Clyde Barlow

Clyde Barlow died on June 26, 2021, while researching in his lab, where he was often found even though he retired six years ago. Clyde was happiest when spending time with family, fishing on his boat, or heading to his lab to perform research, mentor students, and chat with his many friends on the Evergreen campus. Clyde’s positive attitude, generosity, and sense of adventure were present throughout his life, even when battling metastatic prostate cancer towards the end of his life. These characteristics contributed to his ability to be an amazing father, avid scientist, dedicated educator, and caring husband. Clyde was born in Spokane, Washington, on June 2, 1943, to Howard and Marjorie Barlow. His family moved often due to his father’s work with International Harvester, taking them from Washington to Wyoming, Colorado, Australia, Oregon, and California. Clyde developed an interest in science at a young age and explored each new region with curiosity. Clyde met his wife Irene (Olson) at a youth group meeting in high school when Clyde’s family moved back to Spokane during his high school years. Clyde was typically found causing a lot of mischief and laughter at these meetings, as he did for much of his life. The couple married in 1966 in Spokane, and they celebrated their 55th anniversary this past December. Clyde joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. He volunteered to go on a medical ship to Vietnam, but the Army was aware of his chemical expertise and kept him at base to train pharmacists and medics. He and Irene eventually moved back to Spokane where he earned his degree in chemistry at Eastern Washington University. This was followed by moves to Colorado and Arizona as Clyde earned his doctorate in chemistry at Arizona State University. Then he and the family moved to Philadelphia where he spent eight years performing biophysical research at the Johnson Foundation at the University of Pennsylvania. After a life of frequent moves, Clyde returned to Washington in 1981 as chemistry faculty at The Evergreen State College. Clyde taught at Evergreen for 35 years and had emeritus status for five years. He team-taught multiple programs with colleagues, including Matter in Motion, Molecules to Organisms, and Environmental Analysis. Clyde sponsored the biochemical and biophysical research of 60 undergraduate students, mentored many new faculty in various fields of study, organized research programs for local high school teachers and students, and promoted science education in the community. Clyde was known on campus for his willingness to help students at all levels learn and for his great support of his students. He assisted students in finding their own answers and took great joy in seeing their success. While teaching at Evergreen, Clyde ran his business, Barlow Scientific, Inc., where he focused on developing optical instruments to measure regional blood flow and tissue markers during different states of disease. Clyde was very proud of his family and loved to spend time with his wife, four children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He was an exceptionally kind-hearted father and father-in-law, who never thought twice about driving across the state or flying across the country when any of his family members needed his help. He loved to make his grandchildren pancakes or waffles with excessive amounts of maple syrup, berries, and whipped cream for breakfast, and take everyone to the Ranch House for dinner. Clyde was often found in Westport, Washington, where he loved to stay at his beach house and take family and friends fishing; all were welcome. Clyde’s response to most questions was “Sure!” whether it was a need for an answer or a request for help, constantly giving and expecting nothing in return. He is deeply missed. Clyde is survived by his wife of 55 years, Irene Barlow of Olympia, Washington; his brother, Bill Barlow, and wife, Barb of Dallas, Oregon; his four children and their spouses: Dan and Dior Barlow of Arlington, Virgini, George Barlow and Caryn Potenza of Spokane, Howard and Lorraine Barlow of Ellensburg, Washington, and Katherine and Luis Brandao of Aurora, Colorado; and his six grandchildren: Logan Barlow, Henrik Barlow, Elke Barlow, Emilia Brandao, Zachary Barlow, and Josie Barlow. A ceremony to celebrate Clyde’s life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, 1:30 p.m. at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA 98501 Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.