Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Walter Clapham Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Clapham
Ann Gahagan
February 5, 2007
Mr. Clapham was very talented in the piano studio. He was a true teacher, arranger, composer, player. He was so talented. Besides, he was a comedian. I would like to hear from all of Mr. Clapham's piano students! (Mr. C. did mention the name of a student, Larry LeBlanc, who was a top student). Piano students please get in touch, share your Mr. Clapham and piano study stories. Ann Gahagan
Susan (& Todd)
January 1, 2007
Memories of your laughter and humor stay with us like an eternal smile. The joy you shared made our lives richer...We miss you!
Sharon Graham
December 22, 2006
"Grandpa C"- I only met him one time,but he made a lasting impression. The way he laughed before he took a picture had everyone in stitches. I only wish I could have gotten to know him better. I know from just the stories,that he was a very special man and very loved. I'm sure he will be missed by so many. He was a light in this world. God bless your family. Love,Sharon Graham
Margaret Long
December 17, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Wendy Long-Polesky
December 17, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Ashby
December 16, 2006
I first met Lee and Marge at one of Bobby & Kim Baldwin's parties. I always looked forward to seeing them. Lee tickled your funny bone with his many jokes and tales to tell. I always admired how he could remember them all. He had everyone rolling on the floor. Lee gave me some guitar lessons and taught me so much. He will be greatly missed. He was a very special and caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Benning
December 15, 2006
I am so sorry and sad to learn that Mr. Clapham has passed away. Having just lost my mom in June of this year, I know what the family is going through. Mr. Clapham was a wonderful friend, teacher and human being. He taught piano lessons to both me and my daughter (recitals and all!) Each Christmas I eagerly awaited my annual dose of humor in the form of a cassette tape with jokes on it that came in his Christmas card. Although it's been a while since I've seen him, he will remain in my memory and I will think of him fondly always.
Leata Griswold
December 13, 2006
From another "surrogate" child who was continually "tickled" by Dad's humor: I'll always remember my piano lesson and thanks for sharing your prune whip.
Sharon Lee (Razo)
December 13, 2006
Mr. Clapham was my piano teacher in the 1960s....first at the music studio and then in his home. He also taught my brother Mickey..he was truly a wonderful teacher with such patience and kindness, but also a wonderful human being..i considered him a father figure that I could depend on..I am so sorry for your loss...
Bridgit Giedeman
December 9, 2006
I have the most fond memories of Lee and Marge at my sister Lynette's home. The jokes and stories they told made us laugh 'til it hurt! The sparkle he provided to any room he entered will be greatly missed. May the peace of our Lord strengthen those who love him. Bless you,
Tracy Lee Tierney
December 8, 2006
Grandpa C was such a genuine person and someone I love very much! He always had cute jokes, and the way he laughed before he took pictures was priceless. I'm really lucky to have had so much time with my wonderful grandpa, and I feel honored to be named after him :) I love you Grandpa C! Thanks for all the writers' magazines! You always believed in me.
Valerie Finlayson
December 7, 2006
Lee was my second Dad (as my twin Tracy said earlier). He and his family were so important in my teens. He will be missed but always loved and remembered with so much fondness. My love goes out to the family.
Jaylin Palacio
December 7, 2006
I am thanking God that we made that trip to Lemon Grove in August and spent time with Grandpa Lee in his piano studio. I will always remember how he would start laughing every time we would take a picture and before you know it we would all be cracking up! I am honored to be his granddaughter. May God bring us all comfort in knowing that he is in the arms of Jesus.
Tracy Desmond
December 7, 2006
Lee was my second dad all through jr. high and high school, and beyond. His humor and kindness always made me glad to walk in that back door. I feel blessed to have known such a good and gentle man. He touched everyone around him with his funny ways. Mom and Dad Clapham are two people in my life that have given me great comfort just knowing they were there if I needed them. The world is a better place for having had Lee in it.
Kellie Kellogg
December 6, 2006
I am very saddened to hear of your loss. Mr. Clapham was a my first piano teacher in 1975. He was a super nice guy with the patience of a saint. I'll carry with me always the musical skills he taught me, and I'll always have a very special place in my heart for him. Thank you Mr. Clapham!
Laurie Moon
December 6, 2006
Grandpa...I love you so much...I will miss you dearly...Love, Laurie
Lauren Edwards
December 5, 2006
A perfect life!
Barbara Schoonover
December 5, 2006
Dad, thank you for giving our family the gifts of music, humor, and faith. Your memory will live on forever, and you will always be my favorite dad!
Frank Schoonover
December 5, 2006
Fair winds and following seas Sailor. You will always be remembered.
Jill Speckmann
December 5, 2006
Grandpa,
Sleep in heavenly peace. You are my angel in heaven.
Love,
Jill
Kevin Tierney
December 5, 2006
I will miss this wonderful man forever. Dad you welcomed me into your family with a firm handshake, a great smile and the best goofiest jokes ever. Good morning! I love you, for two reasons.
Debbie Elmore (Chmidling)
December 4, 2006
The last time I saw Uncle Lee was at my dad's funeral, 5 years ago. I think of Uncle Lee everytime I go to the movies. He had a silly joke about going to the movies. I will always remember his wit and his music.
Marijoan Preston
December 4, 2006
My sincere condolences to the Clapham family. Lee was such a wonderful person, I know you will all miss him terriby. My prayers are with all of you,
Sincerely,
Marijoan Preston
nancy crowell
December 4, 2006
Though I only met him once or twice you only really needed to meet him once to know what a wonderful and kind hearted man is was. God needed another angel with him more than we needed one down here. Keep looking for signs for they will come to you and give you comfort when you most need it. Until we meet again Lee.....
Linda Smith
December 4, 2006
Before Uncle Lee would give me a kiss he would always say "I haven't had any peanuts". It was a private joke between he and I which I will always remember. I know that him and dad are playing music together again. You are all in my prayers.
Marilyn Speckmann
December 4, 2006
Thanks for the many beautiful memories, Dad. Forever in my heart,
Marilyn
Dave Gray
December 4, 2006
I'm so saddened by the lost of this wonderful man. I'm now 45 and I was his student for about 15 years. My sister and many of my friends from my church were privileged to study with him. I also played with him for several years with his group, "Tears of Joy".
He is the one most responsible for teaching me what good music is and for teaching me to love it. I will forever remember him and be grateful.
We have lost a wonderful and beautiful man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Gisele Tierney
December 4, 2006
Dear Theresa and Your Family,
I think your Dad was the nicest man I ever met. I saw him rarely, but heard about him often. Every time anyone mentioned him, I thought this again. His kindness was passed along to you and your whole family. My heart goes out to all of you.
Love,
Gisele
Linda McGuffin (nee: Gilchrist)
December 3, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Clapham's passing. Having just lost my father on September 14, 2006, I understand the loss you are all feeling.
I was very fortunate to be one of Mr. Clapham's piano students starting at the age of 8 and I am now 50 years old. He taught me a great deal more than theory and how to play the piano, he taught me confidence, discipline and to have a sense of humor, especially being able to laugh at myself.
I used to work at Thearle Music Co. in College Grove and loved it when Mr. Clapham used to come in and buy his teaching material. I used to think, the students who will be using these books are very fortunate to have a teacher like Mr. Clapham! He was one in a million with a big, warm, wonderful heart! He will always be in mine.
God Bless You all, now and forever. Just know that Mr. Clapham is resting in the arms of our dear Lord. How wonderful!
CLARA LONEY
December 3, 2006
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER UNCLE LEE WITH A TAPE RECORDER AND INTERVIEWING ALL OF US KIDS AT OUR FAMILY GET TOGETHERS, LOVE AND PRAYERS.
Robyn Tierney
December 3, 2006
Grandpa "C" I miss you so much and I smile each time I think of you. Thank you for always having a great sense of humor. I love you.
Theresa Tierney
December 3, 2006
There was never any question in our house that we were loved. My Dad was the most honest, kind and loving human being I know. I feel so blessed that he lived so long and he'll forever be in my heart.
Judi Adams
December 3, 2006
We love you and miss you so much, Dad. We continue to smile because we know you are safely "home" in the hands of God. May you rest in peace until we all reunite one day inside the pearly gates. :)
Lee Clapham - always smiling! :)
December 3, 2006
Linda Audley
December 3, 2006
Alyxis and I are very sorry for your loss. We will always remember Lee for his sense of humor and kindness. I'm glad for the times Alyxis and I got to visit him and he gave us a tour of his piano room and played a song for us. Our thoughts and prayers our with you. Love Linda and Alyxis Audley
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Walter Clapham's name
Memorial Events
for Walter Clapham
How to support Walter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Walter Clapham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
