Chase W. Clements

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book Author Unknown Veteran newsman Chase Clements died at Ebeid Hospice on Monday, November 4, 2013. As Chase leaves this life to pass to the next, his love for his family along with his passion for teaching and for learning; for politics, news and history; for sports and for horses; and, of course, for great books remains with all who were touched by his heart and his mind. Born in Toledo to George C. and Sylvia Clements, Chase graduated from the former DeVilbiss High School and Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. After graduation, Chase served two years in the US Army in Germany with the 86th Infantry Division. Returning to civilian life, Chase taught History for three years at the former Ryder School and former Libby High School. In 1961, he was offered a position in news broadcasting at then radio station WTOD, followed by a stint at WOHO radio and then WSPD-TV, now WTVG. Chase worked at WTVG for 15 years before the Toledo Blade swayed him to move to print journalism. He was with The Blade for 11 years until retiring in early 2001. Chases talents led him to cover topics ranging from government, to courts to the Sylvania and Ottawa Hills neighbor sections. But Chases most beloved subject was local politics, which he explored with intelligence, wit and humor every week in his popular column, The Political Notebook. Chase is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Sue Rioux; sons, Neal Clements of Fargo, ND, and Chase Clements, Jr. of Kansas City, MO; stepchildren, Joe Lisa Rioux of Sylvania, OH, William Felix Rioux of Leipzig, Germany, Michelle Rioux of Grand Rapids, MI, Thomas Patty Rioux, of Chicago, IL and Don Rioux of Toledo, OH. And ten grandchildren who brought him many of his greatest joys and most heartfelt laughs; Ian Clements and Christine Clements of Cincinnati, OH, Brandi Barrera, Cam Smith, Jenna Rioux, Gabe Rioux, Zach Rioux, Alyssa Rioux, Max Rioux and Patrick Rioux, all of Toledo, OH. Chase succumbed to liver and kidney failure after a lengthy fight that had many dubbing him the come-back kid. So many people showed Chase and his family such great kindness during these years. Heartfelt thanks are especially sent to his extended family of Christina Lopez and Scott Herrick along with their family. To Julie, Joan, Roberta, Gary and Michael - There are not words to say what your friendship and support has meant, especially the past two years when the going got tougher. All of you really knew how to lift Chases spirits and get a laugh from him. He knows you will miss him at those Power Lunches at Coney Island. Special thanks also to our Keeneland Track buddies, Audrey and David. To Chases doctors and caregivers - Drs. Berlacher, Grande, Fayad, Chinyadza, Flickinger and their staffs; Kingston Care Center staff especially Cherie, Chris and Jesse; the terrific Hemodialysis Department at Toledo Hospital; and the caring staff at Ebeid Hospice - the care you gave Chase touched our hearts in even these most difficult of days. Thank you for being our angels. Friends who wish to share memories, tears and laughs with Chases family are invited to a gathering at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania west of Corey Rd. on Saturday, November 9th from 3 to 7 pm. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com. Gifts in remembrance of Chase can be donated to Helping Hands of St. Louis or the Cherry Street Mission. Or to simply remember Chase, just pick up a favorite book and spend a few quiet moments enjoying a good story.