For more than five decades, Clyde Pock faithfully served the schools of Okanogan County as both an official and assigning secretary. He also dedicated 30 years to education as a teacher and principal. After playing tennis and junior varsity basketball at Whitworth College, Clyde began his career in education at Newport High School. Following a brief stint in the Army, he returned to the classroom at Okanogan High School, where he later served as principal from 1966 until his retirement in 1981.

Clyde’s contributions as an official stretched across football, volleyball, basketball, and softball. He worked countless postseason and state tournament games, yet when asked about his career highlights, Clyde humbly replied, “My most memorable moments and greatest accomplishments are just working with the kids. Without the kids, I would not be officiating.”

A registered basketball official for 54 years, Clyde was known for his humor and humility. After one game, he remarked, “If I ever got a basketball game right, I’d give it up.” A nearby fan quickly responded, “Well, Clyde, you won’t be quitting tonight.” He officiated football for 53 years and added softball to his schedule in the early 1980s.

Beyond officiating, Clyde was the assigning secretary for football and volleyball and served as board secretary and historian for the basketball association. He mentored young officials with patience and professionalism, freely offering advice on rules, mechanics, and court demeanor. He even provided transportation to games for officials who needed it. As one colleague reflected, “As a football and volleyball assignor, he made sure the matches were covered the old-fashioned way—with pen and paper. I believe if we had more people like Clyde in the officiating arena, we would all be better for it.”

Clyde’s passion for the outdoors matched his love of officiating, as he spent much of his free time hunting and fishing. Always smiling, always encouraging, Clyde Pock embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and service. His lifetime of contributions was recognized with induction into the Washington Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2007.