It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of David Clayton at Valleyfield Hospital at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret, his daughters Nicola, Amanda (Jack), and Sarah (Andy) and his beloved grandchildren Phillip, Colin, Emily and Scott.
A man of intelligence, widespread knowledge and a wonderful sense of humour, he will be deeply missed by the whole family and by his wide circle of friends. “Cheers” to our beloved husband, father, granddad and friend.
David was born in Leicester, England. He earned his first degree at Leicester University, then went on to Cambridge University where he received his master’s degree and his PHD in pure and applied chemistry. David came to Canada in 1953 on a Post-Doctorate Fellowship at the National Research Council in Ottawa, where he met and married his wife Margaret, the love of his life. They moved to England for three years where David worked at the Radiochemical Centre in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
They returned to Canada in 1958, where David took a position at the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada in Pointe Claire (now FP Innovations). He remained there through a long and successful career. In 1960 they moved to Hudson, a lovely and caring town which is still their home.
Since the age of five, David’s passion has been for acting, and he was well known for his many appearances on stage with the Hudson Players Club, which he joined in 1960. In later years, he often directed as well, and his virtually flawless sense of comedic timing contributed to the success of many plays.
David was a long-time member of the Hudson Yacht Club, the Royal Oak Tennis Club, and valued his long association with St. Paul’s Masonic Lodge.
David’s last year was spent in the Manoir des Iles care home, where he was treated with great kindness. Special thanks to Cam, and to David’s dining companion Ross, who was a valued friend.
Many thanks to Nova Hudson for their great support. If you wish, donations to Nova Hudson or to Hudson Village Theatre would be gratefully received.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday March 10 at 2 p.m. at St James Anglican Church, 642 Main Road, Hudson followed by a reception in the church hall.
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