Cleary Stuart Cone
December 04, 1926 - March 25, 2018
- Share:
Cleary Stuart Cone
December 04, 1926 - March 25, 2018
Obituary
Cleary Stuart Cone, 91, passed away March 25, 2018 in Bellingham after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Aleen; daughters Cindy Cone (Federal Way, WA) and Alison Cone (Rancho Mirage, CA); grandson Justin Cone (Carol) of Everett; and great grandchildren Russell and Jordan Cone. He was preceded in death by his parents Dwight and Bernice (Cleary) Cone; sister Janice Bayless and son Edward Cone. Early years were spent in Custer, Birch Bay and Ferndale where he developed lifelong friends and a wicked fastball.
Cleary was selected for the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program (ASTRP) at WSU and is a WWII veteran.
Playing baseball for the Bellingham Bells and other semi-pro teams, “Lefty” Cone pitched several perfect games, and once struck out 36 batters over two games in one weekend. In 1947, he was awarded the Washington Semi-pro Outstanding Player.
He opted to enter law school at the University of Washington, after declining an invitation to train with the New York Yankees and a principal appointment to West Point. He graduated with honors from law school and joined a law practice in Ellensburg, where he practiced for forty years. Never at a loss for words, he was often asked to MC local events.
Cleary served as President of the Washington State Bar Association in 1973-74, and in 1981, received the award of Merit and Honor for outstanding service to the legal profession and the people of Washington. He was named a life member and Fellow at the American Bar Association, was a member of the House of Delegates to the American Bar Association, and was a Fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel. in 1987, he was named a “Distinguished Alumnus” of the UW Law School.
Upon retirement, they moved to Sandy Point and he became active in Rotary and the Hobby Club. He was honored to receive a lifetime “Honorary” membership to the Rotary Club of Bellingham.
His biggest accomplishment was marrying the love of his life, Aleen, who he still courted with their weekly “date nights” after 70 years of marriage. He retained his legendary humor through his life, recently suggesting that “In lieu of flowers, please bring a good bottle of red wine”. Cleary lived a full and complete life that we will celebrate on Saturday, March 31, at 1:00 pm, at Moles Farewell Tributes, 2465 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham. Memorials may be made to the Chuckanut Feline Center, 1214 Dupont Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, or your favorite charity. Please visit the online guest book at wordpress-271002-1416095.cloudwaysapps.com.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: March 31, 2018 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Bellingham
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510
4 responses to Cleary Stuart Cone
Glenn Smick says:
March 25, 2018
I still think of Cleary Cone from time to time. Today I was wondering if he was still in Ellensburg practicing law or enjoying retirement someplace. I found his name in an internet search and was saddeded with hearing of his passing. I knew him as a student/athlete at Central over 50 years ago. Cleary helped me in many ways, for which I am very grateful. My sincere condolences to his family.
Marcia Manner Rogers says:
March 25, 2018
Aleene, Alison and Cindy,
We are all so very sorry to hear of Cleary’s illness and passing. Please know that we will keep you all in our prayers and thoughts, that all those wonderful memories will hopefully comfort you during this difficult time. We know words can not begin to fill the void that Cleary leaves but know that you are all dearly loved and hope you know Cleary’s memory will be long lasting and always alive. I’m just so sorry I could not make it to the service. Marcia Manner Rogers and families
Frank Crimp says:
March 25, 2018
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Cone. It seems as though I knew of him since junior high school when I played baseball with son Eddie and Cleary played golf at the Ellensburg Golf Club. I worked for Mr. Cone at the the law firm for six years where I got to know him much better. He was as sharp as a lawyer could be and I certainly enjoyed his witty company as much as his legalese. Those were fun times (1976 to 1982) at the law firm working for a bunch of great guys. I can’t help but think of the old guard of that great WWII generation that were friends of Cleary who were well known in Ellensburg and have now passed on, Don Schaake, Dick Bacon, Bob Thompson, Poot Wiliams, Jim Carmody and my Father to name a few. Rest assured there are many friends on his team awaiting his arrival in heaven that look forward to Lefty taking the mound once again. My sincere sympathy
John P. Gilreath says:
March 25, 2018
It has been my honor and privilege to have been associated with Cleary since July of 1970. I was referred to Ellensburg by a law school professor who said I should check out “Cleary’s Castle”. After being hired I found that he was a great mentor and had the well deserved respect of all of his legal associates. I later found him to be a great partner in our law firm and a true and loyal friend. His wisdom was always appreciated. Since he was a bar examiner I suspect he will be at the Gates, handing out test questions and then grading to see if those that pass can get in. He did not suffer fools. Just hope I make it so I continue my association with him.