Austin "Chip" Clary

Austin James Clary II, affectionately known by many as Chip, left our world on September 13, 2022 after a sudden complication with a recently diagnosed rare cancer. His family was by his side.

Chip was born November 9, 1960 to Richard and Margaret Clary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1976 he met the love of his life, Kirsten (Freeland) and they married in 1983. Together they raised three incredible humans: Caitlin, Austin, and Brennan. He often referred to them as his "greatest achievements" and loved them to the moon and back.

He graduated from Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Class of 1979) and obtained an HR degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He worked in the field of Labor and Employee Relations for thirty years and enjoyed helping employers better their businesses and make a difference in the lives of their employees.

He loved music, wine, playing the guitar, drawing, and anything outdoors. Like his father he was passionate about and loved the game of golf. He played often and sunk a 15-footer on the 18th hole on the last day he played this month. He was an amazing cook: his smoked ribs were unrivaled and his smoked trout would make you beg for more. Chip had many, many friends, both personal and professional, and he cared deeply for each of them. He wanted to "be there" for everyone and many have described him as a "one-of-a-kind person" and "a truly great guy." He was compassionate, witty, loving and giving and our lives are forever better for his presence.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret Clary. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kirsten, daughter Caitlin Clary Haley and her husband Neal, son Austin Clary III and his wife, Erin; daughter Brennan Clary and her partner, Jennylyn; his beloved grandson Henry James Clary (son of Austin and Erin Clary); his sister Leslie Clary Wagner, brothers Tim Clary, Rob Clary, Rick Clary; and his huge family of friends.

A celebration of his life will be held in October in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Chip's legacy to each of you would be to remind you to "...hold 'em close (your loved ones) and love them every day." Please do that for him. If you would like to offer a tangible gift in his memory, he would ask you to support First Tee Tulsa (https://firstteetulsa.org) or Clarehouse (https://www.clarehouse.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tulsa World on Sep. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Austin Clary

Sponsored by Tempe Mortuary - Tempe.

7 Entries

John Hale

September 18, 2023

A bit more than a year has washed by since Austin Clary left life and began living through the memories of him residing in a legion of friends and family.

This morning, with a smile, I recalled that at Leggett and Platt we liked to call him Ahhzz. We also sometimes turned that abbreviation of the name Austin into Oz. That seemed appropriate- he was sometimes a wizard in his accomplishments and interactions and with our labor representatives.

In addition to the "Oz" nickname, Austin had a good workmate-friend named David Austin. David Austin and Austin Clary called each other "Cuz"... short for cousin. They had a special respect for each others´ skills and a kind of natural manly affection. I have lunch with David Austin now and then and am reminded what a pleasure it is and was to know those two, good, very capable co-workers.

And so, in the quiet early hours this morning, a good man, Austin Clary, lives on in his friends and former co-workers.

John Hale

Shane Broomall

November 14, 2022

I was incredibly saddened to learn about Austin's passing. Though we met through work, he later became a friend and confidant. Austin cared deeply about his family, speaking of them proudly and often. I wish I would have been more timely in sending my condolences Kirsten. We met at a small diner in Phoenix and I can't tell you sad I was to hear that Austin was no longer with us. My deepest sympathies to you and all those saddened by the loss of such a wonderful person.

Sincerely,
Shane

John Hale

October 1, 2022

Austin Clary,

A good and talented person in so many ways. When I knew him, he was a practitioner of saying positive things behind others´ backs. A great example for all of us!

A friend,
John Hale

Southwest Area

Planted Trees

David Tiller

September 30, 2022

Please accept my sympathy over Austin´s untimely passing. I had the opportunity to work with Cemex and when he was a consultant with LRI. I will always remember Austin´s professionalism and kindness. He always told great stories and had great sense of humor. He was a gentleman of the first order. It was always obvious to me that he loved life and was totally devoted to his family.
We won´t see his like again in this life

Viv Brown

September 28, 2022

In loving memory of a knowledgeable and kind co-worker. We will miss you.

Maggie Mann

September 27, 2022

We were shocked and incredibly saddened to hear about Chip. We love your family so much and our hearts are breaking along with yours. There are some people who hold special places in your life, and Chip was one of them. Our prayers for comfort go out to you, Kirsten, and your family.
Much love, Bill and Maggie

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