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Edward Clay Obituary
October 18, 1916 - January 6, 2011
Born October 18, 1916 in Bisbee, AZ. Died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Bellevue, WA on January 6, 2011.
Ed was raised from the age of seven by his widowed mother in Cheyenne, WY. After graduating from the University of Wyoming in 1938 with a Bachelors degree and an ROTC commission he was hired by United Airlines. Called to active duty in 1941 as an infantry lieutenant, Ed was chosen for the First Special Service Forces (a precursor to the Green Beret) and served in Italy, France and Norway. Discharged in 1946 he remained in the reserves until 1960 and retired from the Army in 1976 as a Colonel. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Wyoming in 1971.
Ed found United Airlines a wonderful company to work for during his 42-year career in management. His UAL career took him to Denver, Chicago, Honolulu, Seattle and Los Angeles where he retired in 1980. He continually amazed his family when UAL personnel greeted him by name at every airport they visited on their travels.
When in Seattle Ed served on the Board of the Seattle - King County Convention & Visitors Bureau. He first joined Rotary International in 1971 and participated in three different clubs until 2002. Ed was named Rotarian of the Year in 1994 for his work as chairman of the annual fundraiser, the Concours d'Elegance, in Palos Verdes, CA . He was a member of the Travelers Aid Society of Los Angeles for eleven years. Ed served on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army's Crestmont College and in 1990 received their highest civilian "Others Award" for outstanding community Service.
Ed and his wife of 59 years, Virginia Gibson Clay (d. 11/4/06), raised four children and are survived by Edward H. Clay Jr. of Sonoma, CA, Martha Clay Woodman (Peter Sr.) of Medina, WA, Karen L. Clay of Seattle, WA; and grandchildren, Peter J. Woodman of Seattle, and Ariel C. Clay of San Francisco.
The remains of Ed and Ginny will share the gravesite of their second son, Brian G. Clay (d. 12/9/68) in Evergreen Cemetery, Barrington, IL. In Ed's words,"… my life has been enhanced and beautified by my friends, neighbors and associates." Dedicated to family, friendship and service, all who have known him consider him to be an unforgettable friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The University of Wyoming Alumni Association, 214 S. 14th Street, Laramie, WY 82070. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Clay
Walt Harrison
January 9, 2024
Good man, may he rest in peace.
Walter B. Harrison
January 6, 2022
In these first days of 2022 it is certainly appropriate to keep the memory of Ed Clay alive. With so much domestic unrest I find it comforting to remember a kind friend and an American hero.
Walter B Harrison
January 9, 2020
I have the most pleasant memories of my friend Ed Clay. He was always forthcoming and had a positive nature that enriched me. He always had time for me. As a young man at the time, that acknowledgement was always appreciated. At my age of 77, he continues to be one of my favorite people.
mark griep
February 25, 2011
Ed Clay gave me my start at Peninsula Racquet Club when he was manager. A very friendly, detail oriented man, I admired him for his hard work and valued his friendship. Because of Ed I am doing the work I love here in PV. The world has lost a wonderful man.
Patricia Cox Cookson
February 13, 2011
Though I had not seen Ed in years, my admiration for his, warmth, generosity and good humor has grown over the years. He was a dear friend to my parents and someone I greatly admired for his strength of character. I will always remember him. His family is often on my mind as I recall growing up in Barrington, Il. I will miss him.
Mike and Carol Friedman
January 18, 2011
Ed was a great person, memorable for his work with the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance. We missed him when he moved to Washiungton. Also was a wonderful manager for the Tennis Club.
Diane Czypull
January 13, 2011
Good-bye Neighbor Clay. Memories of you will live in my heart forever.
January 12, 2011
With fond memories, Walt Harrison
Bob Galbraith
January 12, 2011
Long-time friend who will be sorely missed. When he retired in 1980, several of us, including Rowe Prideaux, Pat O'Shaughnessy took him to lunch and presented him with a plaque.
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