Obituary of Al Clerihue

F. Allen (AL) Clerihue, 04/05/1938 – 11/2/2021

Son, Husband, Dad, Gramp, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Friend, Teacher, Artist, Story/Joke-teller

Al was born in Altoona PA to Fred and Jessie (Brown) Clerihue. He was big brother to Ann (Clerihue) Kurlfink and Lynne Clerihue, both deceased. The family moved to Williamsport PA and then to Dormont PA, where Al graduated from High School. Al met Phyllis Shoop, girl from small CO town, at Sterling College, in small town Sterling KS. Big city boy/small town girl. He told good stories about working on KS farms while he was a student. Fortunately, the farmers were patient! In 1963, Al graduated from Sterling and then continued his education at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. Al and Phyllis were married in Cañon City CO August 1, 1964. The first two years of their marriage they taught school - Al in middle school, Phyllis in elementary school - Pittsburgh PA. In August 1966 they moved to Denver where Al enrolled in a master’s program at DU. Fall 1967 he began teaching ceramics and other art classes at East High School, Denver. He retired in 1992. In “retirement” he worked in Men’s Shoes at Nordstrom. Al became a follower of Jesus at a high school retreat. That commitment led to life-long involvement and leadership positions in several churches. He was also active in several community organizations and boards.

Al is Dad to Keith (deceased), Dietrich; Father-in-law to Lori (Keith), Christina (Dietrich); Gramp to Caitlin, Lauren, Kip, Ray, Bodie; Uncle to a gaggle of nieces and nephews; Brother-in-law to Harlan and Sue Shoop, Kirkton and Debbie Shoop, Bob Kurlfink (Ann), Cousin-in-law to many Shoop cousins. Al was a “unique” personality, a one-of-a kind. He will be remembered for not being able to finish telling a joke without laughing before he got to the punch line. Al was and is loved. 

The celebration of the resurrection and his life is Saturday, November 13, 1:00 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 9720 US Hwy 85N, Highlands Ranch CO 80125. Please contribute to one of the following rather than send flowers: Grace Presbyterian Church (https://www.gracecolorado.com/give), East Angel Friends and Alumni Fund (EFAF, https://eastangelfriends.org/support/) or KUVO Public Radio (https://donate.kuvo.org/kuvo/donate).