Obituaries

Walter “Gene” Eugene Clair, 73

December 03, 2013

Walter “Gene” Eugene Clair, of Lititz, one of the Clair “Brother’s” Audio Entrepreneurs, died December 3, 2013, he was 73. Gene, as everyone knew him, was born May 6th 1940 to Roy B. Clair and Ellen Mae (Ulrich) Clair, in the Lititz area and lived there all his life.

He graduated from Warwick High School in 1958 and was awarded one of the top athletes of his class. He went on to get a two year degree in Engineering from Penn State York campus. While working in the Foreign Language lab and general electrician at F&M College, Gene and his brother Roy set up the sound for a visiting group- The Four Seasons. The group was so impressed with the sound they asked for the brother’s to tour with them, and so the business began. Gene continued to be a sound engineer/mixer for bands such as Elton John, the Moody Blues, Michael Jackson and Peter Wolf to name a few and travelled all over the world.

Gene sold his end of the business to his son Troy in 1995, and split his time between Lititz and his mountain home in Sinnemahoning, PA. Gene joined the Pennsylvania Forestry Association on the Board of Directors, and spent every Penn State home game entertaining friends and family with tailgating extravaganzas.

He is survived by his brother Roy Clair, husband of Skip, Betty Shenenberger partner of 23 years and her son Derek, Joan Clair the mother of his children, son, Troy Clair, husband of Katy, daughter, Gina, wife of Stan Zeamer, his five grandchildren Shaun Clair, husband of Nicole, Matt Clair husband of Natalie, Gail Clair, Kyle Keener, and Taylor Keener, his great grandchildren, Bella, Lilly and Otto, (who was born on Gene’s birthday). He was preceded in death by his parents and son Cory Clair.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pk. Lititz, PA on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11AM. A visitation will be on Saturday from 9-11AM at the funeral home. A private interment will be at the Lititz Moravian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to Moravian Manor, 300 West Lemon Street, Lititz PA, 17543, who took incredible care of Gene, Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125 Lancaster PA 17604-4125 or the Lititz Rec Center, 301 Maple Street Lititz, PA 17543.

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Condolences to the Family

December 15, 2013

Roy,Troy, Gina and the Clair family,

We have two ways of remembering people who leave us and start another journey. We either cry over their absence, or smile and remember them through the countless fond memories. I’m sure Gene wants you to smile forever. Stay strong and God Bless.

David and Penny Whitcraft

December 13, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are going out to the entire Clair family.  God Bless! 
Shari Landis Weaver and the Landis Family

December 11, 2013

Roy,troy,missy i remember meeting on kissel hill riding motorcycles,watching,yes,and other groups practice on water st in the seventies it was awesome. I remember gene and roy. My prayers to your whole family in this time of sorrow .    GOD BLESS YOU GENE FOREVER . ROCK AND ROLL WILL NEVER DIE !
YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON MIKE AND STEVE WHITCRAFT

December 11, 2013

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Betty, Derek, and the Clair family.  I’m sorry for your loss and extend my thoughts and prayers to everyone.  Let the Heavens be filled with glorious sound!
Steve Davidock

December 10, 2013

Just received my Record Express in DE and so sad to learn of Gene’s passing. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Clair family.
Steven Bomberger

December 09, 2013

To the Clair Family, 
Times are ever changing, but memories are forever…
Many of those have passed through my mind in the last 48hrs.  From the first time we met Gene and experienced the extraordinary magic he displayed with sound, both Frankie and I were spoiled forever. What followed for the Clair brothers, Gene and Roy, was nothing short of extraordinary.  The largest live performance company in the world.  “Who new!” 
Most important to me was his dedication to family and friends. 
He will be deeply missed by all of us, but I know his legacy will carry on.
A superstar is not a superstar without a great sound system….
 
You were the best Gene,
 
Bob Gaudio 

December 09, 2013

Roy, Skip and Family,
Thinking of you at this sad time and sending sympathy and love your way.
David, Darcel, Tyler and Thomas (DeVito) Collins

December 09, 2013

Roy and Skippy,
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to you and the whole Clair family.
Sincerely,
Tommy and Edda DeVito

December 09, 2013

Dearest Clair Family , Our thoughts and prayers are with you all . I bet the music sounds better in Heaven now .Lisa Gaudio and The whole Gaudio family

December 08, 2013

We were so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing, we met him years ago when he came to Sinnamahoning, PA. He will be forever remembered, what a wonderful person.  We had permission to ride our four wheelers on his land, when you were up on top of the mountain, it was so beautiful. Remember well the passing of his son, prayers and thought go out to his family.                                                                                                                                                                  The Sherry Family                                                                                                                                                   Sinnamahoning, PA                                                                                                                                                

December 08, 2013

I am so sorry for loss. I remember while attending Warwick middle Roy and Gene came in set up the equipment and rocked the entire school.  After that I so wanted to be a sound engineer. Again sorry for your loss.

December 07, 2013

Troy, Gina and to the entire Clair Family, I am truly sorry for your loss.  Every event I go to reminds of Lititz and the pride is overwhelming.  Gene was a visionary and left a legacy, not just by the Industry he helped develop, but by the quality of his family. Craig Wenrich- New York. 

December 07, 2013

One of the many wells from which we all spring.Gene was one of the men who created an industry and influenced an entire subculture of concert audio engineers over several generations.Clair is one of the super-companies in Production that we all aspire to become, and who we learned from over the years.The industry will be the poorer for Gene’s passing.
Godspeed.
Oh, and…a little less of St. Peter in God’s monitor, please Gene.
 
Greg Carttar
3rd St. R & D Production Services

December 07, 2013

My deepest condolences to Betty & the entire Clair family. I had the great pleasure of serving Gene while he was a regular guest at Scooter’s Restaurant & Bar. He was a great man with a warm smile & I enjoyed having conversations with he & Betty about their mountain trips and Penn State games. I am thankful that I was privileged to know him & will miss that kind smile & easy- going personality of his. -Erin Fultz

December 07, 2013

Dear Clair Family:

Jen Anne and I wish to express our profound sorrow for your loss and our love and respect for the entire family. I stood for an interminable length of time to greet the family but after observing the length of the line behind me at 11AM I decided you didn’t need another individual to greet so I signed the register and left.

Doc Holder

December 07, 2013

To the immediate and extended Clair Family, Gene’s passing is felt by many.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all.  Godspeed….Godsound Gene!!!!
Crail Gordon and family.

December 07, 2013

My deepest sympathy to to all, he will be missed.
                  Jimmy “THUD” Hores

December 07, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to Gene’s family and close friends. We will remember his smile and genuine kindness.
Blessings for the Clair family.
Cathy and Scott  Ketterman

December 07, 2013

I found this out VERY late, and it pains me because I feel like I lost a piece of family. Gene Clair is part of a family I shared my deepest loyalty and trust with. In rare our times together, Gene treated me like a friend and a true Professional. His legacy (and equally importantly, his family) speaks Volumes to the industry that I am so blessed to be part of. I am also deservedly blessed to share some special moments with Gene Clair. God Bless you Gene ! My prayers go out to you and your family…You sir, were a gem ! This one hurts ! When you get to mix that band up in heaven, make sure that you don’t use too much compressor on Jimi, he always like the extra distortion. Piece to you, Gene.My deepest sympathies,
 
Pat Conneen

December 06, 2013

Kind thoughts to all the family and many thanks for the wonderful memories in the 70’s
Love Margaret Jackson Adelaide Australia

December 06, 2013

better man that any body wiill ever be. miss your smile at scooters every time i saw you just a good hearted person. rest in peace. ray bechtold

December 06, 2013

Our thoughts are with you, Roy Clair, on the passing of your brother. Richard Bucher [rikbucher13@aol.com]

December 06, 2013

Roy, Skip and the extended Clair family. Donna and I are so sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts. The passing of a family member, or loved one, shows us how fleeting life is. I’m not sure there is any consolation for that other than the awareness that our loved one cared for us so much he shared his lifetime with us. There are few things greater that can be shared. Bill (class of ’61) and Donna Smith.

December 06, 2013

To the entire Clair Family, i want to offer our deepest sympathies for your loss.  Our thoughts are with you all during this time.  May you all find peace and comfort soon.  Sincerely, Doug Staab on behalf of our Yamaha Family.

December 06, 2013

As a recent addition to CBAS I was not fortunate enough to meet Gene, but I first heard of Clair Brothers and the company he and Roy were building back in the ’70s. That was a tremendous accomplishment and leaves an amazing legacy that continues to today. I have nothing but the deepest respct and offer my condolences to everyone in his immediate and extended family. Chipp Tate

December 06, 2013

I send my deepest condolences to Troy, Gina, Betty, and the rest of the Clair family. The last two times I saw Gene (a Fourth of July party at the Klines’ and at Scooters), Gene was well. I will remember him as he was then. His loss is great to family and friends–and to the community. May good memories and the thoughts of others balance your grief at this time.
With sincere sympathy,
Deann Buffington

December 05, 2013

Troy, Gina, Betty, and everyone else in the extended Clair family: my deepest sympathies. Gene was a great man with an easy smile, and he will be missed. 
Mike Frey

December 05, 2013

What a good man, Everytime i saw him he would say hello and how are you doing. always had a smile. I hope gene rest in peace and who ever new him or had time to talk to him should feel very lucky. thats what kind of person gene clair is R.B.

December 05, 2013

To Barry and the Clair family my condolences. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Astri

December 05, 2013

Although I did not know Mr. Clair personally, I hope it’s not inappropriate to speak on behalf of the many people who owe him a debt of gratidude they may not be aware of. I clearly remember attending an Elton John concert in Rich Stadium here in Buffalo New York back in 1978. As a musician and audio consultant I was awestruck by the fidelity of the P.A. – I have described it ever since as like sitting in your living room with headphones with 50,000 other people. I took careful note of the Clair Brothers name, which I have in many subsequent experiences come to regard as the benchmark of quality sound. To me it’s more than just a matter of business – it was clear to that in a business not known for it’s respect for audiences (or performers, for that matter), the Clair Brothers aspired to something higher.  I felt the need to express my appreciation and condolences for your loss. Sincerely, Michael Owsowitz

December 05, 2013

Thanks Cousin Gene, for being such a “cool” role model to me when I was young.  I won’t forget your visits to CO and the concerts you took me to in Denver.  I was honored by your friendship, humor, and hospitality.  I hope you get to hug your Uncle Stan now and your dear Mom my Aunt Ellen and Uncle Roy Sr. and of course Cory.  I miss you all and have fond memories of our PA summers.  You have amazing children and grandhildren who will always have you in their hearts.  God Bless those who will miss you terribly on earth.
Tina

December 05, 2013

My heart goes out to the Clair family, Betty, Gene’s friends and loved ones.  Gene will always hold a special place in my heart!  I can remember one night sitting up till past 2AM (at the cabin) talking to him about his crush on my mother as a boy, his childhood, how he got started in the business, who his favorite bands were (Toto), etc.   The next morning I came down to the kitchen at 6AM only to find him with this amazing breakfast spread.  My fondest memory will be the day we took the snowmobiles to the top of the mountain (where Betty met us) and we were shown this amazing view of the snow covered valley.  Gene Clair will always be remembered as a man who touched this warm place in my heart.

December 05, 2013

You were a pioneer in the live audio industry. You have left a legacy that few will be able to duplicate. Clair Global will continue to honor that legacy with their unequalled commitment to excellence. Rest in peace sir. 
 Bob Hunter                                                                                                                                      Atlanta, Ga.

December 05, 2013

To the Clair Family, You are in our thoughts and Prayers. We were fortunate to spend many fun filled mountain trips with Gene over the past 10 years. He was a very special man.
Matt & Angie Kissinger

December 05, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Clair family. So very sorry for your loss,
Kevin O’Grady and family

December 05, 2013

To Troy and Family, Sorry for your lose.
Robert “Bubba”Selitto

December 05, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Clair family. 
Dan and Karen Wood

December 05, 2013

I am so sorry to hear this news. I will miss him. He has been in my life for a long time. 
Thoughts and prayers,
 Marianne Weaver

December 05, 2013

We send our deepest sympathy to all the Clair Family. 
Bob and Danica Posey

December 05, 2013

So very sad about this but Gene was an Icon in Sound Companies Wide and a wonderful man.
Mike Keys

December 04, 2013

Troy & Katy:
You are in our thoughts & prayers
Jack & Marge Weinlein

December 04, 2013

Please accept my deepest sympathy.  Gene was one of the first people I met when I came to Warwick in 1976 .  I am saddened by his passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Clair Family.
Very sincerely,
Mark Snyder 

December 04, 2013

Our deepest sympathy in your family’s loss.
John & Sandy Ferenz

December 04, 2013

To Joan and family,
I met you at Fillings women’s shop and I was so inspired by your positive attitude and style.  Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of the father of your children.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Mary Lynn DiPaolo

December 04, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers to the whole Clair family. One incredible father,brother,grandfather,great grandfather and friend will be truly missed. Hold your heads high and remember the great smile and heart gene provided to all.
Mike and Sue Weaver

December 04, 2013

I am so sorry for the passing of your Father, your Brother, your Uncle, your Grandfather…..To the entire Clair family my heart goes out to you…
Jo Ann Washchysion Conjar
wishing you peace

December 04, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Clair family.
 
Grace English-Rohrer

December 04, 2013

i was priveleged to know Gene. He made our first professional PA system, and he drove all of our gear himself in his truck, with his PA, all over the USA in the late 60’s and early 70’s. We were so lucky he came into our lives
We, in Moody Blues loved him. I loved him. A huge part of our story is gone with his passing, but I am proud to be part of his story.
Justin Hayward

December 04, 2013

My Deepest Sympathy to Gene’s family.  He was a dear highschool friend to me and always kind and caring.  I will miss him.
Carol “Bennethum” Orr

December 04, 2013

I am so sad to hear that Gene as left us , i will never forget the great memories of Gene 
My deepest Simpathy to Troy, Roy and the Clair family
Sincerely
Bert Pare´
 

December 04, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Clair family.
-Leslie Rosenberger

December 04, 2013

our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely sad time.  May you always hold on to the memories that are dearest to you.  
Our deepest condolences,
Henry and Christie Hissrich

December 04, 2013

Our Deepest Simpathy to all.   You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Sincerely,  Harold and Dawn Mckinney

December 04, 2013

Rest in peace my old friend.
Bill Reddig

December 04, 2013

Such very sad news, we have great affection for Gene and know he will be sadly missed.  Deepest condolences to all the family, from Gene’s extended family in Bermuda.  Thank you for all the amazing memories Gene.

December 04, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gene’s family and those that were close to him. I had the pleasure of going to Gene’s cabin several times in the past few years for “girls weekends” and Gene & Betty were wonderful hosts.  I feel lucky to have met him and spend time with him those few times, he was the sweetest, nicest man and told the best stories of his life on the road.  God bless you Gene, your memory and legacy will live on, not many people can say that.

December 04, 2013

I only met Gene a few times and called him on the phone once.  That call was to let him know that my brother and Gene’s good friend Michael Wolpert’s daughter was killed in a car accident.  I asked Gene if he would call Mike and talk to him since Gene knew what Mike was going through.  Gene didn’t just call he showed up and stood by Mikes side through the funeral too and for that he will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. RIP Gene.  I’m sure the Heavenly choir will sound better then it ever has!
 

Visitation
Saturday, December 07, 2013
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Saturday, December 07, 2013
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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