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GERALD LAWRENCE CLAYTON
Born: Apr 11, 1925
Date of Passing: Dec 27, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGERALD LAWRENCE CLAYTON The "Greatest Generation" lost a charter member with the passing of our dear father, Gerald Lawrence Clayton, 90, on December 27, 2015. He is survived by children, Reg (Lilita), Laurie, Karen, Alex (Susan), Sherry (Ken) and sister Eileen. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, older siblings, Elinor, Vaughan, Ray and our mother, Margaret, his loving and devoted wife of 49 years. Dad was born on the family farm near Gladstone on April 11, 1925 to D.W.R. (Reg) and Norma Clayton. During the Great Depression, he attended Palestine Public, a one-room school house just a short prairie commute by horse-drawn wagon or sleigh according to season. A gifted storyteller, Dad's dinner table tales of growing up on "The Farm" are fondly recalled. During the Second World War, Dad enlisted in the R.C.A.F. He was trained as an electrician and served with 420 and 425 Squadrons (Bomber Command) in England and later with 126 Wing, 83 Group, 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany. After the war, Gerald enrolled in the University of Manitoba, graduating with a BSc in 1951 and later earning a MSc in Civil Engineering. He was employed by Water Resources Manitoba, eventually leading survey crews "up North" in preparation for the construction of hydro dams along the Nelson River. Gerald returned to the U. of M. in 1955, to accept a position as Professor of Civil Engineering. Teaching would remain his vocation for the next 32 years, until retirement in 1987. His work at the university also contributed to the construction the Red River Floodway. Gerry and Margaret were married on Grey Cup weekend November, 1952. They shared their love of travel with their children. The family's greatest adventure came when "The Professor" participated in a faculty exchange to Northeast Thailand from 1969 to 1970. The family shares life-long memories of the year Dad taught at Khon Kaen University. In later life, Mom and Dad retired to their cottage at Redditt, Ontario, where they gathered golden memories of good times shared with family and friends. Gerald's life is celebrated by his five children and seven grandchildren, Caroline (Austin), Jonathan, Lily, Isabel, Chantal, Christina and Clayton. The recent birth of his first great-grandchild Delilah Quinn Clayton was a great source of pride and happiness for Dad. Dad's passing is also mourned by his nieces, nephews and cousins, friends old and new, and the caring staff and residents at Sterling House. The family wishes to thank the Fifth Floor medical and support staff at Victoria General Hospital who did their best for Dad during his final weeks. The family is planning a memorial of Gerald's life in the spring with interment of his ashes to follow at Redditt Cemetery at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2016
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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To Laurie, and all the family, God Bless, and Peace to all of you at this difficult time, sincerest sympathy, Mary C - Posted by: Mary Pettingill Churchill (friend) on: Jan 06, 2016
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Dear Laurie, Reg, Karen, Alex & Sherry....my condolences at the passing of a great guy - your DAD. Sending love and the hope for gentle days ahead. - Posted by: Avrel Fisher (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2016
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Dear Karen and Clayton, I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences and may my prayers help comfort you and your family. - Posted by: Denise Tanguay-Duguay (Work) on: Jan 04, 2016
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First memory of Uncle Gerry is from 1952 when he came to visit us with his new bride, Aunt Margaret. He had served overseas with the RCAF in 126 Wing with my father and they were based at ALG B116 - Wunstorf, Germany when the war ended. There were many stories. Uncle Gerry was truly a family man. All my memories of him evolved from family events. We were all proud of him for his Professorship and his contributions to the Manitoba Floodways. To my cousins - your Father certainly played a role in what made his generation "The Greatest"! Rest in Peace Uncle Gerry. - Posted by: Bernie Clayton (Nephew) on: Jan 03, 2016
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Prof Clayton taught me how to survey. His son Alex and I are lifelong friends from the days growing up on Glengary /Thatcher Drive. He will be missed and remembered very fondly. - Posted by: MARK BROWN (Friend and Student) on: Jan 02, 2016
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Alex and Susan I will miss my visits with Professor Clayton, as I always called him since my U of M Engineering days, that I had at your home. He always seemed to enjoy being called Professor. Russell and Heather - Posted by: Russell Krasey (Former Student) on: Jan 02, 2016
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Dear Karen & Clayton.....I am so sorry for your loss. You have many good memories to cherish, & that should be a great comfort to you. - Posted by: Merle Hagerman () on: Jan 02, 2016
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Many memories of Uncle Gerry and his dedication to his family. Rest in Peace - Posted by: Harold Clayton (Nephew) on: Jan 02, 2016