Former Prescott, Arizona resident and retired Coast Guard Commander.
Garth Dalmayne Clizbe, 92, died April 25, 2012, in Seattle, Washington surrounded by his loving family. Among many things, Mr. Clizbe will be remembered for his 25 years of loyal service to the Unites States Coast Guard and for his dedication to learning as a life-long scholar. Mr. Clizbe, was born in Bonine, Montana, July 28, 1920, the youngest son of Ira James and Anjuwana Beth Clizbe. He graduated Valedictorian of Centralia High School in Washington. After studying chemical engineering at Centralia Jr. College, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Reginald, pursuing a military career. First as a sergeant in the Army, then joining the United States Coast Guard Academy. His graduating Academy class described him as "big and handsome", taking "any athletics in stride", "an excellent singer", and a respectable scholar, a "good substitute for either the text book or the world almanac." Yet "reliability" and a "modest character" were his defining traits.

His distinguished career in the United States Coast Guard, beginning in World War II and continuing through the Cuban Missile Crisis, was highlighted by many decorations and medals, including the American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, National Defense Victory Medal, Philippine Presidential Commendation Medal with Combat Distinction, and the Asiatic-Pacific-Philippine Medal with two Bronze Stars. He was promoted to Commander in the Coast Guard and received commendation from the Coast Guard Commandant for "meritorious achievement in the performance of duties as Chief Intelligence and Law Enforcement Branch, Seventh Coast Guard District."


Following retirement from the Coast Guard Mr. Clizbe obtained a Masters degree in International Management. He then pursued successful careers in nuclear energy under contract with the Atomic Energy Commission and later as a real estate broker. He eventually settled in Prescott, Arizona. He was well-known for his passionate and never-ending pursuit of knowledge as well as his unique since of humor. A student for life, he continued studies well into his 9th decade of life at Yavapai College in Prescott. From world history to astrophysics, it was a rare subject that did not peak his interest.


Mr. Clizbe is survived by his second wife, Helen; two sons, Garth Dalmayne ClizbeJr., and Christopher Clizbe; daughters Linda Koehler, Gloria Dahlquist, Margie Hull, Ginger Ortiz, and Elizabeth Hadland; step-daughters Jan Barbour and Barbara Marsh; 16 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on in the many family and friends that have been influenced by his incredible life.