Community Submission
Loving Patriarch, Son, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Great-Great-Grandfather, Educator, Mentor, and Friend.
Galen Auguste Clavier Jr., 93, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at his home in Carlsbad, Calif., with his son Grant by his side.
Galen was born at Mercy Hospital, San Diego on Nov. 3, 1929. His parents were Galen A. Clavier Sr. and Ethel McGuire Clavier (Osage Original Allottee). Galen spent his early childhood in both San Diego and Los Angeles. When the “Great Depression” was in full swing, the family moved to Oklahoma to be close to their only source of income. The Clavier Family lived in Pawhuska and Tulsa, Okla.
Galen attended parochial school from first grade through seventh grade. Galen not only had a strong foundation in educational skills but also in religion taught by the Benedictine Monks. While in these formative years, Galen was taught and observed the Cultural ways of the Osage Tribe.
When World War II broke out the Clavier Family moved back to Los Angles where Galen finished High School and attended his first year of college. In 1948, Galen enlisted in the United States Army. Galen’s service in the U.S. Army lasted until 1953 (both active and reserves)
In 1951, Galen married Rachel Ann Kennard. During that time, he completed his college education earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts while raising a family and working. In the mid-1950s, Galen obtained his General Secondary Teaching Credential and began his teaching career at North High School in Torrance, Calif. The next year, Galen was selected to be a Cadre Faculty Member for the new South High School in Torrance.
In 1960, Galen and Rachel moved their young family to Carlsbad.
Galen was employed by the Oceanside/Carlsbad High School and Junior College District. Galen taught at Oceanside High School and Mira Costa Junior College. In 1963, Galen was awarded the United States State Department Fulbright Scholarship to the America School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece.
In 1986, Galen retired from teaching. When Galen’s wife Rachel retired, they began traveling extensively. Galen and Rachel enjoyed France, where they renewed ties with their Clavier relatives. Galen always enjoyed music, especially “West Coast Jazz” and was an excellent cook, hosting many family dinners and events over the years.
In 1987, Galen was elected chairman of the United Osages of Southern California. Galen was extremely proud of his Osage Heritage. Galen, with the support of his family, spent 20 years leading this organization. Galen and Rachel saw to it that their sons and grandsons, daughters and granddaughters also participated in the Osage Nation cultural events.
Galen’s family includes his beloved wife Rachel (deceased); sons, Gregory Clavier (Kelly), and Grant Clavier (Stacey); his daughters, Francesca Clavier-Smith (deceased), Christa Houts (Tim); granddaughters Carly Clavier, Elizabeth Lampe (Gordy), Adrian Grasso (Jason), Rachel Castillo (deceased); grandsons, Tommy Castillo (deceased), Cody Clavier (Ashley), Nick Houts, Michael Smith; along with six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Magee Park, Carlsbad, Calif., from 1-4 p.m. For more information, contact Greg Clavier at socal.osages@gmail.com
