to rest following the service at Jefferson Cemetery in Codorus (Jefferson). Viewings will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., of Spring Grove, 175 N. Main St., Spring Grove, and on Thursday from 10:00AM – 11:00AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Clair's memory may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.