CLAIBORN, RICHARD DRURA Richard Drura Claiborn, 79, of Guilford, CT died November 25, 2016, strong in spirit and quick-witted to the end, despite challenging health issues since 1988. He was born on August 26, 1937 to Louie and Aldyth Claiborn in New Haven, CT. He is a graduate of George School, in Newtown, PA, and Brown University, where he captained the 1959 swim team. Following college, Richard entered Officer Candidate School for the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam. He went on to serve 20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Richard enjoyed a 38 year career in the printing industry at the William J. Mack Company of North Haven. Over the years, he took great pleasure spending time with family and friends, as well as Masters Swimming, tennis, golf, and card games of all kinds (especially bridge). After retiring, Richard found satisfaction in volunteering at the McGivney Cancer Center at St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven, along with keeping up his golf and bridge games. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kay D. Claiborn; his daughters Holley Claiborn (John Mayo) of Guilford, CT and Alexis Claiborn Sweet (Andrew Sweet) of Darien, CT; his grandchildren: Alexandra and Samuel Mayo and Madeleine, Nathaniel and Benjamin Sweet; his siblings, Nicki Smith, William Claiborn and James Claiborn, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Richard’s loyalty, patience and kindness knew no limits and he will be greatly missed. He was an inspiration to many with his unshakable positive outlook and wry sense of humor no matter what life threw his way. If you ever helped him find his ear or determine whether it was on backwards, thank you. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Guilford, CT. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to George School ( georgeschool.org/support-george-school) or the Brown University Men’s Swim Team ( gifts.brown.edu - under ‘Select a Designation’, choose ‘Brown Athletics/Sports Foundation’ and then ‘Men’s Swimming & Diving’). To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.