Harold W Clements

Obituary: Coach Harold "Hal" Clements
(1940-2025)
First Quarter - The Kickoff
Harold "Hal" Clements was born January 5, 1940, in Perry, Iowa, to Lewis and Pauline Clements. From a young age, Harold showed an unmatched love for sports, especially track & field and football. As a high school athlete at Mount Vernon, Harold earned all-state honors in football as well as track & field before continuing his studies and athletic career at the University of Denver, Northern Arizona, and finally, San Jose State University, where he earned his degree and teaching credential. It was during these formative years that Harold's passion for coaching and teaching began to take root.
Second Quarter - Building the Legacy
While studying, Harold began his coaching career as a graduate assistant on the San Jose State Freshman team. After graduating in 1968, he became the assistant football coach at Lone Pine High School before finding his permanent home in Angels Camp, where he coached the Bret Hart Bullfrogs for the next 23 years. Under Harold's leadership, the team amassed 110 wins, 5 MLL championships, and took home the 1979 section title, which was the only section title in school history. Harold's influence was equally as profound in track & field as it was on the football field, with his teams earning 55 MLL championships and 2 section championships over the next 45 years. Along with various titles and championships, Harold left his teams with a legacy of focus, discipline, and passion on and off the field. His athletes became family.
Third Quarter - On the Sidelines
Harold was a dedicated family man who carried the same devotion and passion from the field to his home. His greatest teammate was Simone, his beloved wife of 55 years. She was his consistent source of strength, support, and love. She was more than a coach's wife; she was a partner in every sense, helping behind the scenes. Their relationship was a model of love and respect, and their shared commitment to others left a lasting impression on so many people. Together, they raised 2 children, Monique and Christopher. Fourth Quarter - The Final Whistle
After hanging up his whistle, Harold continued his love of community by helping Simone with St. Patrick's preschool fundraisers and food pantry. He had a special way of making others feel valued. His commitment to service left a lasting mark, not only in the lives of those he coached but in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Harold passed away in his home on May 26th with his loving family by his side. Though the final whistle has blown, the impact he had on so many in the community will be remembered forever. He is survived by his wife, Simone; his son, Chris (Jamelle); his grandchildren, Crede, Rhett, and Julia; and his sister, Claudia Andrews. He is also remembered by those he considered family, especially Natalie Hammond and her children, Taylor and Ryan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Pauline, his sisters, Barbara and Paula, and his daughter, Monique. Harold may have stepped off the field for the last time, but his legacy will live on in the stories shared, the lives changed, and the love he left behind. The scoreboard doesn't capture the measure of a man like Harold - it's in the people he lifted, the values he lived through, and the community he helped shape.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hal Clements Bret Harte Invitational Track & Field Meet or St. Patrick's Helping Hands Food Pantry. Services will be held at a later date
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