Clinton Richard Standley, 88, passed away on May 30, 2023 in Sonora, California. He was born in Long Barn, California on October 11, 1934. Clinton was born at his grandmother's house in Tuolumne on Laurel Avenue and attended Tuolumne County Public Schools until the family moved to Richmond.
His law enforcement career included Palo Alto PD, Richmond PD, and Concord PD, where Clinton was first responder/fatal accident coordinator, Officer Friendly to Concord Public Schools, and led the Police Explorer Troop. He retired as Chief of Police for Crescent City PD.
After moving to Tuolumne County, he established a successful burglar alarm company, Standley Security.
Clinton loved the outdoors, and was an avid backpacker, camper, fisherman, hiker, and 4-wheeler. Traveled and camped all over western United States and Canada.
Trips to Alaska were a highlight of his life. A trip to visit family and friends in Crescent City, Medford, Redding, Nevada and Washington State was a yearly activity.
America's Favorite Cowboys, Riders in the Sky, was a frequent concert destination. He enjoyed attending music venues such as Strawberry Music Festival and bluegrass festivals. He attended police retiree get-togethers with Concord PD, and regular luncheon reunions with Richmond PD retirees.
TV Westerns, especially John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies, were a favorite. Clinton loved his pets, and in 40 years rescued over 2 dozen dogs. He greatly enjoyed his cats. Volunteer for Tuolumne County Habitat for Humanity, after-school children's Christian programs: Dynamite Wednesday at Columbia Church of the 49ers, and Good News Club at Twain Harte Elementary.
He was mechanically inclined and could fix just about anything, rebuilding at least 5 vehicle engines for family and friends, countless repairs and brake jobs. When traveling, Clinton carried a small auto repair kit, and would stop for stranded travelers.
If it was a fairly simple repair, he got the vehicle running. Then when asked if they could pay, he'd say, "Pass it on." In the neighborhood, he could be seen driving his beloved Kubota tractor, snowplowing for neighbors and pulling the occasional vehicle out of a snowdrift.
Clinton is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marcia Standley, Daughters Debra (Scott) Anders and Robin (Barney) Wienecke. Honorary sons Gary Hall and Jeffrey Braeger. Two grandchildren David Standley and Jennifer Wienecke Roach, two great grandchildren Peyton Roach and Kylie Standley.
He was preceded in death by brothers Lester Standley and Dean Standley, sisters June Blanchard and Vivian Rankin, honorary son Rob Wikander, son Christopher Standley and Shelby Standley, mother of his children.
Contributions may be made in Clinton’s memory to Friends of Animal Control (FOAC), 14841 Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370