Peter Russell Clemens

Peter Russell Clemens, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, in Fairfield, Iowa, after a life rich with art, service, and spirituality. A celebration of his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA. Friends may leave online condolences and join the webcast at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Peter Russell Clemens was born on April 27, 1942, in Mineola, New York, to Edward and Maurie Highstone Clemens. In his early years, Peter enjoyed a childhood in Manhasset, NY, on the scenic North Shore of Long Island. Following his graduation from high school in the early '60s, Peter's adventurous spirit led him to Thailand, where he spent several years immersing himself in the culture and developing a lifelong passion for meditation and spiritual exploration. Upon his return, he briefly resided in New York City, where he worked energetically as a bicycle messenger and studied at the Art Students League of New York around 1963.
Peter's sense of duty to his country was evident when he was drafted into the Army, serving in Vietnam between 1966 and 1968. His experiences overseas solidified his commitment to peace and fostered a contemplative life that would become his trademark. Post-military service, Peter channeled his energy into a successful career as a photographer in New York City before he found his calling in the trades as the owner of North Shore Plastering and Painting. With a natural talent for creating beauty, Peter became known for his exceptional skills in decorative painting finishes and plastering techniques.
Throughout his professional life, Peter continued to impact the lives around him, shifting into sales and eventually retiring to pursue a new chapter. His calling drew him to Fairfield, Iowa, where he joined a meditation program, dedicating over ten years to crafting Yantras-intricately designed works of art that were admired by many at Revelations for over a decade.
Peter was a man of many interests and a pillar of his community. A member of the Rotary Club and the Quaker Friends, his dedication to these groups was matched by his participation in the Mankind Project Men's Group, where he was known for his mentorship and counseling. A culinary enthusiast, he relished hosting dinners for friends, indulging his passion for cooking, and nurturing his impressive vegetable garden and flock of chickens.
Spirituality remained a cornerstone of Peter's life. After becoming a Quaker in his twenties, a path he pursued following his time in Vietnam, he continued to meditate for over 40 years. This practice, integral to his well-being, was a source of guidance that he shared freely with others.
Peter is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Kahn Clemens, his children Roy Clemens and Lisette B. Clemens, his stepchildren Yitzhak Magoon and Beyana Magoon, and remembered by numerous friends whose lives he enriched. Peter was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson.
As we celebrate the life of Peter Russell Clemens, we remember a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a beautiful imprint on the world.