In Memory of Willis “Arlyn” Clinton

1950-2025

Arlyn was born March 15th, 1950, in Silverton, Oregon, to Willis Albert Clinton and Georgia “Pearl” Shatto Clinton. He joined 2-year-old sister, Pearl “Elaine”, and in 1958, another sister, Connie Irene, was born. He spent his entire life in Portland, Oregon, living 72 years in the same house on S.E. Morrison until this year when he moved to a townhouse in Gresham.

Arlyn attended Portland Christian Schools and graduated in 1968 from Portland Christian High School. He participated in the choir and played in a trumpet trio. During his later years in high school, he saw a “Draw the Dog” contest in the TV Guide and sent a drawing to the art studio that sponsored the contest. Before long, he heard back from the School of Art and started attending art school at home. He was very artistic and drew many pictures, including beautiful nature pictures.

After high school, he went to Portland State University to pursue a degree in Architectural Drafting. Then he attended Oregon Polytechnic Institute and received a degree in Architectural Drafting. He accepted a job as an architectural draftsman with a company that designed churches, where he drew up the plans for area churches. After the owner of that company retired, he went to work as a local truck driver for a company that sold car and truck parts. He worked as a driver there for many years.

Arlyn enjoyed fly-fishing at Trillium Lake and the Deschutes River, loved to snow ski at Mt. Hood, and was an avid runner and bicycle rider. He ran in numerous races and won many medals and trophies. He participated in the famous Hood to Coast Race multiple times. He gave up running after he was involved in a bicycle accident and had a rod inserted in his leg. He was also an enthusiastic fan of the Portland Trail Blazer basketball team.

Arlyn was a talented guitar player, especially in classical guitar music. He had a collection of guitars and was skilled at repairing damaged guitars. He was involved with the Guitar Society and attended many classical guitar concerts.

He was a member of Living Hope Baptist Church for many years and, most recently, attended Wood Village Baptist Church.

Arlyn was in a bicycle accident in April, and due to subsequent complications, he passed away at Whitewood Gardens in Portland on June 13th, 2025. He now joins his parents and sister Connie in heaven. He is survived by his sister Elaine, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

Omega Funeral and Cremation in Portland is in charge of arrangements and private burial will be at Sunnyside Memorial Gardens in Happy Valley.