Clarence “Clem” Nordsiek Jr., 78, died April 14, 2008, from complications from lung cancer. A 52-year GCSAA member, Mr. Nordsiek was born in 1929 in Natrona Heights, Pa., and was the son of a golf course superintendent, Clarence Nordsiek Sr., who worked at Brackenridge Heights Country Club in Natrona Heights.

Mr. Nordsiek Jr. worked at Brackenridge Heights CC until his graduation from Penn State University in 1952, where he earned a degree in agronomy. After graduation, he went to work at Hillcrest Country Club in New Kensington, Pa., until 1955, when he started as the chief agronomist and director of operations/production for Zoysia Farm Nursery in Baltimore. In 1962, he became superintendent at Moon Brook Country Club, Jamestown, N.Y., which hosted the New York State Amateur in 1978. He stayed at that course until 1980, when he bought Willow Run Golf Course in Mayville, N.Y., a course he owned and operated until his retirement in 1991.

Mr. Nordsiek mentored many superintendents over his career and, because of his reputation of lending a hand to area golf courses and their superintendents, became known as the “guru of grass.” In addition to his involvement with GCSAA and other turf associations, he was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and Zion Covenant Church, various trap and skeet clubs, a forest and stream club, the National Rifle Association, and rod and gun clubs.

Mr. Nordsiek was preceded in death by his infant son Thomas Nordsiek; his daughter Karen Mitchell; and his sister Marjory Stoehr-Bean. He is survived by his son Michael (Sari) Nordsiek; his daughter Patricia (Bradley) Lefford; his sister Mary Louise Franz; several nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren; and his wife of 55 years, Mary Jane Coll Nordsiek, 9 Summit Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701-6137.