Obituary of Derek Clayton
In Memory of Derek Clayton (September 26, 1930 – April 8, 2024)
After a short illness, Derek passed away peacefully at Brockville General Hospital with beloved wife Jean (“Dolly”) and her family by his side.
Derek was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. He served in the Royal Air Force for three years before emigrating to Canada in the early 1950s. He spent his working years as a draftsman for BASF, Automatic Electric and Dupont of Canada.
Derek had boundless energy and a gentle and kind demeanor, mixed with just the right amount of quick and mischievous British wit. He had a love of big band and classical music – he was particularly fond of the Glenn Miller Band and Jacqueline du Pré – and worked to master a number of different brass and string instruments. Derek played the euphonium for years with the Brockville Concert Band and also played with a Salvation Army pickup band, forging life-long friendships with his band members. His creative side found another home as an actor in the Brockville Theatre Guild. In his retirement, Derek always enjoyed a good book and sitting outside on warmer days. He also volunteered his time at the Brockville General Hospital.
Derek was a skilled carpenter, designing and building a house full of beautiful furniture. This passion he passed on to his grandson Connor, who learned from Derek a love of craftsmanship that endures today. Derek will be remembered for his endless love of projects around the home.
Derek is survived by Jean and her family (sister Barbara; daughter Allison, her husband Mardy, and grandson Connor; son Dan, his wife Traci, and granddaughters Mia and Claire). He was predeceased by his first wife, Geraldine, and her loving family). We will all miss Derek endlessly.
Special thanks to friends Nadia Rigutto and Jill Russell for their support during Derek’s illness, to devoted care giver Cheryl Van Iterson, and to the caring staff in the rehabilitative and palliative care wards at Brockville General Hospital.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl St., E., Brockville on Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 11:00am, followed by interment at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2451 County Road 15, Maitland, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, Derek’s family would kindly ask that donations be made to the SPCA or to the Brockville District Hospital Foundation - Palliative Care. Messages of condolences may be sent online at www.barclayfuneralhome.com.
