Clayton Albert Hood, 90, “Bud” as he was referred to by family and friends, passed away on March 7, 2022, at Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen, Washington.
Clayton was born on March 20, 1931, in Aberdeen to Bruce R. and Myrtle Florence (Hansen) Hood. Clayton lived in Aberdeen a short while, attending AJ West Grade School before moving to Montesano. Clayton attended and graduated from Montesano High School where he was active in track, football and basketball. Clayton went on to be inducted into the Montesano 1950 Basketball Hall of Fame. He spoke highly of his teammates. He was a very proud Bulldog. Clayton was approached by the UW Huskies to play football, but chose Western Washington University, where he went on to play football and basketball before graduating. Clayton was also inducted into the Western Washington Football Hall of Fame.
On June 29, 1951, Clayton married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Darlene Carlson at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, Washington. Patricia passed away on April 18, 2006, after 55 years of marriage.
Early on in his career, Bud drove truck for ONC and Garrett Freight Lines. Bud may also be remembered as a basketball official in the 1960s and early ’70s.
But make no doubt about it, Bud is most remembered as a 38-year 6th grade teacher at McDermoth Grade School. Mr. Hood was known to new students to appear big and scary, but they soon discovered the opposite. Mr. Hood loved the kids, loved to tease, loved to tell jokes, loved to nickname many, and if your desk was dumped, it probably really did need cleaning. He knew retirement was very near when he was heard saying “I’m teaching the students of my students.”
Mr. Hood will be missed.
Bud is survived by his son Jeffrey (Margo) of Aberdeen, daughter Judy Otey, Post Falls, Idaho, grandchildren: Chase, Lacy, Griffin, Stephanie, Kyle, Allison and Skyler, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
The family invites you to join them in celebrating Bud, Saturday, March 19, from 1-3 at the Aberdeen Presbyterian Church.
Memorials can be made to the Senior Center Lunch Program, 101 E Market St. Aberdeen, WA 98520
