Clay Dean Fraser, Haestóhevenótse,
(Plenty Camps), came into this world as a bright and wonderous gift from God on a beautiful Sunday morning, April 6, 1975, to a large and loving family of Jay Dean Fraser and Anita Larson (BearQuiver) Fraser. When God created Clay, he was given many, many, talents, abilities and interests. Most of all Clay was given a HUGE love for his family, friends and life. Clay was baptized as a teen and lived believing in Jesus and would most often say, “Love is my religion.”
Clay lived life to the fullest for 17, 125 days, or most of 46 years, until Thursday, February 24, 2022, when God called him home.
Clay started his education at Lame Deer Elementary School, continued his school years in Cottonwood, Arizona, then moved to Lahaina, Maui where he excelled in the talented and gifted classes. He finished his high school years in Bend, Oregon. Clay found his life’s passion and joy as tattoo artist extraordinaire while living in Eugene, Oregon. As a tattoo artist he was known as Clay “The Savage” Fraser. Clay was an award winning artist for Best Color (the ink and his work were the best!), had a feature article written about him in Eugene Magazine and owned a successful tattoo shop and business he proudly called Aurora Gallery & Tattoo. His tag line was “Living Art on Breathing Canvas.” And it was. Clay’s tattoo’s, his art, lives on, bringing joy to those who wear his art. Recently Clay’s entrepreneurial spirit was exploring his latest love of custom painted shoes, designing and creating with his cri-cut machine and looking into starting an online clothes business.
Growing up around family in Lame Deer gave Clay strong native roots. His love of his Grandpa Lee and his name inspired him so much he decided to name and sign “Lee” to his first-grade school paperwork. At the first parent teacher conference the teacher kept referring to “Lee” and Clay’s mom said, “Who’s Lee? My son’s name is Clay.” Unfortunately, it was with some dismay Clay had to be told his name was not “Lee” and he would need to be called by his given name. Clay was not happy about that. Sorry, son. Report card after report card testified to Clay’s love of others and talking. “Clay talks too much with classmates during class,” “Clay is very social.” Nothing much changed and, in fact, grew, as can be seen by the amount of Facebook friends and his social media guru status.
Clay loved his native roots, which is why the time spent in Hawaii with the locals there was a natural fit. Anything to do in, around or with the ocean was a slice of heaven to Clay. He swam and snorkeled like a fish, he enjoyed wakeboarding, boogie boarding, spearfishing, parasailing, and whale watching. When he moved to Oregon, he eventually became a saltwater fish tank expert and started cultivating and growing endangered coral reefs to help replenish the needed supply. Nature and the great outdoors, whether it was camping, hiking, river rafting, or snowboarding. brought joy to Clay’s soul and kept that happy smile on his face.
Always with an eye for beauty Clay met and fell in love with Charlette Taecker in Bend Oregon in 1997. It was a great match of intellect, humor and an active lifestyle. A proposal, and a YES! joined two happy souls together in a beautiful, romantic wedding, with the sun sparkling off the glimmering water of Lake Tahoe, Nevada in May 1998. Nine months later another happy event! Christian Dean Fraser was born February 1999. Christian joined in on his parents active lifestyle and went everywhere with his parents. Yet, as life sometimes goes, Clay and Charlette eventually parted ways and divorced.
Clay loved all his nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; they held a treasured place in his heart. Always welcome with open arms was the dear love of Clay’s Grandma TT and his deep love for her. Thank God for all the love of family.
Clay’s twinkling eyes, exuberant positive energy, charismatic personality, bold, unforgettable hugs and smile will be remembered with the deepest love imaginable. Thank you, Lord, for the time you blessed us with Clay and his presence. May your Will always be done.
Clay is survived by his son, Christian. Father: Jay Fraser. Mother: Anita Keller. Stepfather and stepbrother: Jeff and Casey Keller. Sisters: Dari, Chani, Janea. Aunts: Dixie, Yolanda, Faithe, Bridgette, Melissa, Chasity, Emily, Latisha, Nancy, Debi, Minnie. Uncles: Bob, Kevin, Fonz, Jerry, Perry, Richard, Duane, Monty, Byron.
Cultural brothers and sisters: Landon, Joel, Anya, QJ, Andrea, Tala, Kyle, Phillip, Alethea, Alan, Justin, Craig, Lauren, Royce, Timmy, Anthony, Kaysha, Jordan, Shontee, Nota, Kasey, Kori, Kaden, Karson, Kort, Amaya, Brett, Ajay, Travis, Aiden, Seri, Teague, Desi, Jaydon, Grace, Raul, Clint, Zeferino.
Precious, loving friends: Trina Harris, Jon and Jessica Mermis.
Last Love, partner and friends: Madeline “Maddy” Fields and her son George.
Clay lived life in a large way and knew many, many people-this is a special thank you to all of you (sincere apologies for not being able to name everyone) who brought love and light, fun and laughter into his life and made him smile. Thank you. Oxoxooxox
Clay is preceded in death by his grandmothers:
Grace BearQuiver, Juanita Lonebear, Nellie Robinson, Lillian Larson. Grandfathers: Richard Larson, LaForce Lonebear. Brother: Tyrel. Niece: Lola Powell-Pickett. Cultural Brothers and Sister: Nicholas Razo, Tye and Kaysera.
Family:
Fraser, BearQuiver, Flying, Lonebear, Two Two, Foote, Harris, Fisher, Spang, Robinson, Rowland, Means.
Our family is very large, and we apologize we were not able to list everyone by name who was dear to Clay
Donations for Christian Fraser College Fund in lieu of flowers
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
6:00 PM
Monday March 7, 2022
Morning Star Baptist Church
200 Ridge Walker Drive
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday March 8, 2022
Morning Star Baptist Church
200 Ridge Walker Drive
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
After Funeral Service
Tuesday March 8, 2022
Lone Bear Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
6:00 PM
Monday March 7, 2022
Morning Star Baptist Church
200 Ridge Walker Drive
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday March 8, 2022
Morning Star Baptist Church
200 Ridge Walker Drive
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
After Funeral Service
Tuesday March 8, 2022
Lone Bear Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Rs says
To the Frasier family, i know u dont know me only 1 person does .but just wanted to say SO SO sorry for your loss ..Times are tough and i send all my thoughts and prayers to your family …Im Lakota so i pray for u all… AS MY DAD always told me “GOD ONLY TAKE THE SPECIAL ONES” and he needed one to fill his heavens… may he rest in piece and the family heal from this … again IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
Trudy OneBear says
Jay I’m so sorry to hear of Clays passing.
Comfort, healing of broken Hearts.
Prayers for You, Anita, and your family.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF CLAY DEAN FRASER, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Kyle Mashita says
To the Fraser family,
My name is Kyle, I was in recovery with Clay my son enjoyed his company when he was over or at meetings, we went to meetings and got to know each other he was really one of the first people I met in recovery. I wish I could be there he was so talented. And so sorry for the loss of this man.
Trisa Lovejoy says
Anita, Christian and family –
I have no words to lift this pain. I hope this time of grief and sadness can lift and you can find the sunshine to warm your hearts. I am so very sorry for Clays’ passing ….. this is a sad loss – words can’t express how my heart is with you all during this time ! I love you all!
Xo
Daniel Fausette says
To the Fraser family,
I knew Clay here in Bend and shared recovery with him as well. We shared many hours together on the road of happy destiny. This is so sad and I just want you to know that his talent, his sense of humor and his loving heart will be missed. I am praying for God to send comfort and peace to you and to all who knew him. We mourn for our friends who have passed away. I am so sorry for you loss.
Barry & Lynn Martin says
We are sooo sorry to hear of Clay’s death. May our gracious Lord comfort you with His love & the love of His people. Please know we are praying for you❤️
Rex & Vicki Bolling says
Dear Anita & Jeff and Christian, Our hearts break with yours over the death of Clay. We pray that God will hold you close and give you comfort, peace and strength to go through these difficult days. We’re so sorry for your loss.
Renee Raujol-Edwards says
Dear Anita and Jeff,
Our hearts are so saddened to hear of Clay’s passing. Our steadfast prayers are with you and your family, we hope you can find joy in his memories and peace knowing that he is resting with the Lord. We will continue to keep you, Christian and your entire family in prayer. Sorry we are so far away to miss the celebration of his life.
Love, Cam and Renee
Betsy and Steve Coleman says
Anita and Jeff,
We are so sorry for the loss of your son Clay. I pray that the Lord will fill you with comfort. Steve and I are lifting you up in prayer and holding you both close to His heart in this difficult and tragic time. You are loved by so many. I pray that the Lord will cover you and fill you with the amazing love He has for you and Jeff. We pray that you will find touching memories of Clay and that as you grieve for your son you and Jeff will hold each other close.
Dan and Patti Herlugson says
To Anita, Jeff, Christian and all of the family,
We are praying that you will feel God’s comfort and presence as you walk through this time of loss and grief. We are so sorry for your loss and are lifting you up in prayer.
Cory Williams says
Dearest Anita,
It was such a shock to hear of Clays passing. The memories I have of Clay, you, and Will on Maui have a special place in my heart. I dreamed of having Clay do some ink on me the next time I saw him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Michael Speelman says
Prayers and Condolences for the family.
Jolee Redcherries says
Sending all my love, prayers and condolences home to Jay, Alethea, Yolonda, Chas, Meliss, Dari, Chani and all of Clays loved ones, family and friends.
Dave Cummings says
Condolences to the Fraser family.
I carry his art on my skin and his memory in my heart. Sharing your sorrow.
Donovan Taylor says
CONDOLENCES FOR THE FAMILY
Rona says
Journey well to the Other Side Camp Clay. Don’t look back. Sending love and prayers of comfort to all his loved ones. We’ll see them again.
Scotty Gyatso says
Your light and love will be greatly missed by everyone.
Debbie Ross says
To Clay’s Family and Friends,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know he was much loved, and is now in Heaven with God.
Love,
Debbie & Hugh
Heather Gillespie says
I just went to Clay’s Facebook to message him because we started in recovery together, and no matter what we always found our way back together. I was his victim when he was learning to tattoo, and I am blessed to have his work on my wrist to look at every day. I’m in tears right now because I had no idea…I just can’t believe this! My name is Heather Gillespie. We connected because of our heritage right away. I was hoping he would show me back to the reservation my grandfather came from because I’m Sioux and Cheyenne as well. I’ve always wanted to go meet my family there and my dad just recently passed away, and I am at such a loss for words. My heart is broken. Oh my gosh Christian, Anita…Jay…I’m so sorry. I don’t even know what else to say. I’m so sorry. All the things I want to say here—-I’m so confused. I’ve been such a horrible friend over the last 5 years. I can’t believe this. I’m sorry.
Heather Gillespie says
I’m so confused I’m sorry I can’t right now
Anita Keller says
To All our dearest friends and family,
As the anniversary of Clay’s passing approaches, 2-24-25, I wanted to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for being able to read through these messages about Clay and see and read about how much he was loved and how well others saw him and knew him and how missed he is. Every day our love for him is felt and prayers are still said in gratefulness for Clay and his life. And, also…Boy, do I MISS him!! Each birthday, every change of season – especially summer, because Clay loved summer, every Thanksgiving and Christmas, a place for him is held and his absence is deeply felt. I miss his hugs, his smile, his presence, his love, his rich happy laughter and especially hearing his voice calling me “mom.” I send love and hugs and say prayers for you all. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and love in your messages. It brings comfort to my heart to read your words. Always and Forever. May God’s Will be done. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. 🙏🏼