Obituary of Clarence E. Briggs

Johnsburg: Clarence E. Briggs, Jr., 83, of Hudson Street and better known as “Unk”, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2009 in Florida following a short illness. Born September 30, 1925 in Jersey City, NJ, he was the son of the late Clarence E. and Ella (Bartlett) Briggs Sr. Clarence proudly served his country as a US Marine during WW II. While in the Corp. he saw combat on the five islands of Roi, Namur, Tinian, Saipan and Iowa Jima. One of his favorite stories as a Marine was the time his commanding officer order him to “burn the latrines”. Instead of burning the refuse of the latrines, he poured 5 gals. of gasoline inside and touched it off. The end results were latrine and its contents blown all over the base and Unk. The Base Commander, doing his best at keeping his composure, restricted him to the base for the weekend. First there were 12 latrines then there were 11. Two years later still only 11. Once a Marine, always a Marine were the words Clarence lived by. Clarence was a Tree Cutter by trade and was good at his work. He loved gardening, bird watching, partying, and the annual Washington, DC trip with Rolling Thunder. Besides his parents, his beloved sister, Eleanor Kirby died in 2002 and her husband, Ray died in 1963. Survivors include, his nephews, Eugene Kirby and his wife, Ann of Weyers Cave, VA, Sargeant Kirby and his wife, Gretchen of Johnsburg, Rance Kirby and his wife, Andrea of Fort Edward, Jeff Kirby and his wife, Debbie of Shannon, MS, Warren Kirby of North Creek, William Kirby and his wife, Linda of Hadley; a niece, Joy Chorman and her husband, Don of Dunnellon, FL; and many great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces, nephews. Friends may call on Unk’s family from 12-2 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Bakers Mills Wesleyan Church. A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 2 pm at the church with the Rev. Ron Weller, Pastor officiating. Spring burial with military honors will take place in the Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book and condolences.