Former village president Clarbour laid to rest Saturday

A lone bagpiper played taps as Navy officials folded the American flag.

Ralph Clarbour was given full military honors Saturday as the former Arlington Heights village president, and Navy gunner, was laid to rest.

The moving ceremony took place at the end of his hourlong funeral service, which drew nearly 200 mourners to the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights.

Clarbour died Dec. 19 from heart failure. The longtime Arlington Heights resident, who served 10 years as a village trustee, and was mayor in the mid-1970s, was 84.

Before the service, mourners viewed family mementos. From his military medals earned as a Navy gunner, flying missions to Iwo Jima; to his cherished family photos, and signature cowboy hat, they offered snapshots of a long, full life.

The last poster visitors saw before entering the sanctuary, combined pictures of his plane from World War II and military reunions, with a campaign brochure and photo of his swearing-in as village president in 1974. "Nobody loved the town and country more than Ralph," read the inscription. "Hail to the Chief."

His younger brother, Bert, began the eulogies, describing Clarbour's patriotism as well as his work ethic that stretched 63 years, working at his company, Arlington Steel.

"He was loyal to his political beliefs, as I'm sure you can all believe, and he was loyal to his country - and fiercely loyal to the American flag," Bert Clarbour said. "In thinking of my brother, the word 'patriot' comes to mind."

His four surviving children gave testimonials about their father, describing his love of family traditions, the American frontier and their summer home in Door County.

Two of Clarbour's sons preceded him in death. James Clarbour died at the age of 15 from a form of pediatric cancer, while Donald Clarbour was shot down in Vietnam in 1969, at the age of 21.

A seven-foot peace panel hangs in Donald Clarbour's memory, in the gallery of the church, beside a small inscription of his service. The gold star his parents received at the time of his death was displayed on Saturday, with the rest of his father's medals.

"Ralph was an honest man of great integrity," said the Rev. John McFayden.

"He would tell you what he thought, and while he may not agree with you, he would always be willing to listen, with great respect."