Clair "Gizmo" Jerome Depew

Clair Jerome “Gizmo” Depew was born on August 31, 1944, in Bemidji, Minnesota. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1962 and soon after went to work in the woods as a lumberjack. On August 24, 1963, he married Peggy Swanson, and their first daughter, Debra Ann, was born on December 12, 1963.

Clair’s work took his young family across the Northwest. They moved to The Dalles, Oregon, where he worked as a carpenter on the John Day Dam, then to Kennewick, Washington, where he commuted to the Lower Monumental Dam near Kahlotus. The family later moved to Montana, where Clair worked on the 7 Mile Tunnel near Trego. As Debi approached school age, Clair learned that the Harder Ranch in Kahlotus needed a hired hand. After meeting Bill Harder and forming an immediate connection, Clair moved his family there in 1969. His second daughter, Mary JoAnn, was born on March 19, 1970. Life on the ranch was a beautiful and cherished chapter that lasted 20 years.

After many changes, and following the loss of his daughter Mary in 1988, Clair returned to Bemidji, Minnesota. There he worked as a truck driver for Hanson Trucking and later for Hirt Trucking, continuing to work for Mike until October 2025. It was the highlight of his week.

Clair was surrounded by friends and family in his final days and passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary JoAnn in July 1988 and his partner of 17 years Robin Moe in March 2005. Clair was also proceeded in death by a brother David and another brother Doug. Then he lost his sister, Carol Nelson, in June 2020 and his life was never the same after losing “Sis” who he had a special and unique bond with. Clair is survived by his daughter, Debi Cheatwood (Kelley) of Kennewick, Washington; grandchildren Michael, Logan, and Ami; great grandchildren Willow and Penelope; his brothers Bruce and Edie Depew of Phoenix, Arizona, and Dennis Depew of Bemidji, Minnesota; and numerous cousins and nieces and nephews; and dear, dear friends that were like family.

Clair loved his work and always shared with everyone how lucky he was to have always loved every job he had. When Clair wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and playing bingo and Texas hold ‘em. But most of all he loved socializing and being with people. He was a true friend, an amazing father and grandfather, and honest as the day is long. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shriners, St. Jude’s, or Wounded Warriors, charities Clair felt strongly about.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 2-4 PM at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club at 1270 Neilson Ave SE in Bemidji, MN.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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