Claude Chidley

As he wished, Claude Arnold Slim Chidley was a home when he passed from this life to the next on February 28, 2012.

born in Laurel, Montana on October 6, 1916 to John Edward and Annie Searle Chidley, he spent his childhood in Montana and Wyoming and grew into a successful professional musician and accomplished horseman. In January of 1941 he joines the U.S. Army and was based in California at Ft. MacArthur. Later, he was deployed to Canada to participate in the construction of the Alcan Highway. His time ovwerseas was spent in Okinawa and he had achieved the rank of Major b the time of his honorable discharge.

Slim spent most of his working life in Texas running a few good horses and helping raise his three children. He worked in sales and sales management for independent appliance and electronic wholesalers in the DallasFt. Worth area and then West Texas.

He chose Ruidoso Downs for retirement because it allowed him to enjoy the mountains and his love of horse racing and he became a fixture at the track. At over 6 5, he was a big man. Add the cowboy hat and boots he wore, he was easy to pick our in the crowd. That and the fact that he was at the finish line for every race he attended made it easy to find himif you wanted t talk racing or ask for Slims Pickins.

In addition to fine horses and good dogs, he especially enjoyed a belly laugh with friends and a cigar with a beer or toddy. He always had a plan, just in case a back up plan. His life was full and unique and recently he said, It was fun

Left to remember the stories he told and live the lessons he taught are his children, Ron and Claudia Allison of San Angelo, Texas Bill and Carol Chidley of Wasilla, Alaska and David and Elena Chidley of Aurora, Illinois his grandchildren, great grandchildren and a few good friends.

It was his wish that there be no service, but, if you want to remember him, please make a donaton to your favorite charity.

Slim, Daddy, Pa or Grumpawe will miss him.