Clyde Gordon Pugh

Clyde Gordon Pugh, 88, of Elmer City, Washington, passed away at Spokane, Washington's Providence Holy Family Hospital, Friday afternoon, October 23, 2015. Born February 23, 1927, in Wilbur, Washington, the son of Guy and Grace Pugh, Clyde graduated from North Kitsap High School. On January 28, 1946 Clyde enlisted at the US Army recruitment station in Poulsbo, Washington and served as a military policeman in New Mexico.

Following his discharge at Fort Bliss, Texas, PFC Pugh married JoAnn Maulsby in Topeka, Kansas. The two moved to Washington, having lived in Peach, Wilbur, Poulsbo, Tonasket and Elmer City; along with other communities this was Clyde's home.

Clyde was a man who was never afraid of hard work and always put his best into any task set before him, whether working the long hours of required caring for the herd at Kitsap Dairy, building a large addition to his home, or serving with the Washington State Patrol. During his 27 years with the force, Officer Pugh diligently studied the state RCWs and progressed from working Weigh Stations as a CDL Enforcement Officer to serving the citizens of North Central Washington as a Highway Trooper – a position he loved.

Clyde was not a man given to many words, so in 1984 he simply informed JoAnn, "Money isn't everything, we're going to travel." And with that, at 57 years of age, he retired. A member of the Eagles, Clyde was a jack-of-all-trades who tore a 1940 Chevy down to the frame and completely rebuilt it. His number one priority in life was always his family, whether fishing with his son or most poignantly demonstrated as he faithfully cared for JoAnn during her final years as she slipped from dementia into the depths of Alzheimer's disease. Lovingly, and without complaint, Clyde personally saw to his wife's most basic needs, in dressing, feeding, bathing and changing her "Depends," he exemplified the role of a true husband.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, JoAnn, in 2008; daughter, Melody M. Pugh; and sister, Velma; Clyde's legacy lives on through his sons: Guy Pugh and David A. Pugh; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brothers: Claude Pugh and Robert Pugh (Vivian).

Clyde's family would like to extend a special, heartfelt thanks to Edna Hauser for her constant friendship and compassionate help.

There are no services scheduled at this time and, at Clyde's request, cremation has taken place.

Please sign Clyde's on-line register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, of Grand Coulee, Washington, is honored to serve his family.