Pocket News contributor Steven Clazie with a peppermint milk shake. Photo by Karyn Clazie 

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Long-time contributor to Pocket News, and past exalted ruler of Sacramento Elks Lodge No. 6, Steven B. Clazie, died Aug. 15. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan Louise Maloney.

She was the love of his life, and they enjoyed over 60 years together before she died Dec. 17. They had two daughters, Stephanie Kinder of Tennessee, and Karyn Clazie of Oregon. Clazie has three grandchildren, John, Kyle, and Shane Denison.

Joan’s long-time caregiver, Suzanne Neill, was more like a family member than a companion. As Clazie became ill, Suzanne took care of him until he died.

Clazie and his wife were raised in Vallejo. Following graduation from Vallejo High School, they attended Sacramento State University. Both graduated with bachelor’s degrees and teaching credentials. Clazie returned to Sacramento State to complete his master’s degree. They both enjoyed teaching careers in the Sacramento City Unified School District.

This human-interest story is about Janina Korzeniewska Clark, who survived World War II as a teenager despite her capture by the Nazi’s several times. Little did anyone know it would be Clazie’s last story.

Janina’s children, Jane Gallagher and Kevin Clark, researched their mother’s childhood. A cousin, Jalyn Venis, wrote the book “Janina’s war: How a teenager survived Nazis, the resistance, and the most horrific war on earth.” The book is for sale on Amazon.

Clazie enjoyed a hearty laugh, even if it was at his expense. During a family gathering at a local ice cream parlor, Clazie ordered his favorite: peppermint milkshake.

As the pink ice cream began to melt and the foam ran down the side of the glass, one of his grandsons exclaimed that he had ordered a “pretty, pretty princess milkshake.” This family moniker was a favorite tease for years.

Steven Clazie receives special citations from the Elks. Photo by Nicole Holton-Alveraze

Clazie was inspired to be a teacher after hearing President John F. Kennedy’s famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

He taught for years at John F. Kennedy High School in Sacramento. He proudly served as class sponsor and as the faculty advisor for the Kennedy High Clarion, the student newspaper.

After a career teaching secondary students, Clazie delighted in reading to kindergarteners at Genevieve F. Didion TK-8 School. Clazie once again exhibited his sense of humor when he surprised the students dressed as The Grinch.

While sitting at his wife’s bedside, Clazie often wrote late at night or in the early morning hours. He remained devoted to her and shared her battle against supranuclear palsy. This rare neurological disease has no cure.

After his wife became wheelchair-bound, Clazie was often seen pushing her around the Pocket-Greenhaven Farmer’s Market on Sundays.

Clazie wrote a touching story about the 60 years, 5 months and 10 days he and his wife were together. “My journey with Joan” can be found in the Feb. 11 issue of Pocket News.  

Steven Clazie with his wife of 60 years Joan Louise Maloney. Photo by Karyn Clazie

Writing was Clazie’s talent and passion. It gave him pleasure to share stories of the Sacramento area and its people. Steve wrote many articles about the Pocket-Greenhaven Farmers Market and Elks or community events.

He highlighted the many youth groups that Sacramento Elks Lodge No. 6 helped, and he continued to support many Elks events financially.

Clazie was proud to be recognized as a fidelity donor to the Elks National Foundation, which provides grants for community projects.

The California-Hawaii Elks Association gave Clazie many first-place awards for his articles.

Clazie served as Elks Lodge No. 6 exalted ruler in 2008-2009. The exalted ruler is the president and highest-ranking officer in an Elks Lodge. He was proud of his leadership roles in the Elks, and he embodied the Elks principles of charity, justice, fidelity, and brotherly love.

Members of the public celebrated Clazie’s life Sept. 20 at Elks Lodge No. 6, 6446 Riverside Blvd.