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Richard Allen Claybrook, Sr., (Rip), 87, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2014 at RMH-Sentara Medical Center in Harrisonburg, following a period of declining health.
He was born on July 16, 1926 in Danville, VA and was the son of the late Reverend Fred Claybrook and Helen Claybrook.
Rip was raised in Culpeper, VA and in Cumberland and Baltimore, MD. During WWII he served in the US Army Air Corps in the South Pacific. His grandfather, Reverend Frederick William Claybrook of Kilmarnock, VA, served as a Lieutenant with the VMI Corps of Cadets in the Battle of New Market.
He attended the University of Richmond under the GI Bill, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1950, and Masters in Education from University of Virginia in 1955.
Rip was an educator and taught in Henrico County, and was principal of public elementary schools in Colonial Beach, Petersburg, Chesterfield County and Fairfax County. He was a volunteer firefighter in Colonial Beach. He was director of Camp Baker for children with intellectual disabilities in Chesterfield County during several summers in the early 1960's. He served as President of the Department of Elementary School Principals, Fairfax Education Association from 1975-1976. He served as President of Colonial Beach Lions Club, Richmond Cosmopolitan Club, Annandale Lions Club and Ravensworth Farm Civic Association in Fairfax County.
Following his retirement, he moved to Harrisonburg in 1983 and worked part time at James Madison University. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church where he was an usher and Lay Visitor from 1983-1995. He was a former member and director of Bridgewater Ruritan Club and former member of Harrisonburg Republican Committee.
Rip was a loyal fan of EMU basketball and JMU, Turks and Clover Hill baseball.
On December 22, 1950 in Ashland, VA, he married the former Elizabeth "Libby" McNeal, who survives.
He is also survived by a son, Richard Allen Claybrook, Jr. of Rockingham County, VA; a daughter, Helen Claybrook Loman and husband, Douglas of Shenandoah County, VA; two grandchildren, Tim Loman of Henry County, VA, and Paul Loman of New York City; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.
The family will receive friends from 7-8:00 PM, Friday evening, March 7, at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. A Memorial service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Asbury United Methodist Church. Burial will be private at Solomons Lutheran Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catalyst for Ministry Campaign, Asbury United Methodist Church, 205 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 or Solomons Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Grayson Getz, 6281 Senedo Rd., Quicksburg, VA 22847.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 13, 2015
Lonnie Tuthill, Jr.
He was a great man. I knew him as my Principal at Annandale Elementary and was a friend of my father. I use to go to movies as a kid at the Air and Space Museum every week with him and my dad.
May 11, 2014
Vicki Wnuk
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. He was the principal of Annandale Elementary in Annandale, Va when I was a student there. I have a photo of him with Mrs. Covell standing in front of the school with the 6th grade class behind them in 1970.
March 31, 2014
Fred Winter
I remember helping him vacuum a school in Colonial Beach many years ago and being impressed that he was its principal. I am glad that I got to see him and his family again a few years ago. He is now with his sister, my mother, in heaven.
March 11, 2014
Bonnie McCreary
Oh, how sorry I am to hear of Mr. Claybrook's passing. I worked at Camp Baker for seven summers of my youth and
attribute some of those experiences to making me who I am. What a fine example of a leader he was!
March 8, 2014
Rick Claybrook
Our family deeply appreciates the online comments recorded here, as well as the expressions of love we have been receiving. Thank you to all who attended the graveside service yesterday, the visitation last evening and the memorial service today at Asbury.
March 8, 2014
Larry Czarda
Rick;
While your father lived a long and blessed life, it is always so difficult to lose a parent. Mine have been gone for some time now, and I can assure you that while they are gone, I am still with them every day. Always remember all the good times.
Larry (Czarda)
March 7, 2014
Danny Whetzel
Rick, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
March 7, 2014
Rick, Extending our sympathy to you and yours.
Jean & Allen Litten
March 7, 2014
Rick, we would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and may god give you strength to endure the days ahead.
Old Dominion Rentals
Leslie & Donna Fulk
Donna Wood
Carolyn Delawder
March 6, 2014
Jack Burkholder
I am very sorry to hear of Rip's death. I remember him well as one of our very fine elementary principals in Fairfax County. You can take some comfort in knowing that he had a significant, positive influence upon the lives of many boys and girls that passed through his schools. Jack Burkholder [former Fairfax County Schools Superintendent].
March 6, 2014
Donald Creech
Rick, thinking of you at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
March 5, 2014
Mel Williams
Judge Claybrook and family, please accept my sympathies over the loss of your father. Obviously, he was a good man, and will be sorely missed! You will be in our prayers.
March 5, 2014
Leslie Morris
Our prayer are with you.
March 5, 2014
Terri Hurley
Rick, so sorry to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed him coming into the dealership. He had a beautiful smile and a kind heart. Prayers with you and your family during this time.
March 5, 2014
Esther White
Rick, I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May you and your family forever cherish his memories and may God continue to bless you and give you the comfort you need during this time of sorrow. My sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family.
March 5, 2014
Carolyn C. Durham
Rick and family, I am so very sorry for your loss and am thinking about you during this difficult time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers as I care deeply about you.
March 5, 2014
Katherine Lyon
I always remember his smile! My condolences to the family.
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