Funeral Service: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point.
Interment: Greenwood Cemetery, Wolf Point
Skip to everyone who knew him, left us on Saturday, July 21, 2007 due to complications from Multiple System Atrophy. Though only 61, Skip left us with an unforgettable example of how to live life to the fullest, both professionally and, most importantly, personally. Loving husband and father; silly grandfather; doting son and brother; humorous, compassionate friend Skip truly enjoyed every aspect of the journey of life. Skip was born on December 7, 1945 in Wolf Point, the son of Marjorie and Lyman Clayton Jr. An easygoing man, one of his few demands was to have a blueberry pie on his birthday. Skip grew up and attended schools in Wolf Point, Montana graduating with the Class of 64. He obtained his Associate of Science degree at Rocky Mountain College in Billings and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1967. He then returned to Rocky to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During his education he joined the Army National Guard of the Culbertson unit which he served for six years.
After completing his education, Skip returned to Wolf Point to work alongside his father in the familys multi-generational funeral business Clayton Memorial Chapel. Having learned from his father, and himself being a perfectionist, Skip continued the fine tradition that his father and grandfather had fostered throughout Eastern Montana. In May of 2003, Skip was forced to sell the family business due to his illness.
On July 19, 1967, Skip married his high school sweetheart, Penny Boysun. Skip and Penny made their home in Wolf Point where they raised their four children; Gail, Michelle, June and Nicole (he always said he lost his hair keeping track of his daughters). The Claytons spent many wonderful summers at Whitefish at Skips parents lakefront cabin. It was there, on the Whitefish Golf Course, that Skip shot his first and only Hole in One. Even with four daughters and an around-the-clock business (or, perhaps, because of it) Skip kept very busy in his immediate community and beyond. He was a member of the Wolf Point Jaycees, receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 1975; Ducks Unlimited; Walleyes Unlimited; the Elks Club; the Lions Club; the Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture; the Masonic Lodge of Wolf Point; the Scottish Rite of Great Falls; the Al Bedoo Shrine of Billings; the First Presbyterian Church (serving as an Elder); the Wolf Point School Board; and the Rocky Mountain College Board of Trustees. In 1977 he served as President of the Montana Funeral Directors Association and was an active member for many years. Skip also served on the State Board of Morticians as Secretary, Vice President, and President. He was a member of the Montana Coroners Association and served Roosevelt County as Coroner for over 30 years.
Until his illness took too tight a hold, Skips passion in his later years was vacationing and remodeling their cabin at Rock Creek on Fort Peck Lake. Skip served on the Rock Creek Board and was a member of the Fort Peck Lake Association Board. He enjoyed puttering in his yard, and turning the cabin into a warm, cozy retreat. While not a handyman under any stretch of the imagination, Skip always had the right tool for the job, whether he knew it or not! Skips vast tool supply made it easier on his friends who would help Skip with home improvement projects. In his mind, duct tape made these other tools largely unnecessary.
Skip also had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing, alongside his friends and, almost always, a dog named Sprig. Skip would often spend hours in the hills, waiting for Sprig to return from chasing a deer, skunk or rabbit. These excursions were often followed by a tomato-shower, as his Sprigs was prone to being doused by skunks. With Skip, nearly every day brought with it the prospect of a good time. One of his favorite sayings, perhaps adopted from pal Jim Halvorson, was the following: I didn't come here to get a haircut. Translation: Skip was always ready to have a good laugh with his friends, whether hunting, fishing, or a night out for dinner and cocktails.
A rock both for his family and for many others in Northeast Montana, Skip was always willing to listen, offer advice, or give a giant hug. He was tailor made to be the father of four daughters!
Skip is survived by: his loving wife, Penny they celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary just two days before Skip passed away; his daughters, Tiffaney Gail (Darin) Johnson and their three children, Elizabeth, Nick and Kate of Billings; Michelle R. (James) Johnson and daughter Kaylee of Wolf Point, Penelope June (Jake) Zimmerman and daughter, Molly of Ada, Ohio, and Nicole J. (Jeff) Paulsen of Bozeman; his mother, Marjorie Clayton of Billings; his sister, Beverley (Chuck) Martin of Scottsdale, AZ; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 24 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point with a Prayer Service at 5:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 25 at 10:00 am at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point with Pastor Greg Holler-Dinsmore officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the 100 Club in Wolf Point
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