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RONALD RAYMOND CLAYTON, C.D. MAJOR (RETIRED)
Date of Passing: May 16, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRONALD RAYMOND CLAYTON, C.D. MAJOR (RETIRED) On May 16, 2012, Ronald Raymond Clayton, cherished husband of Margaret (Margot) Ann Clayton, (nee Bastin), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was 82. Ron leaves to mourn his beloved daughters, Liz Clayton (Henri Chatelain) and her sons, Daniel and Timothy Gardiner; Sue Kathler (Rick Kathler) and their children Laura and Paul; and Mary Meldrum (John Meldrum) and their two boys, John Patrick and Cameron. The youngest of three boys, Ron was predeceased by his parents Gerald Joseph and Mary Kathleen, and his brothers, Gerry and Jack. Ron was born just outside Chicago, raised in Southern Ontario, and at age 18 while working as an electrician, partnered with friends to purchase a war surplus Cornell aircraft and formed the St. Thomas Flying Club, a hobby which led to a career as a fighter pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces. Following his first retirement in 1977, Ron became an aviation licensing inspector with Transport Canada, and continued his military career part time with 402 Squadron. Ron had a life that would be a dream come true for so many, stationed at bases in post-war Europe and North Africa during the 50s and 60s, and then back in Canada during the 70s and 80s, flying Sabres, CF-104s and CF-5s. It was on a posting to North Luffenham, England in 1954 that Ron met Margot, a Canadian teacher. Together Ron, Margot and their three girls led the nomadic life of a military family, living in Europe and throughout Canada before finally settling in Margot's home town of Winnipeg. Ron will be remembered for his smooth foxtrot, dry martinis, Saturday morning omelets, love of music and hi-fi sound, fearless embrace of all new technologies and the belief that he passed to his daughters that anything can be fixed with enough magazines, specialty tools and WD40. He raised his daughters to be confident and resourceful, never setting a finer example than when he fought his way back to independence after a massive stroke in 1998. He was highly respected, dearly loved and will be deeply missed. Special thank you to the Palliative Care Team. I've topped the wind swept heights with easy grace, where never lark, or even eagle, flew; And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. Service will be held at 2:00, Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at St. Andrews Anglican Church, 2700 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Western Canadian Aviation Museum, Hangar T-2, 958 Ferry Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0Y8 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 19, 2012
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Mary/John/JP & Cameron Sorry for the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. I wish we could have attended the funeral but only saw the obit last night. Please let us know if we can help in any way. - Posted by: Jeff, Heather, Katelyn & Jillian Howie (Friend of Mary and John Meldrum) on: May 23, 2012
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As a new friend to Susan in Junior High, the Clayton house was always busy, with girls coming and going, noise and laughter, I often wondered how Mr Clayton managed, being the only male, he always had a smile, a sense of humour and we always felt welcomed. Much Love to Mrs. Clayton, Susan, Liz and Mary - Posted by: Kristine Sigurdson () on: May 22, 2012
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Early 70's..I'm in a tagalong C-130 assisting Ron and 5 of his buddies to ferry 6 F-5's from Canada to Norway. We're in Lossiemouth Scotland..Royal Navy Hunter training base..gale force winds..flying suspended..EXCEPT for our boys. They launched in two planes. The seagulls were hanging onto the grass with their beaks..even they were grounded. The whole base watching. You would have thought those F-5's were bolted together. Hugs to mom and the girls - Posted by: Larry Olson (colleague) on: May 21, 2012
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So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I first met Ron in the 1980’s while I was flying in industry and he was working as a Transport Canada inspector. Our encounters, whether official, casual or later as a colleague, were always enjoyable. Ron’s friendly and relaxed approach to things were professional and a breath of fresh air. Visits with Ron were looked forward to and will always be fondly remembered. He was such a likeable person and will be sadly missed. My condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Chuck Frankard (Client/Colleague) on: May 20, 2012
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Mr. Clayton was a real nice guy. His love for his family was deep. He was an honest, hardworking, energetic man and loved having a good time with you after the work was done. Thanks Mr. Clayton - Posted by: James Baty (Friend of Liz's) on: May 20, 2012
