Harold Clayton

We regret to announce the passing of Harold Clayton on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 68 years.

Harold will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Trinity (Michael) Mol of Calgary, AB and Jodi (Nick) Pajic of Thompson, MB, grandchildren Maxwell and Cadence Mol and Hannah, Josh and Mollie Pajic, brothers Bernie (Bonnie) Clayton of Wasaga, ON and Dale (Yvonne) Clayton of Toronto , ON and brother-in-law Bob Chapman of Winnipeg, MB, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife Susan, son Alex Clayton, his beloved bulldog Aurora, parents Harold and Justine (nee Carpenter) Clayton, brothers David, Richard and Duaine Clayton and sister Cheryl Chapman.

Harold was born on February 22, 1952 in Fort Frances, ON and was raised in Portage la Prairie, MB. He lived in Toronto in the late 60’s and early 70’s before moving back to Manitoba where he met his late wife Susan, and graduated from Psychiatric Nursing in 1974. Harold and Susan then accepted positions at a new Regional Psychiatric Centre, and relocated to Saskatoon. Harold entered the Registered Nursing program at Red Deer College and graduated in 1980, and after that they lived in BC for a short time before moving back to Portage la Prairie.  After his return to Portage la Prairie, Harold was an alderman for the City of Portage, he worked for MalRon Ambulance, and was the Executive Director of EMO during the historic flood of 1997.  Harold and family moved to Whitehorse, YK for a year and then settled in Elliot Lake, ON where they adopted their beloved Old English Bulldog Aurora, who loved going for rides in the convertible with Harold. After the birth of Maxwell, they moved to Strathmore, AB to be closer to family. After the loss of his wife Susan, Harold worked with Alberta Health Services, and his job took him to many places including Hinton and Fort Mac to work on the front lines during the fires in 2016. Harold followed through on their retirement plans and returned to the city where they met, Portage la Prairie.

Harold loved to travel, he had been all over Europe, the United States and parts of South America, and he took plenty of winter trips to the sunny tropical destinations that he loved in the South - he would have lived at the beach if he could have.

Harold loved his family and friends fiercely, and his grandchildren were his life. He was never the same after the loss of his son, Alex and his wife, Susan.

A service to celebrate Harold’s life will be held at a later date, when social distancing restrictions lessen.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Harold may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com