ForeverMissed
Large image
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Rich Claverie, 68 years old, born on September 17, 1945, and passed away on July 20, 2014. We will remember him forever.
July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023
I can’t wrap my head around the years you’ve been gone. It’s hard for my heart and mind to take. I miss you so much & think about you all the time. I always will, Uncle Richie. I love you so so much.
July 22, 2022
July 22, 2022
Another year Without you Richie, sharing life and so much laughter. Bobby and I miss you so much. We think about you all the time, and have so much joy when we think about the great laughs we shared in the past.❤️❤️
July 20, 2022
July 20, 2022
Hey Rich still think about you all the time all the great times we had together were so much fun and all the kids and students that we had that remembered you so much and we’re so fond of you
September 17, 2021
September 17, 2021
Hey Rich I miss you dearly we had so much fun together teaching all those years hard to remember any one thing but well always have warm memories of all the time we were together both at school and as families
July 20, 2020
July 20, 2020
  Saw a show shot in Australia & was immediately transported back to the wonderful time we shared with you there and in SO MANY places over the years.
  Your enthusiasm & “he he” laughter ALWAYS made things extra special!!
  Will always miss and love you Richie (my brother in my heart)....❤️
July 21, 2019
July 21, 2019
Rich, I miss you. You were the first person I met beginning my position as vice principal and principal. My dear wife Bev passed away recently and she and I always enjoyed your company. Always enjoyed your friendship, lots of good times. Leon
July 20, 2019
July 20, 2019
Rich was one very special, unforgettable guy! You are ever on our hearts
and we know we will meet again someday. We remember the laughter and
good times shared and we are only grateful that we had those times with
you!  You have an amazing legacy - your beautiful Family!
Peace and Blessings,
Mari & Bob Musante
July 20, 2019
July 20, 2019
I will never forget you, Rich. I hope you can see your beautiful and growing family. Peace be with you.
July 20, 2019
July 20, 2019
Hey Rich hard to believe it’s been five years I think of all the great times we had at LeyVa.  We had such great times team teaching with the kids I will always miss you
September 17, 2018
September 17, 2018
Dear Rich ~
 Happy birthday to you! I don't think you are getting any older in Heaven.
You are ever missed and often thought of and I know you can look down and
see what a beautiful family you have.
Until we meet agin, you are in our hearts...
Much Love,
Mari and Bob
July 20, 2018
July 20, 2018
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near, so LOVED, so MISSED, so VERY DEAR!
Rich is often thought of and thankfully we have so many wonderful memories. We feel grateful we knew him and his wife , Merrilee and
his amazing, beautiful, family!
With much love,
Mari and Bob
February 25, 2017
February 25, 2017
Just finding out about one of my mentors deaths. Dumbstruck. Mr. Claverie was one of the towering influences of my youth at Quimby Oak Jr High. I retired recently as a teacher and coach of 32 years partially because of his two years in my life. I have never forgotten him and I'm sure he was a mentor for many more. My deepest, if not late, condolences.
September 17, 2015
September 17, 2015
Sept. 17, 2015
Dear Rich,
  We MISS you so much! But we are sure you are at Peace and
are keeping your eye on all of your dear friends down here who are
anxious to see you again. Are there Pedro games in Heaven?
  You are forever in our hearts! Until we meet again,

Much LOVE,

Mari, Bob, Brian, Andrea, Gianna, Brian, Declan & Ainsley
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015
I love you so much, Uncle Richie. I miss you so much. Nikki got married this weekend, and I can't tell you how much I wish you were there. You are always with me in my heart - Love your niece Dannie
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015
Rich was my brother's roommate while attending San Jose State. I will always remember Rich because he was always so kind to me during my awkward teenage years. Rest in Peace dear Rich. Carol Plaza-Cairns.
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015
I am thinking of Rich today. Also thinking of his growing family. You will be missed but not forgotten.
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015
Dearest Rich, now an angel in heaven, thinking of you today. Rest in peace! Your classmate, Donna Bucedi Traverso
March 9, 2015
Merrilee I was so sad to find this obituary today. Cousin Richard was a favorite of mine and I am so sorry no one told me of his passing. I was looking for your address because my dad passed away and I thought you would like to know. My condolences at this late date. I hope I can find an address for you, the phone number I have is disconnected.
Love, Leslie McCutcheon Blomquist
September 17, 2014
September 17, 2014
Happy Birthday to you Rich, you will be sadly missed at our reunion this Saturday but I know from the heavens you will be looking on with our other beloved classmates.
September 17, 2014
September 17, 2014
Rich was a friend and a mentor. I first met him in 1970 at Quimby Oak Junior High School. He was my PE teacher, baksetball coach, and track coach. He was one of my mentors that resulted in my being a school teacher and a coach for track and cross country. My teams have won state championships in California and Wyoming. I have a clear picture of meeting him for the first time.

I thank God that he Mr. Claverie/ Rich was a part of my life and I carried that baton with dignity.

Gerry Geraghty
Durango Colorado
National Director and Founder of River Run for Orphans
August 16, 2014
August 16, 2014
Jeff and I are so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. We hadn't seen him in such a long time, but always will remember playing Black Jack with him in Tahoe back in the 80's. Some fun times! He leaves a huge hole in my dad's (Raul Jara) heart, but I am enjoying hearing the stories about him. He was probably the only person that could talk my dad into doing things. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Claverie family at this difficult time~
August 14, 2014
August 14, 2014
I first met Rich Claverie 45 years ago when I was a 14 year old summer league baseball player. We remained family friends all these years. A great man, a great coach, a no-nonsense guy when it came to dealing with kids. He will be greatly missed. I was at the Ley Va Memorial but did not get a chance to talk to Merilee. You are all in our prayers.
Dave Cortese
August 14, 2014
August 14, 2014
Rich was my wife's Uncle. I also referred to him as "Uncle Rich". I will always remember talking sports with him in Kent and Nancy's living room. It was fun because he was so passionate and knowledgeable about so many sports. Today we were looking at the photos of our wedding and many have him in them. He will always be missed.
August 14, 2014
August 14, 2014
So sorry that I could not be there but wanted to send my prayers to Rich's family. It has been a number of years since I left LeyVa -my first teaching job but I remember the love of children and teaching that Rich gave to all his students in and out of the classroom. Brenda (Hart) Goldstein
August 12, 2014
August 12, 2014
Rich Claverie is remembered with fondness by our family. He was my PE teacher at Quimby, than years later, my 3 sons' track and basketball coach and PE teacher at Leyva. Rich was passionate with a Bulldog pride
that never let go. He is a legend in the Evergreen School District. My husband and I appreciate his investment in our sons' lives. We are all greatly saddened by his passing. We send our
sympathies to his family. May God comfort you at this time.
Cisco and Julie Cabrera and family
August 12, 2014
August 12, 2014
My whole family was saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of Rich, a larger than life individual. He was passionate, charismatic, and always a fun person to have around. I'll never forget growing up with my family and his family camping and skiing. Rich was my "ski instructor" who successfully got me down big hills after the professionals failed. I'll never forget you, Rich, rest in peace!
August 12, 2014
August 12, 2014
I had the pleasure of getting to know "Coach Rich" in 1986 as a maintenance worker for Evergreen School District. He was ever so appreciative of the work we did in the locker rooms, gym, and fields. He was identified to me as "the guy who looks like the Marlboro Man." Thank you Lynn. He will always be that to me..... rest in peace my brother...
August 12, 2014
August 12, 2014
I attended LeyVa Middle School from 1994-1996. Coach Claverie was my no-nonsense, yet very caring basketball and track coach. I grew up a lot under his guidance and set me on a path to high school and collegiate track and field. I still remember the smell of the Bulldogs locker room where I made him coffee as an 8th grade TA. He made athletes feel appreciated by enshrining their names on the walls of the gym. Thank you, coach!
August 11, 2014
August 11, 2014
Rich..you were always larger than life...how is it possible you are no longer here? Rich and I taught together and ran the LeyVa P.E. Department and After-School-Sports Program for some 30+ years. He had a unique teaching and coaching style that always had everyone's attention....I believe they call it charismatic. He made believers out of all his students when it came to "Wearing the Purple with Pride". This extended also to the staff and administration. Rich used his unusual gift of persuasion also to get staff involved in securing improvements at LeyVa, supporting teacher contract negotiations, getting out the vote for school bonds..whatever it took. He always managed to rally the staff to come out and help supervise the games after school after enthusiastically hustling them to buy the P.E. sports T-shirts.
One always knew when Track season started cause Claverie"s kids would be heading out for the Track with shovels, rakes, brooms..and some smiling with new spiked running shoes. In 2-3 days the Track would look immaculately groomed and was soon to be the home of endless Track League and County Championships. The same happened in the gym before Basketball season..lots of vacuuming, cleaning backboards, and installing new nets. The Basketball Championships always followed. Claverie could rattle off endless stats from the many years of athletes accomplishments and Championships
they won. Legacy was important to him. We used to tease he was a "Legend in his Own Mind"!
Rich was quite a character loved and admired by many for different reasons. Everyone who knew Rich has their special "Claverie
moment " and favorite Claverie story. I'm sure these will all be lovingly recounted and shared with each other at Rich's Memorial in the Rich Claverie Gym Monday. I look forward to seeing everyone and hearing them all. My heart felt condolences to Merilee and the whole family for
your loss. Thanks for arranging the opportunity to come together at LeyVa to share in his "Celebration of Life". He would have absolutely loved it! Lynne Gates
August 11, 2014
August 11, 2014
"The presence of that absence is everywhere." Edna St. Vincent Millay

You are all in my thoughts; my heart aches for your loss.
August 11, 2014
August 11, 2014
Hi Todd and Kindra, I am so very sorry about the loss of your Dad. I am Susan, Daughter of Irene McCoy Haydis and Step-Daughter of Alan Haydis. They both worked at LeyVa with your Dad since day 1 of the LeyVa days. I went to Quimby Oak and I, unfortunately never had your Dad as my P.E. teacher or coach. My Mom was the school nurse and Alan was the Band/Music teacher. On my many visits to LeyVa to see my Mom...I had the pleasure of knowing your Dad...he was an awesome person and loved by so many students, parents, and fellow coworkers. I was going through some old boxes of pictures about 2 months ago and happened to come across this picture of your Dad and my Mom at LeyVa, taken sometime around 1976-1978ish. On July 19th there was a picnic Tribute to Mr. Alan Haydis, put on by some of his former LeyVa band students. Your Dad was really wanting to go but he was out of the country...he sent my Mom a message on the 18th expressing his regrets that he could not make it and sent my Mom and Alan his love. They just adored him and they have so many neat stories about the days they all worked together at LeyVa. When they got the news, the day after the picnic, they were in shock and felt devastated, as I am sure everyone was. I was home with them that night. This picture was one I had put on a LeyVa collage board that I had made for Alan's Tribute picnic. My Mom loved this picture. It's not the best quality but it is a great picture of two happy friends. My Mom asked me if I would send this to you. She really wanted you guys to have it. *(I posted the picture in the photo gallery on this page)

Again, I send you both and your family my deepest condolences. I lost my own Dad in 1994...things do get easier with time but deep down inside it does still hurt. I cherish my memories and love seeing pictures of my Dad. I hope in time you find comfort in your memories of your Dad. In 1976 I graduated from Quimby Oak, LeyVa's rival Jr. High school and many of my friends went to LeyVa and had your Dad as a teacher and or coach and over the years they all talked highly of him and with much respect...I am sure the Memorial service will be packed with so many people who's own lives were impacted by your Dad in such a good way. Hugs and prayers to you both and your Mom.

Sincerely,
Susan McCoy Fong
August 10, 2014
August 10, 2014
Looking at the photos on this website brought tears to my eyes. I can’t believe that tomorrow we will be attending the funeral of Richie. Richie was my Mom’s cousin so I have known Richie my entire life. Our families have shared holidays, weddings, and family events together. We didn’t see each other often, especially as we kids grew up and started to form our own families. However, I always remember that whenever I saw Richie he was smiling and was so happy. I never heard him complain. He was the cousin who lived in San Jose and would drive to Stockton for an event. I remember Bruna, Olga, Rena and my grandmother, Irene always talking so positively about Richie. But more than anything I remember his smile and his giant hugs. Richie took such good care of his family. Merrilee, Kindra and Todd I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will be grieving for a very long time. Richie was an amazing and special man. I feel very lucky to have known him! Cindy
August 10, 2014
August 10, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rich. Rich was a college roommate of my brother Dennis. I remember Rich coming over to our house and watching scary movies with my mom and I. I thought of him as a cool older brother. He left way too soon. Again, so sorry for you and your family. Carol (Plaza) Cairns
August 10, 2014
August 10, 2014
Bob & I have known Rich & Merrilee for many years and over the years we shared wonderful times! Camping with our children and taking them
skiing with Rich "coaching" us all. Besides eating & playing Pedro our
more recent shared pleasure was travel. We loved Italy and France,
& this year we ventured to Russia...what a bittersweet trip this was.
   And so a good man has left us, but he leaves us better for having
known him. Our hearts ache for Merrilee & the entire Claverie Family.
   But beyond what we can see - the journey continues...Love You,
Rich and we will meet again.

Mari and Bob Musante
August 9, 2014
August 9, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Merrilee, Kindra, Todd and the entire family.
We had the pleasure of being a neighbor in the Meadowlands for many years and most recently the Villages. We will always treasure our interaction with Rich in promoting the success of Leyva School sports programs in the Evergreen Times. We will always treasure our friendship with Rich during the past 30+ years! Sandy & Bill
August 8, 2014
August 8, 2014
Rich, Ray Mochernan, Lynne Gates and I Opened the PE dept at LeyVa in 1975. So many fond memories of track meets, getting a new gym and locker room, Teen Club activities and life experiences between that first year when we were all so young until I left for administration in 1987. God needed an angel to run track meets "up there". Rest in peace Rich. Wish I could be at the celebration of life on Monday, but living on Maui does present travel challenges.
August 6, 2014
August 6, 2014
I met Rich in 1972 at Quimby Oak. He was the first person I met there after 10 years in the Oak Grove School District. All the years at Quimby Oak and LeyVa, I can honestly say I enjoyed talking to Rich everyday. Sometimes we talked about school, team sports, and of course the Giants. He was always a wonderful person to talk to. You can still hear his voice in the gym at sporting events and at graduation practice. At grad practice, "Hands out of your pockets, stand up straight, stop chewing gum, how difficult is it for you to stand up and sit down". I am so sorry that he is gone. I will always remember Rich and the wonderful conversations we had from 1972 to us both being grandparents.
August 5, 2014
August 5, 2014
My first year of teaching, at Quimby Middle School 1970, Rich taught next door. We both taught an interesting combination called CORE. Soon after that, Rich became a full time coach. Little did we know that we would share an entire career at the same two schools in the Evergreen District. But it was at LeyVa that the team sent over as its first staff in 1975 became a family. In that family, Rich was undoubtedly bigger than life. The role he played to build character in so many of our students through the discipline of sports was invaluable to their success in academics. When Rich walked into my Social Studies classroom, I knew he was coming as an advocate for a student that needed that extension of Rich's mentoring. The result was always beneficial to the student in countless ways, not just academically & in athletics.

The reality of our Rich's passing is most difficult in the LeyVa Family.
August 4, 2014
August 4, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to the Claverie family. Rich was a positve force at LeyVa and I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with him at the school. He truly cared about the students he worked with and coached and was a positve role model for them. Personally, during my time at LeyVa as an Assistant Principal, I found Rich to be supportive and at the ready to assist me whenever needed. Merrilee~my thoughts are with you and your family during this time. God Bless you all and may Rich rest in eternal peace.
Respectfully,
Evelyn Ortiz
August 4, 2014
August 4, 2014
My condolences to everyone. Rich was a valued colleague. As a fairly new employee of Evergreen School District when I first met Rich, he offered me friendship and support and made me feel welcome. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Arlene Sherman DeMoss
August 3, 2014
August 3, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Merrilee, Kindra, Todd and the entire family.
I had the pleasure of being your neighbor in Evergreen for many years, and have many fond memories of Rich. I would enjoy my talks with Rich. Rich was a very giving person and always willing to help. I will treasure my memories of those days with Rich.
August 3, 2014
August 3, 2014
Rich Claverie was a leader, a builder of character, a force for good at Leyva. His loyalty, his love for his work and his students at Leyva have left a living tribute to all future students and staff. I was honored to work in administration at Leyva with a wonderful group of professionals and to have known Rich. I am shocked by the early loss of a good man.
August 3, 2014
August 3, 2014
We are deeply saddened today to hear of the loss of a long time friend, fraternity brother, and college roommate. We have many wonderful memories of the happy times we shared. Richard always brought excitement, positive energy, and an engaging personality to every occasion. He was literally a part of the Plaza family, spending summers and vacation times with us. My parents considered him a son, and I considered him a brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with Merrilee and their beautiful family. We know how very proud Rich was of all of you, and how much he will be missed by all of us. A very sad day indeed. Our love, Dennis and Larraine
August 2, 2014
August 2, 2014
"After God, our greatest blessings are family and friends." The notes, memories and pictures on this memorial site are a clear acknowledgement that Rich Claverie was greatly blessed. Truely a life well spent and a man much loved.
August 2, 2014
August 2, 2014
Any words that come to mind about Coach seem small in measure next to the man Coach was.. I read everything that people are writing and we are all saying the same thing... He gave so much to us kids.. He changed so many of our lives.. Not to many of us are lucky enough to run across a person like Coach C.in our lives, but those of us who did and were the lucky enough will never forget his dedication to us.. His students, his players, his kids.. I'm so thankful that I was one of his kids. Love you Coach you were the best of the best. I will never ever forget you.
August 2, 2014
August 2, 2014
Oh Rich, I can't find the words to express the loss I feel! I remember all the fun times we had at Leyva playing with the kids in the after school program. We always had a great time coaching together. We just bonded from day one and always knew what each other was going to do or say without a word. I will always cherish the time we spent together whether we were playing golf, playing Pedro, or traveling together. I miss and love you so much!
Ray
Page 1 of 2

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023
I can’t wrap my head around the years you’ve been gone. It’s hard for my heart and mind to take. I miss you so much & think about you all the time. I always will, Uncle Richie. I love you so so much.
July 22, 2022
July 22, 2022
Another year Without you Richie, sharing life and so much laughter. Bobby and I miss you so much. We think about you all the time, and have so much joy when we think about the great laughs we shared in the past.❤️❤️
July 20, 2022
July 20, 2022
Hey Rich still think about you all the time all the great times we had together were so much fun and all the kids and students that we had that remembered you so much and we’re so fond of you
Recent stories
August 14, 2014

How very sad and shocked ot learn of the passing of Rich.  Our hearts go out to you Merilee and the family.

I remember when Rick started subbing at Quimby Oak in 1970.  He did such a great job, that I recommended that he be hired when a position opened up.  He & I worked together and for the next 5 years we put together one of the strongest athletic programs in the county.

When LeyVa opened in 1975, Rich left Quimby Oak to become their Athletic Director.  He built on what he had learned and developed a strong program there.

When Chaboya opened in 1991, staff personel were moved around among the Middle Schools.  At that time Rich asked me to coach with him at LeyVa.  It was great to be able to work again with him for my final four years of my teaching career.

We have a lot of wonderful memories of get togethers with you and the family over the years.  He was so proud f his children. Todd and Kendra.  As the grandchildren were born they brought much joy to him and he was so proud of all of you.  We know there will be a great void in your lives and only time can soothe the pain.  Our deepest sympathy to the family.  You are in our prayers.

John and Fay 

Army Reserves

July 29, 2014

Uncle Richie and my dad met in the Army Reserves and quickly became best friends. Uncle Richie married my mom's college roommate (Auntie Merrilee) - and then a year later, my mom married my dad. Best friends married best friends - how often does that happen!?!? 

My Mentor

July 28, 2014

Rich Claverie was a great friend and a terrific mentor.  He taught me everything I know about coaching.  We had many great years coaching basketball together from the Big Game (LeyVa vs. Quimby) at Silver Creek to the Mayor’s Cup.  I would just like to share a few experiences with Rich that help shape my career in Education and Coaching.

 For a few years I taught P.E. with Rich, one day we were going to have the boy’s run the mile.  On the way out to the track Rich called out to a young man that was very over weight and asked, “hey, Tommy, would you help me out and fill the long jump pit with sand.  I have the wheel barrow out and there’s a shovel by the shed.”  Each time we were running the mile, Rich had some job for Tommy to do as a “favor to Rich.”  Obviously, Rich avoided Tommy being embarrassed and he taught me how important kindness is in dealing with the vulnerable.  A few years later, Tommy went on and started on the Silver Creek football team.

Another lesson I learned from Rich was we had a student aide that we had taught and coached for several years. Jose’s responsibility was to fill the soda machine.  One afternoon we walked into the locker room and saw Jose pass a soda to another student without paying for it.  Rich called Jose into the office and reamed him about how we had trusted him with the keys to the machine that had the money as well as the sodas in it.  Jose’s eyes welled up and admitted his mistake.  When Jose left the office Rich turned to me and said, “Do you know what we do next?”  I wasn’t sure and Rich said, “We tore him down and now we need to build him back up, first thing we do tomorrow is give him the keys and have him fill the machines.”  At the beginning of class the following day, Rich called Jose over so everyone could hear and said, “here’s the key go fill the machine, please.”  Jose’s face went from sullen to relief that he still had Coach Claverie's confidence.  The message was clear that everyone screws up, now that’s over move on and do better.

The first year I coached with Rich he told me lesson number one is that after a game, “if we loose never talk to the team about the game.  Nothing constructive comes out of it.  The team already feels bad and they know what mistakes they made.  Too many Coaches use that time to vent their frustration with them.  Only say, "we’ll work on things next practice."  The next practice ask them what we need to do better on and work on it.”  Lesson number two was set attainable goals for the team, first we want to win the Section, then if we don’t make that then our goal is to win the league, if we can’t do that we need to win the big game against our rival.  Some years when we were not very strong, our main goal, which Rich would hype to the team, was have a winning record.  Every year our team achieved “our number one goal, whatever that was.

Everyone knows that Rich loved to win and was a fierce competitor.  One year Rich said he wasn’t going to coach for that year.  I knew why, because Todd was playing for our rival and he didn’t want to coach against his son again. The previous year when asked by a student who he wanted to win the “Big Game?” Rich responded with “I want LeyVa to win 49-48 and my son to score all 48 Quimby points.”  We happened to have a dynamite team and won it all.  I know Rich never regretted not coaching that year, his family always came first.  I followed every step of Kindra’s acro-gymnastics and activities to every one of Todd’s sports accomplishments through Rich. Rich, myself and my son Chris, who was 11 at the time, went to one of Todd’s football games.  Rich made sure Todd came over and said hi to Chris.  All decked out in his uniform Chris was in awe.  By the way Chris followed Todd to Mitty several years later.

Without a doubt Merilee was the world to Rich.  He was so proud of all the love and support she provided.  Merilee was a regular at the games Rich coached.  I also had the privilege to get to know them both.  You have all my love. I just wanted to jot down a few thoughts about what Rich meant to me.  If you find any grammatical errors don’t blame me.  Whenever I had something important to write, Rich would proof it for me.  Being an English Major, many times his red ink was more than I had originally written.

Thanks Rich, for twenty great years.  Your students, athletes and this coach will never forget you.

Marty McKeown

 

(by the way I changed the names of the students)

 

           

Invite others to Rich's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline