Claude G. Moutray

1944 - 2024

Moutray, Claude G

August 7, 1944 - June 20, 2024

Loved by his family and friends, Claude G. Moutray passed from this life at the age of 79 on June 20, 2024, after a long battle with dementia. Claude was born on August 7, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Nila Jones and Clifford Moutray; he was the oldest of two siblings. Growing up in Tulsa, Claude found his passion playing basketball. He would practice for hours on a hoop his father built in their driveway. Eventually, Claude went on to McClain High School and became a star basketball player wearing the number 13 jersey.

Claude loved learning and was an excellent student. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Arizona State University in 1967 and his Masters in Education from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in 1972. It was at Arizona State University that he met his wife, Angela Cary. He would tell his loved ones and friends that when he first saw Angela he was awe struck and decided to ask her out to a movie on the ASU campus. The story goes that after their first kiss he leaned back and said, "Well, Darlin, if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise, I'll see you in the morning." They were married in 1965 and enjoyed a beautiful life together for 58 years.

After college, Claude enlisted in the Air Force. The Vietnam War was taking place and he was stationed in Phitsanulok, Thailand.

What Claude Moutray was best known for was his stellar teaching capabilities. After his time in the Air Force he became a math teacher, and one of the finest. When his diagnosis of dementia was made public, an outpouring of love and stories came from his past students and fellow colleagues. He spent his glory days of teaching at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was one of those teachers who cared deeply for his students and truly did everything he could to help them succeed. His humor and gentle nature would put anyone in his orbit at ease. He made learning math fun, and he could lift up anyone who felt insecure about their abilities to grasp the subject. His students affectionately called him Mr. Moo, and the catchphrase "Moo will take care of you" became a calling card.

Claude retired from Tulsa Public Schools and began teaching in California in 1998. Both daughters had moved to the Bay Area, and knowing that's where they would stay, he and Angela moved to be closer to them. He ended his 40-year career of teaching math in 2010 at Vacaville High School in Vacaville, CA.

Claude was an outstanding father. He and Angela had two daughters, Rebecca and Claudia. His attentive nature, compassion, and humor were traits he passed on to both of them. Laughter often filled the Moutray home, and when times got rough - as they do throughout the teenage years - Claude was always there with a shoulder and a listening ear. Long drives in his El Camino often created the time and place for conversations, tears, and then a Frosty from Wendy's. Dad always knew how to make us feel safe and loved.

When Claude wasn't working, you could find him on the golf course. This activity was an obsession, and he excelled at it. He loved golf so much that on Saturdays before hitting the course we could find him humming and singing and cleaning his clubs in the kitchen sink.

One of Claude's prize possessions was his pool table. His ability to know just the right angle and at what speed to hit the ball was legendary. Laughter, music, and the sound of pool cues hitting balls that landed in pockets echoed throughout the house.

Another sport Claude was proficient in was skiing. His energy was infectious and could be felt throughout the whole mountain as he barreled down the slopes hooting and hollering. When you skied with Claude, you became fearless, he could always make you feel safe and at times invincible.

What Claude loved most in life was his family. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving because that meant he got to be around his family. Also, he got to showcase his incredible pie making talents. He would make 11 pies from scratch, and all who were fortunate to have a slice appreciated his skill. His true devotion was to his great love, Angela. When asked about the longevity of their marriage and how they made it work and work so well, he stated, "With any decision I make, I think of her first." Their love was one for the ages.

He loved being a granddad. His face would light up and his heart would swell when he was around his grandchildren Aiden, Irene, Kirby, and Ven. He attended every birthday party, game, theatre play, and music concert. He would be in the front row to give them his standard "Ovation". Basically, he would stand up and raise his arms into the shape of an O.

Claude is survived by his wife, Angela Moutray of Vacaville, CA; his daughters, Rebecca Donaldson and spouse Nick Donaldson of Novato, CA, and Claudia Moutray and her partner, Jason Kim of San Francisco, CA; his grandchildren, Aiden Donaldson and Irene Moutray and Kirby and Ven Kim-Moutray; his brother, Gary Moutray and spouse Phillis Moutray; and cousin, Jimmy Wood and spouse Mindy Wood; and his nieces and nephews, Jae Dee Wood and Andy and Chris Moutray.

Claude (Mr. Moo) - husband, brother, dad, granddad, uncle, friend, teacher, mentor, colleague - an all around brilliant man who will be missed immensely. We love you, Pop.