Gilbert Joseph Clausman

Gilbert Joseph Clausman November 8, 1921 – January 17, 2011 Gilbert passed away at Mayfair Health Care in Turnbull, CT following a short illness.  He originally lived in Westport, CT.  He  was born Nov. 8, 1921 in Los Angeles to Lila and Pete Clausman.   They later divorced and his mother married Chelcie Williams, and they moved to Salem when he was the age of 12.  He attended schools in Salem and graduated from high school and went to Willamette University.  As a young man he sang in acapella choirs and also directed youth  and Church choirs.  He loved music and played the piano.  He was in several Gilbert and Sullivan operettas under Lena Bell Tarter.  He was in the third year of college  when he joined the hospital Corps of the Navy to the Third Marine Division and tour of duty in South Pacific.  He saw combat on Guam and Bougainville and served as operating room scrub nurse.  He spent 3 ½ years in the service.  He went back to school in 1947 and enrolled at Columbus University.  He took courses for both Medical and Music librarianship.  By the time he graduated he decided to become a medical librarian and set out for New York to find a job.  It was at New York Academy of Medicine he found his first position as a medical librarian and worked there for seven years.  He received 3 degrees, Willamette University librarianship, BA in 1947 and MS in 1952.  His first position as a medical librarian was at New York University Medical Center.  He became president of the Medical library assoc. in 1977.  He worked National and Regionally.  He was a world traveler.  He retired in 1986 after 31 years of service.  He was an opera buff and enjoyed the ballet.  He also loved gardening.  He is survived by his four sisters and one brother, Lila DeRosia of Evanston, WY, Doris Roofener of Scio, OR, Betty Pflug of Aumsville, OR, Edith Henderson of Junction City, OR, Robert Williams of Branson, MO; numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held on Sat. Feb. 26th at 1:00 pm at Lone Oak Cemetery, Stayton, OR Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, OR.