Obituary published on Legacy.com by Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home & Crematory on Mar. 10, 2025.
Dave Clover, 94, passed away peacefully at home in
Ashland, Oregon, on March 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Torrance, California, to David P. and Mary S. (Wright) Clover, Dave moved with his family to Oregon in 1945, graduating from Eagle Point High School in 1948. It was at Eagle Point High School that he met the love of his life, Dorothy Force. They married in 1950 at his parents' home on North Laurel Street in Ashland, where they built a life together and have lived for 74 years.
Dave was a hardworking man who took pride in every job he held, from working in logging mills and the orchards of Harry & David and at Jorgensen's Dairy. He spent 25 years as a Teamsters delivery salesman for Williams Bakery, retiring in 1987.
In 1957, he built the family cabin at Rocky Point, Oregon, using his signature resourcefulness-many of the materials were repurposed, including the glass windows, which he salvaged from a meat market on the Ashland Plaza. That cabin became a cherished retreat, where Dave enjoyed water skiing and fishing on Klamath Lake. He was an expert single-ski water skier.
Retirement didn't slow him down. Dave pursued many passions, including woodworking, winemaking, and vegetable gardening. He had a keen eye for beauty, collecting Murano and 1950s glassware, which he proudly exhibited in local libraries. He was an active member of the Southern Oregon RV Club, the Southern Oregon Antiques and Collectibles Club, and the Elks Lodge.
Dave and Dorothy shared a love of travel, adventuring across the country in their camper pickup to the Florida Keys and Alaska. They also explored Branson, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji with dear friends.
A competitive spirit, Dave was an avid pinochle and poker player. He played bi-monthly poker with his friends until just five months ago. His sharp wit and sense of humor made him a joy to be around, whether at the card table or at one of the many gatherings hosted at the Clover Compound. For decades, these gatherings-full of laughter, food, games, and stories-brought family together and carried on a tradition that began with Dorothy's parents in the 1950s.
Above all, Dave was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He supported his family in every endeavor and took immense pride in their accomplishments. His warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.
Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Dorothy; his children, Deborah Cook of Ashland, Janet Samuel (Dave) of Albany, John Clover (Golda) of Talent, and Jean Hagen (Patrick) of Rocky Point; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, a daughter, Mary Jo Jones and son-in-law, Royal (Ray) Cook Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland Elks Lodge, Asante Hospice, or a
charity of your choice. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.