Archie Ray Clemins, oldest child of Archie Cornell Clemins and Earline Pepple Clemins, died at his home in Boise, Idaho on March 14, 2020. Born in Mt. Vernon, IL on November 18, 1943, Archie Clemins graduated from Urbana High School (Urbana, IL) and received both his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois.
Commissioned into the U.S. Navy through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Program (NROTC), Archie completed the Naval Nuclear Power Program, and served on both ballistic missile and attack submarines before tours as the Executive Officer on the USS Parche (SSN 644) and Commanding Officer of the USS POGY (SSN 647). Known as a man of high integrity, strong moral courage, and deep compassion, Archie Clemins never forgot that his most important job was to produce the leaders of tomorrow.
Follow-on commands included Commander-Submarine Group Seven (Yokosuka, Japan), Commander-Pacific Fleet Training Command (San Diego, CA), Deputy Commander-U.S. Atlantic Fleet (Norfolk, VA), and Commander-U.S. Seventh Fleet (Yokosuka, Japan). Upon promotion to the rank of 4-Star Admiral, he assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (Pearl Harbor, HI). Known a visionary leader, Admiral Clemins championed change management and information technology, and was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Navy Marine Corps Internet. He retired from the Navy in December 1999 after 34 years of active duty service.
Admiral Clemins was the recipient of several military honors, including 2 Presidential Unit citations, 3 Distinguished Service Medals, 7 Legion of Merits, the Meritorious Service medal, and awards from the governments of Japan and Korea.
Civilian recognitions include AFCEA’s David Sarnoff Award and the Naval Order of the United States-Distinguished Sea Service Award. In 2006 he was selected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering. His alma mater, the University of Illinois, awarded him the Alumni Achievement Award (1998), the Electrical & Computer Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award (1999), and the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering (2005).
Archie Clemins was married to the former Marilyn Paddick of Chauncey/Bridgeport, Illinois. Their 52-year marriage produced two children and four grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply and considered to be his most important legacy. After retirement from the Navy, Archie and Marilyn settled in Boise, Idaho where he founded Caribou Technologies, Inc., an international consulting firm. His specialty was alliance building, with a focus on using innovative commercial technologies to solve intrinsic problems within the Government. Archie was on the Board of Directors of two publicly held corporations and several start-up companies. He volunteered his services with many local organizations, golfed, skied, ran the Robie Creek half-marathon more than once and enthusiastically supported the local football team.
Archie was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister, Sherry Lynn Taylor. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, their daughter Becky (Dan) Lewis of San Diego CA, their son Travis (Urszula) Clemins of Boulder CO, and four grandchildren: Nathan Lewis, Olivia Lewis, Thomas Clemins and Theodore Clemins. “Grandpa Archie” brought a sense of adventure and an easy laugh to every endeavor. He will be greatly missed.
A local memorial service will be held in Boise at the Cathedral of the Rockies. Internment with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery, preceded by a funeral service at the base Chapel. The dates and times of all arrangements are pending.
For their dedicated service the family would like to thank Dr. Gregory Johnson of St Luke’s Family Medicine, Dr. Karl Schultheiss of St Alphonsus Cancer Care Center, the support staff and volunteers at St Luke’s Home Hospice, and especially Tammy Walmer from C.A.R.E. LLC. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in memory of Archie Clemins be made to the Wyakin Warriors: 960 Broadway Avenue, Suite 260 Boise, Idaho 83706 (www.wyakin.org).
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Jim and Mary Ann Burritt says
March 19, 2020 at 7:30 pmKnew you were destined for greatness when you joined the Lewis and Clark so many years ago. You have served your country well
Our thoughts go out to Marilyn and your children and grandchildren.
Rex T. Averill, MD says
March 20, 2020 at 6:22 pmI spent an all too brief week playing golf with Admiral Archie in Scotland in 2008. In short – What a wonderful guy. My sympathy to family and friends. I was blessed to have known him.
Thomas J. Wilford says
March 20, 2020 at 6:31 pmIt has been a pleasure to know and serve with Archie. Most recently in the formation of Wyakin Warriors. Rest in peace honorable soldier, you have served honorably and well. My sympathy to family and close friends.
Bill Connors says
March 20, 2020 at 7:47 pmAdmiral Clemins was a great community leader, from the Wyakin Warriors Foundation to our local Boise Metro Chamber, he was active and involved with his city, his state and his nation. Our thanks for his service on many fronts. Our sympathies to his family and friends.
Judie says
March 20, 2020 at 11:11 pmSo many years since Napa. What an amazing man. So many memories…
I know how much he loved you all. Remember grief is a place to visit. Try not not to unpack there.
Lesson I learned last April when we lost Rob.
You are in our hearts and prayers
Judie , Robyn and Dave Robyn Zitzewitz
Dave Kerns says
March 21, 2020 at 3:48 pmI was fortunate to be able to ride with Archie in a BSU golf tournament years ago and we had a great 4 hours together. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all,
Dave Kerns
Geri and Bob Shaw says
March 21, 2020 at 4:39 pmWe were deeply saddened to learn of Archie’s passing.
It was obvious 40 years ago that Archie- our delightful Navy neighbor in Pearl Harbor-was destined for an extraordinary Naval career. He served our nation with dedication and distinction.
We send our heartfelt condolences, along with our prayers, to Marilyn and the Clemins family during this difficult time.
May Archie have fair skies and following seas on this- his final voyage.
Geri and Bob Shaw says
March 21, 2020 at 11:35 pmWe were deeply saddened to learn of Archie’s passing.
It was obvious 40 years ago that Archie- our delightful Navy neighbor in Pearl Harbor-was destined for an extraordinary Naval career. He served our nation with dedication and distinction.
We send our heartfelt condolences, along with our prayers, to Marilyn and the Clemins family during this difficult time.
May Archie have fair winds and following seas on this- his final voyage.
Judy Frank says
March 22, 2020 at 12:06 amMarilyn, My husband and I met you and Archie many years ago while living at the Artic Apts in Virginia Beach , VA. Archie was stationed at Oceana Navel Base, Dale was stationed at Fort Story. We thought of you many times over the years and Dale often told the story of how you befriended us when we were so far from Minnesota and family. I am so sorry to hear of Archie’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Sincerely, Judy Frank
Robert Brady, Boise Base says
March 22, 2020 at 7:20 pmfrom all of the members of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. – Boise Base – we will remember you and all you did for the Navy and Submarines. Sailor, rest your oars, we have the watch.
Larry Mack says
March 22, 2020 at 11:43 pmMarilyn…we have not met. Archie (I never addressed him that way…smile) was my boss while I was CO of a submarine deployed to CSG 7 Japan in 1987. He was one of the most thoughtful men I have ever met. The world is a better place because he and you are in it. Thank you for your sacrifices and for letting him touch so many of our lives.
Mathews Pothen says
March 23, 2020 at 2:54 amADM. Clemins was great leader and a visionary. He was key to making sure we had a ship repair capability in Guam when the Navy closed the Ship repair Facility under BRAC. I knew him for a brief few years. Heartfelt condolences to the family. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers as you sail to your eternal voyage.
Rick Ritter says
March 23, 2020 at 6:32 pmMarilyn,
I was privileged to meet you and Archie when you first came to the “desert” (Boise) and then to work with Archie from time to time and occasionally run into him when I was in DC. I considered him a mentor and a friend. Sorry for your loss. He was a great man and lived a life of service to all.
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