Clarence Gipson

Clarence W Gipson died in his home surrounded by family Saturday, May 12, 2018 after a short battle with leukemia. Clarence was born on a small family farm in central Kentucky. He studied law and ballistics at the University of Louisville. His working life began as a Kentucky State Police communications officer. After which he joined the Army serving during the Berlin Crisis; the first instance of our country activating reserve forces to defend the American way of life. He worked 32 years as an International Union Representative responsible for presenting labor arbitrations and being a consultant to local unions. He moved to Yakima in 1997 while serving as United Food and Commercial workers International Legislative and Political Affairs Representative in WA, OR, MT, ID and AK. Clarence was a remarkable man who throughout his working career fought diligently for the people he represented. His life was hectic, but he proudly loved every minute of it. Clarence was a true southern gentleman, loving and kind. He was generous with his wisdom and sharing his knowledge, helping those who needed it. He was a delightful story teller and loved sharing his life experiences with anyone who would listen. In his retirement years he and wife Gerda enjoyed a mutual appreciation for the beauty of nature, for travel and photography. His passing left a great void in all of us but we are thankful he was in our lives and we know that the goodness that is Clarence will be with us always. Clarence is survived by his wife Gerda, his children and grandchildren, his sister Evelyn and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clarence Gipson, please visit our flower store.