Obituary of Stephen CLAYTON

October 24, 1948 – York County, Ontario

July 18, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

With profound sadness, we share the passing of Stephen Victor Clayton at Foothills Hospital in Calgary after a courageous and determined battle with pancreatic cancer.

One of four boys born to Thomas and Florence Clayton, Vic spent his childhood in Markham, Ontario. Never one to shy away from mischief, whether running through wet cement, picking the neighbours prize tulips, or using his brother to boost himself over the backyard fence, Vic was at the centre of many family stories. He was an avid athlete and a less avid student, surprising everyone when he announced his intention to go to university.

Vic attended Carleton, where he met his wife, Sherry. Married in Ottawa on August 12, 1972, Vic and Sherry started their married life together in Toronto and later moved to Markham to be closer to family and raise their three children, Allen, Lesley and BIll. In 1990, Vic and Sherry made the adventurous decision to relocate to the West Coast, where Vic had accepted the role as Headmaster at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria, British Columbia. Vic adjusted quickly to the quieter pace and milder climate. Family was important to Vic and he spent much of his free time coaching hockey, soccer and baseball and leading a Beaver pack. Annual summer vacation entailed packing up the station wagon and camping in Vancouver Islands’ beautiful provincial parks.

Vic spent his professional life as an educator. Having obtained his Masters in Education at University of Toronto, Vic began his career teaching history at St. George’s School in Toronto and later moved to Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill. Vic talked often of his days at St. George’s and Holy Trinity and his appreciation for the lifelong friendships he formed there. During his 17 years at St. Margaret’s, Vic celebrated many accomplishments, including the building of the new library, junior and senior school facilities. Vic also enjoyed the opportunity to travel throughout Canada and around the world on annual recruiting trips to Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, China and Saudi Arabia. In the end, what he enjoyed most professionally was seeing his students grow and succeed. In recent years, Vic was able to reconnect with many of his former students on Facebook, giving him the opportunity to see where life’s path had led them.

Vic was fortunate to enjoy many years of retirement, which he spent gardening, golfing, tinkering in his workroom, travelling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Vic and Sherry enjoyed several winters in Mexico, as well as trips to Hawaii and Central America. The highlight for Vic, however, was connecting with his family heritage during a trip to Scotland with his family in 2019. 

Vic and Sherry’s decision to move to Calgary was motivated by their desire to be active in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Vic made the most of this time, attending hockey games and dance recitals, taking the kids camping, building playhouses and ice rinks, and taking boys’ trips to the Heritage Classic. There is no question, Vic was a proud father and relished in his role as Grandpa. 

Vic is lovingly remembered by his wife Sherida (Sherry) Clayton, his children Allen (Kristy), Lesley (Dave) and Bill; his beloved grandchildren, Viktor, Sam, Isla, John, Everly and Maverick; as well as his brothers William (Janet), Richard (Mary) and Charles (Ivana); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Vic will be remembered for his passion as an educator, his sense of humour and his love for his family.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home in the hospitality centre. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Vic’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly Jumpstart, https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/donate-funds or to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955.8818. www.childrenshospital.ab.ca

We would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at the Foothills Hospital and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for their excellent care throughout. We would particularly like to thank the nurses and doctors at Foothills Unit 46 for their care and compassion during Vic’s final days.

In living memory of Vic Clayton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.