Clair W. Goulding

Clair W. Goulding, age 82, of Toledo, died April 8, 2021 at his home. He was born September 2, 1938 in Toledo to the late Carl and Helen (Bennett) Goulding. Clair graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1956 and served in the United States Army for four years with an honorable discharge in 1960. He began working for the Toledo E.I. DuPont paint manufactory and rose to be responsible for overseeing all aspects of fire prevention, and fire protection. This was critical in the paint industry because of the high risk inherently associated with highly flammable solvents. He was responsible for overseeing the sprinkler system and two massive fire pumps, a large water reservoir and tower. He also conducted training of the plant’s own fire brigades for each shift which was prepared to quickly suppress even small fire threats in advance of the Toledo Fire Departments arrival. Clair worked with plant engineers in the acquisition of a custom designed pumper fire truck with extensive foam capabilities. That truck is still in service, at a large DuPont paint plant in Mt. Clemens, MI. Clair retired after 31 years from DuPont, and in his free time enjoyed boating, fishing, and building things, being skilled in welding, carpentry, and mechanics. He particularly enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida, where he spent many winters after retirement. An avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jeff Gordon’s race team, he loved fireworks and learned to make his own in his late teens. He was a longtime member of St. Clement Catholic Church. Clair is survived by his wife, Beverly Hoffman-Goulding; sons, Steven Goulding (Laura) and Ron Goulding; stepchildren, Richard Keith, Jr. (Terry) and Pamela Lee; grandchildren, Ashley Harr (Jake), Andrew (Hannah), Jacob (Elyse) and Donald; siblings, Robert Goulding and Margaret Kope (Frank); brother-in-law, Robert Russom (Mary Ann); and step son-in-law, Don Kuhr; several step grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by wives, Karen Goulding and Lois Goulding; stepdaughter, Debbie Kuhr; and grandchildren, Brian, Greg, Matthew Goulding and Matthew Keith. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 23, 2021 at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave (west of Corey Rd.), where the family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.