~ USAF Retired Lt Col Clement P. Tamraz

1930 - 2021

Lt Col Clement P Tamraz ~ USAF Retired
April 30, 1930 - January 10, 2021
Sacramento, California - In a world where everyone is essentially "One of a kind," Clem (aka: 'Chuck') stood out. He wanted to know everything about everything and everybody, and was an avid reader. He didn't have time to read the thousands of non-fiction books that he left behind, and was forever sharing his knowledge with everyone he met. He talked constantly and folks listened, mesmerized by his extensive knowledge, war stories, and oratory style.
Clem was born in Brooklyn, NY. His father, Clement A. Tamraz, the son of Persian immigrants, was from Yonkers, NY and his mother was Lorraine L. Price, of Leaksville, NC.
Next to his family, foremost throughout his life was his love of the military that began when he was just a toddler dressed as a toy soldier for a church play. He attended elementary schools in Brooklyn, NY and High School in Johnson City, TN, where he continued his fascination with the military by entering their R.O.T.C. program. From there, Clem attended the University of Tennessee and then went on to join the USAF as a navigation cadet. After becoming an officer in 1952, Clem began an extraordinary career that included active flying status and combat participation in both the Korean and Vietnam War.
One of his early assignments was to the Philippine Constabulary where he served as consultant during the fight against the Huk guerillas and with the French Foreign Legion during the battle of Dien Bien Phu.
In 1959, under the service's Boot Strap Program, Clem graduated from Syracuse University, earning a B.A. Degree in International Relations as a Soviet Union Specialist. Later he competed the U.S. Army Special Forces Officers Course at Ft. Bragg, NC and was awarded a Green Beret, served as Academic Supervisor at the Officer Candidate School at Lackland AFB, TX, then spent four years as a Professor of Air Science and Tactics at UCLA. Clem then volunteered for duty in Vietnam in 1967 joining the U.S. Army unit MACSOG (Studies and Observations Group) where he wore a U.S. Army Uniform and reported directly to General William Westmoreland.
Upon his retirement from the service in 1971, he began selling land in undeveloped Cameron Park, CA and surrounding areas before becoming very active in Sacramento's real estate world and was once awarded Sacramento Board of Realtors 'Salesman of the Year'.
To the end, Clem was a serious collector, and through a friend he was introduced to another avenue for his selling abilities—trade shows, where he adopted the nickname of 'Chuck' and evolved into his alter-ego, 'The Old Gringo'. When he eventually gave up the strenuous drives throughout the state he turned his selling skills elsewhere and later became known as 'King Flea' at the local Antique Faire and flea markets where he made many friends.
Clem is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years Dorothy Hope Coffee, loving daughters Victoria and Vanessa, and faithful dog 'Baby'. Additionally, he will be missed by his extended Salmonson family as well as beloved cousins Rose Price, Keith and Kevin Layne, Bill Tamraz's family, and Sonia Tamraz.
Clem was ultimately interred at the Sacramento Valley National Veterans Cemetery in Dixon after pandemic delays, and our world has changed without him in it. He was a generous friend and mentor to many, and he brought excitement to most everything he encountered. His memory will be privately celebrated on his birthday this year, where we'll say adios to The Old Gringo.