Felix Lathier "Buzz" St. Claire III

1944 - 2023

Felix "Buzz" Lathier St. Claire III peacefully passed away on January 12th, 2023 in Vancouver Washington, surrounded in love by his family.

Buzz was born Oct. 11, 1944 at Ft. Sam Houston, where he will also be laid to rest.

He attended Alamo Heights HS, and then went on to Trinity University, where he majored in biology, and was a proud member of the Bengal Lancers & ROTC. In 1967, Buzz married his sweetheart, Sandra Stoker, and after earning his bachelor's degree, and completing some graduate level work, Buzz served 3 years as an Infantry Captain in the Army, with stations in South Korea and Germany. After military service, Buzz and Sandi returned to San Antonio, where he worked at Southwest Research Institute, Upjohn, Ciba-Geigy & Novartis Pharma, retiring from the latter in 1994. Having garnered a love for the Pacific Northwest during his business travels, Buzz moved his family to Vancouver Washington, where he and Sandi owned and operated two Mail Boxes Etc franchises, before his final retirement in 2002.

Throughout his life, Buzz was a voracious learner, exploring a plethora of interests that included sailing, astronomy, boating (including active participation in the US Power Squadron in San Antonio and Corpus Christi) candle making, motorcycles, leather works, WWII history and memorabilia, archery, RV travel, model airplanes and his Scottish heritage. Buzz's interest in that heritage inspired him to learn how to play the bagpipes, which further inspired his children to also take up bagpipes, drums and highland dancing. Buzz and his family spent many summers traveling to various Scottish Games, competing, performing and enjoying the bond of a common interest. Buzz was active in the Boy Scouts, as both a scout and later, as a leader. In his youth, Buzz was active in DeMolay, eventually serving as a Master Councilor.

Later, Buzz was raised to the 32nd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry.

Buzz was the son of Lt.Col. Felix and Marion St. Claire (both deceased) and brother to Marion Patricia St.Claire Byrd (deceased) He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Sandra Stoker, 5 beloved children: Michelle Crespo (and husband Joe Crespo) Amber St.Claire (deceased), Stephanie Sharp (and husband Nick Pommier) Robin Pedlar (and husband Britt Pedlar) and Colin St.Claire (and wife Jessi Wells St. Claire) as well as grandchildren Joseph Crespo III, Ava Crespo, Vaughn Pommier, Beau Pommier, Cameron Pedlar, Scarlett Pedlar, Cora Fae St.Claire, and Felix St.Claire.

Additional survivors are his mother-in-law, Iris F. Robinson, brother-in-law Danny Byrd, nephews Nathan, Jason and Keven Byrd and families, sister-in-law Kathie Snow and nephew Benjamin Snow.


Visitation will be at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, February 6, 2023 from 4 pm - 8 pm. Graveside services will be held at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter 5, on Tuesday, February 7 at 1:45 pm sharp. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wounded Warriors Project in memory of Buzz St.Claire, or your favorite charity.