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Clayton Boyd Orth Jr.

Clayton Boyd Orth Jr. obituary

Clayton Orth Obituary

Orth, Clayton Boyd Jr.
On Sunday May 15th 2011Clayton (Boyd) Orth Jr. quietly passed away from complications related to his years of struggle with Alzheimer's disease. His inherent good nature and wonderful sense of humor never wavered. He maintained his sense of dignity and became more loving and joyful to be around as each year passed. He was never mean or unkind and showed appreciation for even the smallest gesture kindness. Boyd leaves behind his two children John and Nezi. Boyd was born March 5, 1927 in Colorado. As an infant, Boyd, his sister Margaret, and parents, Helen and Clayton Boyd Orth, came to Phoenix where he grew up in South Phoenix. He attended Phoenix Union High School and Arizona State University. Boyd joined the United States Navy serving in the Submarine Division. He was honored for exceptional bravery and valor during his service to his country. After the war Boyd married Suzanne Jacobs, mother of his two children, and entered the insurance industry. He became one of the leading brokers in the state and later joined forces with his childhood friend Loren LaPrade to form The Orth-Laprade Insurance Agency. Boyd was the type of man who would open his home, his wallet and his heart to anyone in need. Boyd lent his leadership qualities to numerous charity boards and fund raising organizations including Silent Witness and The Optimist Club. His sense of humor was legendary. There was never a dull moment when you were in his presence. He had a gift for making and keeping friends throughout his life. He was charming, intelligent and disarming. In keeping with his sense of humor there will be a Bon Voyage Bash for Boyd at the Lamar house of his daughter, to be held June 6th at 5:30 in the evening. Please RSVP for Boyd's Bash by calling 602-667-7727 or email [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from May 29 to Jun. 5, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Orth

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Dan Klecka

June 8, 2011

Nezi and John:
I have had the pleasure of knowing your father for many years. I truly treasure all the memories. I feel your pain. Please know that he will be missed. I am disappointed that I was out of town and could not attend the bash.

Jo Ricker

June 7, 2011

John & Nezi, please accept my sincere wishes of sadness for you at this time. It's been many years since I met your Father and several years since I've talked with either of you however, I remember your Father fondly. He was a true gentleman and John always spoke highly of him. God bless all of you at this difficult time and may he rest in peace. Jo Ricker, Scottsdale

Carole Beath

June 5, 2011

In the early 60s my mortgage company was in the same building as Orth LaPrade and Boyd used to come into our office. It was always a delight to have him visit all of us, he never failed to say hello to each person.

Taylor Adams

June 3, 2011

Boyd's legacy lives on through his children- Nezi and John. Now I know why Nezi always loves practical jokes. She even mentioned that she wanted something funny or a surprise at his memorial. He truly loved you both.

Erick Johnson

May 31, 2011

Boyd, the earth was a better place when you were here. I am glad we had a chance to work and joke together for so many years. I'll never forget the day you read the Christmas card from your "special friend". Just thinking about that still makes me laugh. I'm also glad you shared your WW II stories with me. You never said anything about it, but I knew your chances of returning from a war patrol were 1 in 2. Even with those odds, you still volunteered for a third one. Good luck, godspeed and I hope to see you again on the other side.

Carol Sullivan

May 31, 2011

I worked with Boyd for over 18 years and there was never a dull moment. Between him and Loren LaPrade you didn't really feel like you were going to work. Boyd was a wonderful man and it was a pleasure knowing him. He practical jokes and sense of humor will be missed. Love you Boyd!

Carol Sullivan

Barbara/Charles MacLean

May 29, 2011

Our first "new" friend was Boyd just days after moving to Arizona -January 1975. Boyd's love of friends was unmatched. His sense of humor in the midst of storms, and his ability to make you laugh at the silliest things was his alone. Boyd was a welcomed guest in our home, and he was there probably hundreds of times. He loved "family, friends, comfort food, the Gathers music,making you laugh, and staying young at heart. He will be remembered by our family as the practical joker of all times, and the guy who with his great laughing eyes could pick you up by just saying hello. He will be missed by all who came to know and love him.

Laura Mackey

May 29, 2011

You are a dear friend who is deeply missed by all. We were honored to know you and to call you a dear friend. You truly enriched everyone who you came in contact with over the years. We will miss all your great story telling of your adventures throughout your life. Godspeed!
All our love always,
The Mackeys
Hank, Laura and Mack

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