NAMPA — Canyon County lost one of its beloved public figures last month.
For over 20 years, this cultural icon made appearances at local parades, charity events, birthday parties and weddings.
Last, but certainly not least, this galvanizing presence and heart-warming force of nature was not a human being. Rather, he was a camel. Yes, Clyde the Camel, who passed away Aug. 10 at the age of 26.
“He was definitely a figure in the community. Everybody knew him,” said lifelong Nampa resident Kolane Gilbert.
“And for the family, he was so much more than a pet,” she added. “He was part of the family.”
A memorial service for Clyde will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Karcher Nazarene Church, 2515 W Karcher Road. The service will be in the gym located behind the church. It is open to the public.
Clyde’s owners, Gary and Renae Drake, have been emotional since his passing. From their residence on Wednesday evening — located on the border of Nampa and Caldwell south of Caldwell Boulevard — they spoke at length about Clyde’s impact on their lives and those around them. All the while, Gary teared up multiple times.