The last couple of months have gone by in a blur. The first part of May was very busy in Swaziland, and then I was called to return to the US because my father was very ill. I flew to the US and had the blessing of being with him and caring for him the last two weeks of his life. I returned to Swaziland a few days ago. Life at the moment is very surreal. I am adjusting to the fact that neither of my parents are living anymore and though I hold firm in the belief that they are in the best place there is in all of eternity and that they are together again which is what they both want, I know it will take time for those of us left behind to adjust. Knowing that one day we will be reunited helps tremendously. I am also trying to readjust to being back in Swaziland. It is winter now and quite cool, especially when I don't have heat to keep me warm. I left Swaziland in such a hurry, that I am also trying to figure out where things are and what needs to be done first. I ask for your continued prayers and support as I work through this time of grief and readjustment.

The following is the obituary that appeared in the papers:

Clyde C. McLain, 87, peacefully passed on to his father’s house on Friday, June 7, 2008 surrounded by his family at his home after a short illness. As a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will be greatly missed by his family.

Clyde Caswell McLain was born on October 12, 1920 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Roy M. and Viola Hale McLain. He was the middle child with two sisters. He grew up and graduated High School in Parkersburg. By the age of ten, Clyde was working as a paperboy helping support to his mother and two sisters during the depression years. In 1940 he began work at his aunt’s poultry farm in Akron Ohio, which led to a job as an apprentice machinist at the Goodyear Tire Co. In July 1942 Clyde enlisted in the US Navy. While at Great Lakes Training Center, he excelled in his schools and graduated as a Machinist Mate Second Class (E5). Clyde was assigned to the Pearl Harbor Submarine base where he spent the war years repairing submarine equipment. During his first assignment, he and the Chief Machinist Mate found a solution for the of torpedo failures that had plagued the US Navy during the early part of WWII. Much of 1943 was spent refitting the torpedoes in the Pacific Fleet.

On December 25, 1942, while visiting friends, Clyde met Shirley Hennings from Antioch IL. They corresponded throughout the war and while on leave they were married at the Antioch Methodist Church in August 8, 1945. The war ended while on their honeymoon and Clyde was discharged and never returned to Hawaii. Clyde and Shirley moved to Riverside, CA in 1947 Where Clyde found a job working for the US Dept. of Agriculture as a machinist. In 1950 he was recalled to service in the Korean Conflict where he was promoted to Chief Machinist Mate. After Korea, Clyde remained in the Navy as a Recruiter in San Bernardino CA and later in Long Beach CA. In 1960 Clyde was promoted to Senior Chief and was assigned to a destroyer escort ship based in Hawaii. In 1961 he was promoted to Master Chief and assigned to a ship based in Alameda CA. Clyde retired from active service in 1968. The family moved with Clyde from California to Hawaii and back to Pinole CA. Clyde and Shirley moved to Fremont, CA in 1972. Clyde worked for Alameda County as a stationary engineer until his retirement in 1985.

In April 2000, Clyde and Shirley moved to Boise, Idaho to be near their son Michael. Clyde was a humble, giving, loving, and devoted father of two children, Clyde Michael McLain born in Waukegan, Illinois and Christine Joy McLain born in San Bernardino, California. Clyde was the primary care giver as Shirley’s health declined until August 2006 when she passed. They were married nearly 61 years. Clyde’s life was dedicated to God, his wife, their children, family, friends and serving others. Clyde was always a selfless giver and helper to all whom he came in contact with. In addition, Clyde loved building and fixing things and always had a good sense of humor. The work in his rose gardens displayed his skill in agriculture and his eye for detail. Clyde was a survivor of kidney cancer since 2001.

Before moving to Boise, he was an active member of the local Methodist Churches where they lived. Clyde joined Point Lodge #503 F&AM in Richmond CA in 1964 and served as Master in 1970. He was also active in the Order of Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite and the Fleet Reserve Association. After moving to Boise, he became a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. In the past year Clyde enjoyed time with his friends at the Willow Park community.