Growing up poor on a ranch in Utah, Clarence, now 72, learned to work hard at an early age. Though his parents were not civic-minded, he joined the Army as a young man. But when an Army recruiter told him he’d be a good “tunnel rat” due to his small frame—a soldier who had to crawl alone in underground networks during the Vietnam War—Clarence signed up to be in personnel. He served his country stateside, doing necessary administrative work.
At age 20, Clarence married a girl from his hometown named Stella, then only 17. He said she was “the prettiest girl there in a population of 300,” and his grandmother told Clarence that he needed to marry her.
Growing up while serving others
Together, Clarence and Stella built a life rooted in service and shared purpose. After active duty, Clarence served ten more years in the Army Reserve and Air National Guard, continuing his commitment to his country.
While raising their children, Clarence started a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a Latino without a college education, Clarence struggled to move up at first. With persistence, he eventually earned his way into management roles at VA hospitals, which required the family to relocate all across the country. Every move brought challenges, but it also brought new opportunities to volunteer—something Clarence and Stella embraced together.
After moving to Oregon, Clarence and Stella joined the Jaycees, a leadership training service organization for young adults. The group strengthened their already growing desire to be civically engaged. And after 51 years of marriage, they’ve carried their hearts for service to every community they’ve lived in.
An active retirement
Retirement in Wyoming only strengthened Clarence’s dedication to serving others. Clarence and Stella became volunteer leaders for AARP Wyoming, each contributing more than 1,000 volunteer hours annually. Clarence served on the AARP Wyoming Executive Council, the Sheridan AARP Community Council, and the Community Action Team. He has presented workshops on fraud awareness, spearheaded an AARP float for the Sheridan rodeo parade, and served as an uplifting presence for older adults statewide.
Clarence also volunteers with Wish of a Lifetime’s Cupid Crew, delivering flowers and cards to older adults on Valentine’s Day. He runs a community garden, supports an older adult emergency response service, and continues to contribute to the VA community where he worked for decades.
But beyond his dedication to helping others, Clarence has another passion: golf. “Clarence plays golf like he breathes air. There’s no place he would rather be,” commented an AARP Wyoming employee who knows Clarence well. At his 50th wedding anniversary, he even held a “chipping contest” among his guests, in which they competed to hit golf balls into specific targets.
His love for golf became another way to give back. Over the years, Clarence has organized 15 charity golf tournaments for his church, veterans, and local nonprofits. Recently, he sorted through abandoned golf clubs at the local VA Hospital and transformed the best ones into 25 handmade walking sticks for veterans. He donated the walking sticks to physical and occupational therapists, knowing how important mobility is for aging veterans.
The nomination to get him there
Through it all, Clarence had never been one to seek out recognition or awards for his volunteer efforts. It took another civic-minded person in his town to nominate Clarence for a wish he would never ask for himself: To play golf on the iconic TPC Sawgrass course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, a world-renowned PGA Tour venue.
Wish of a Lifetime jumped at the chance to bring Clarence to Sawgrass, far from his home on the Wyoming plains, through a partnership with the PGA Tour. During the experience, Clarence had the opportunity to play a round of golf alongside PGA Tour professional David Lingmerth, who even offered a few golfing tips. He enjoyed the assistance of a forecaddie on the course, who recommended clubs and set his targets.
Clarence’s goal was to hit the green on the famous 17th hole in one shot, and even with rain drizzling around them, he did it. Stella, also a golfer, was there to capture the moment on video. The wish also included a behind-the-scenes tour of PGA Tour Studios, where Clarence saw firsthand how PGA Tour events are broadcast worldwide.
As a man who typically prefers to be behind the scenes, Clarence took nothing for granted. He soaked up every moment with Stella, from the hotel stay to trying new cuisine to choosing memorable souvenirs. “Trying some different things is part of the joy of the trip,” Clarence said.
Now back in Wyoming, Clarence and Stella continue giving back to their community through AARP. Fulfilling Clarence’s wish celebrated not only his love of golf but also a lifetime devoted to making a difference in the lives of others.
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