Humble and giving, Clyde Ganes never expected anything in return for helping others; it was just part of who he was. But those who shared his life and experienced his kind, generous, and caring ways have joined forces to ensure Clyde is honored in a most appropriate manner – by installing a bronze plaque on the large barbecue grill in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Unveiled at a recent Rotary Club meeting, the plaque is a unique tribute to Clyde, who passed away in November of 2018.
“His motto was ‘Always Give Back’, which is on the plaque,” his wife, Joyce, said. “Clyde was one- of- a- kind and believed in dedicating himself to causes he felt were worthy. He loved to barbecue, and could be seen pulling a huge grill behind his truck to functions where he’d often cook for upwards of 1,000 people.”
Family man
Together for more than 18 years, Clyde and Joyce have four daughters – Amanda and her husband, Paul; Giselle and her husband, Paul; Kat and her husband, Simon, and Holly and her husband, Caleb. Their greatest joys include grandchildren Nathaniel, Zachary, Benjamin, Anna, Joshua, Nathan, Amelia, Jonah, Lukas, and Nena as well as their 11 great-grandchildren…with another on the way!
“We had quite a life together,” Joyce said.
“He was a wonderful husband, and he was loving, caring, and devoted to his family. We have a blended family and his love extended equally
to both sides of that blend; it was really an amazing thing to watch. He delighted so much in all of the children and grandchildren.”
Clyde was one of six children born to Guy and Bertha Ganes. Preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Ruby and Don, Clyde is also survived by his sisters Betty and Phyllis, and brother Dean. He was dedicated to his extended family as well, according to Joyce; they spent many years attending family reunions in Missouri and held a reunion at their Templeton home last fall.
Making a difference
His career life as a contractor was busy and fulfilling. A graduate of the University of Redlands, Clyde oversaw the building of many homes and structures in and around the Central Coast. He was the City of Morro Bay’s Building Official before serving as the City of Paso Robles’ Certified Chief Building Official and retiring in 2017.
Clyde was active in the community with numerous associations including Boosters of Morro Bay High, Ducks Unlimited, Rotary Club, CALBO, the Central Coast Chapter of ICC. He had served as the Fish and Games Fines Commissioner, and taught Building Codes at Cuesta College. He loved fishing in Alaska and along the coast of Mexico and hunting in the mountains with his buddies…and he’d delighted in sharing his bounty with others.
What truly drove Clyde, however, was his love for helping others. From earthquake victims in Sri Lanka to Boy Scouts in Paso Robles and
Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea, he unselfishly gave of his time and resources. Together with Joyce, Clyde was particularly dedicated to veterans who served our country and protected our freedoms.
Many people pass through the Downtown City Park, and enjoy barbeque fundraisers sponsored by local organizations. As the years unfold, perhaps park-goers will stroll past Clyde’s plaque and maybe, just maybe, they will be inspired by his words to “Always Give Back.”
Clyde’s Work Colleagues Paint a Picture of His Professional and Personal Legacy
“Clyde was my friend and mentor. He had the most beautiful handwriting and made a habit of closing letters and emails with the phrase, ‘Yours in Safety’ [and] would remind us that we are First Preventers. Clyde truly left this world better than he found it. He gave back more than he took.”
Bryan Cowen,
City of Paso Robles Chief Building Official
“Clyde made such a difference in so many people’s lives; he was a friend and mentor to me. The Central Coast lost an amazing person in Clyde, but his name will live on in so many people’s hearts.”
David Muehlhausen,
Atascadero City Deputy Community Development Director
“We had a lot of fun joking around and laughing but, at the same time, he was teaching me building codes, how to be a good inspector and, more importantly, the power of being good to others, showing compassion, and the joy of helping citizens with their projects.”
Charlie Moloney
“I loved how passionate he was about so many things —– his family and friends, cooking, hunting, his dogs. Clyde was more than just a boss, he was family. He was an incredible man.”
Lori Wilson
“Clyde was a trusted, honest, and generous friend and colleague. His generosity was deep and sincere.”
Susan DeCarli
“I know without a doubt that Heaven has not only gained another angel, but also now has the best homemade beef jerky and a smile that can light up any room. I think Clyde touched everyone whose path he crossed. I know I’m better because of him and will never forget my Papa Clyde.”
Kristy Buxkemper
“He is and always will be sorely missed. I do find it miraculous that he is somehow able to comfort us still, through memories and laughter.”
Devon Kuhnle
“Clyde Ganes was a genuinely good person. Kind and generous, he was a friend who didn’t judge people on their education, wealth or stature, but only on their goodness as human beings. He was able to find humor in life and always looked to help others. His background as a builder gave him added knowledge as a building official. And he cooked the best Thanksgiving turkey that I ever ate. He’ll be missed.”
Donald “Deej” J. Funk
