Clevis Tyl Svetlik

Clevis was born in Cleveland, Ohio and was a 1955 graduate of Shaker Heights High School. While a student there his love of electronics distinguished him when he built a color television camera that took him to the National Science Fair. He attended John Carroll University as a part time student and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1966. He became a licensed pilot to fly single and multi- engine aircraft and also a licensed mechanic for those planes. He was a ham radio operator. After graduation, he found the field of safety and loss control, working first for the Aetna, then Johnson and Higgins, and retiring as a vice president of J&H March & McClennan. He earned his Master of Business Administration with Honors in 1981 from Baldwin-Wallace University.

He participated in several professional organizations during his career in safety. He is a past president of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Cleveland Safety Council. Her served on the Board of Goodwill Industries 1983-2005, and was chair of the Operations Committee. He was a member of Garfield Memorial Methodist Church and a former member of Lander Circle Kiwanis Club.

Clevis had a strong interest in local government and was a member of the Pepper Pike Planning and Zoning Committee for several years before being elected to city council. He was a 28 year member of the Pepper Pike City Council and during that time he served as Chair of the Road and Safety Committee, Chair of the Finance Committee, Chair of the beautification committee and editor of the Pepper Pike Post. His biggest joy was serving as the vice mayor.

After his retirement from Marsh, he resumed his interest in audio recording and taught himself how to achieve professional quality recordings of large and small ensembles. The Suburban Symphony Orchestra was his first ensemble, but he quickly became the recording engineer for many nonprofessional instrumental and vocal ensembles and churches in the area. He continued with this retirement hobby until his health began to decline.

Clevis and Bonnie were married in 1967. They had two daughters, Susan Chelette and Sharon Matula, and was blessed with five grandchildren, Rachel, Hannah, Daniel, Lauren and Adam. Most recently a great granddaughter was born to Rachel. He rejoiced with every achievement and accomplishment of his girls and the grandchildren.

Those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Suburban Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 22653, Beachwood, OH 44122. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 7th at 11 am in the Church of the Western Reserve, 30500 Fairmount Blvd., Pepper Pike, OH. A reception will follow in the church.