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John Clemens Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 9, 2018.

John Kirk Clemens, Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at Hartwick College, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, from complications due to Alzheimer's' disease.

John began his professorial career at Hartwick College in 1980. In addition to teaching, a passion he held throughout his 34-year career, he established the Hartwick Humanities in Management Institute as a result of receiving a substantial grant from the Kellogg Foundation to fund the creation of a leadership development program and complete a library of 100 leadership cases. These cases were used at Hartwick, at other universities and in corporate training programs nationwide. He wrote in refereed journals, as well as articles for the national business press. He co-authored 4 books.

Born December 13, 1939 in Kansas City, MO, John with 2 brothers and their father, Arnold Wayne Clemens, moved to Glendale, CA following the death of their mother, Grace Kirk, in 1940. Francise Batterton joined the family in 1943 as stepmother. John graduated high school in Glendale and completed undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Illinois. He served 2 years in the Navy as a Supply Officer aboard the USS Boyd.

John's business career began in 1966 and included marketing executive positions with Pillsbury and Lawry's Foods. Sensing there might be more to life than, as he would say, "fluffy white frosting and seasoned salt," he answered the call of the sea, sold everything, flew to Europe, and sailed the Mediterranean for 5 years, teaching business courses at the University of Maryland Overseas Division in Germany and Italy when he needed money. Inspired by time at sea, a taste of the classroom experience, and writing the book, Contingency Seamanship, John decided that being a college professor might be his real calling.

John is survived by his loving family, including wife, Karyl, brother Wayne (Barbara) of Concord, MA and children Bob (Shelley) of Columbia, MD, Sandy Scott (Paul Riley) of Northborough, MA and Jim (Karen) of Lake Winnipesaukee, NH; twin brother David of Irvine, CA and daughters, Amy (Sergei Andruha) of San Francisco and Ashley Thomas (Rob) of Washington, DC; father-in-law Bill Burgher of Venice, Florida; sister-in-law Judy Lorette (Bob) of Fairfield, CT and children Topher of San Francisco and Meghan Plunkett (Bill) of Newtown, CT; grand nieces and nephews, Sam, Sean and Katherine Clemens, Heather and Bryan Scott and Charlie and Connor Plunkett. He was pre-deceased by his parents and step-mother.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27 at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Following the service, a reception will be held in the Foreman Gallery in the Anderson Center for the Arts, located at the corner of West Street and Clinton Street on the Hartwick College campus, with parking off the Clinton Street entrance to the campus.

Gifts in memory of John may be made to the John Clemens Scholarship for Study in Business, c/o Office of College Advancement, Hartwick College, PO Box 4020, Oneonta, NY 13820 or online at www.hartwick.edu.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta, NY.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

February 15, 2018

Phil Preston

Dear Karyl, I learned of your loss through a friend who lives in O. My sincere condolences to you and the family. I hope you loss leaves you with wonderful memories and some peace of mind. Sincerely, Phil

February 4, 2018

Bob Mansbach

John was a superlative teacher who had lived the material he taught, and who truly loved his students.
Go with God, John.

January 28, 2018

Jim Piper

I studied under Professor Clemens while at Hartwick ('82). He created and accompanied us on a trip I'll never forget, to Germany in January 1982. From that point on, he was Herr Clemens. Many great memories. One of the more memorable is when we were visiting the still separated East Berlin and police came on board to take a student's camera. Herr Clemens stood in the way and stated 'Alles Klar!' in his best German.

My own father also succumbed to Alzheimers & certainly never the best ending to a wonderful life. My best to the Clemens family knowing he now rests in peace.

Alles Klar, Herr Clemens!

Posted by Jim Piper

January 27, 2018

Sending my deepest sympathies to Karyl and their family~It is well known that John was a very important part of Hartwick College. In fact, when John became quite famous for his "classics" book, my boss, President Wilder, worried pretty much incessantly that we were going to "lose him" (John) to bigger and perhaps better things. I'm certain John had choices, but the fact that he remained at Hartwick College says everything about the man and his love for the College and its students. May God bless and rest his soul. Jan Lloyd

January 26, 2018

Kip Dole

Very sorry to hear this.

I was in the class of 1982 and had him for Operations Management. He enjoyed teaching so much that being in his class was a pleasure.

January 24, 2018

Ann Carman

Karyl, I'm so sorry for your loss. John was a great person. His kindness always overwhelmed me. He didn't really know me but whenever in the office to visit you or someone else he would make his way to my office to ask me how my son was doing, always inquiring about his surgeries and health. It's something I will always remember him for. My thoughts and prayers to you. Ann Carman (Hartwick College)

January 18, 2018

Ann Marie (Hildebrand '86) DeForest

I first met Professor Clemons at a new student gathering in 1982 and had him for several courses at Hartwick. He brought a wealth of experience and fun to the subjects he taught, injecting real life Lowry's and Pillsbury stories whenever he could. His enthusiasm for teaching and compassion for his students will be missed very much.

January 17, 2018

Tom Morgan

Karyl, as you know, John was the most lovable guy anyone would want to meet. You must be heartbroken, although like so many relatives of Alzheimers victims you may have done your mourning over the last few years. You two made such a beautiful couple. Love from Tom and Erna

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