Earl "Buzz" Clayton

Earl Clayton Obituary

Clayton, Earl "Buzz" Prominent southland real estate developer and builder passed away at his home in Cowan Heights on Wednesday, September 15, 2010. Mr. Clayton was a principal in Clayton, Clayton & Company and Orange Coast Construction Company and was active in the Company's projects until shortly before his death. He maintained homes in Cowan Heights and Palm Desert for several years. Mr. Clayton was well known for his knowledge and pioneering techniques in construction of multi-family properties and was among the first to use concrete tilt-up construction for industrial buildings. His development company was the first to construct a 3-story self storage project in California and also was forefront in developing cell phone sites. Mr. Clayton was also active in giving back to the community through his involvement in St. Joseph's Hospital, Orange County Performing Arts, The Orange Rotary and the John Tracy Clinic, among others. He served in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion and received an honorary discharge in 1953. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathy; his daughter, Julie and son, Nick. His grandchildren, Nicholas, Natalie, Jimmy and Megan and his sisters, JoAnn Brimey and Pat Green. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to The St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. A memorial service will be held at Big Canyon Country Club, Friday, September 17th at 11:00am.

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Published by Orange County Register on Sep. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Clayton

15 Entries

September 24, 2010

Kathy,

I just learned of Buzz's passing, and I wanted you to know that he had a profound impact on my life. While difficult times brought our families together, I will always remember the good times we had, and the influence he had on me. I knew Buzz as a caring, honest, and compassionate man who was completely dedicated to his family. Earl "Buzz" Clayton was a great man.

Orville

September 22, 2010

Our sincere condolences,

Jeffrey Shapiro,M.D and staff

Kathy King-Wilmot

September 19, 2010

Dear Kathy, Nick, Julie and Family,

After reading the paper I was so saddened to hear that Buzz was gone. It’s so true that life is so short, and can be over so fast.

I wanted to attend the service, but was recuperating from gall bladder surgery. Kathy, I’m so glad that I saw you and Buzz at Marie Callendar’s. You both looked so good to me. I was with Christa’s daughter Noelle. When you realized it was me, gave me such a big smile. I believe you were with family members, so I did not spend much time with you.

Please know that I am thinking of you all. I would love to see you whenever there is a good time. If there is anything I can do please call. The house is 714-283-2276 and my cell is 714-742-2276.

My heart goes out to all of you and I will keep you in my prayers.

With love to all,

Kathy King-Wilmot

September 19, 2010

This is Bill Christensen a 10 year member of the Rotary Club of Orange. Most every Thursday we would have lunch at the same table of eight and enjoy the fun, felowship and community service of Rotary. For many years we would also enjoy Buzz and Kathys company at social events.
A few years ago when the worldwide training meeting for new District leaders was at the Anaheim Hilton, I asked Buzz for his help on a project; and of course he was glad to help. Worldwide, Rotary is 1.2 million volunteers from over 200 countries in about 32,000 clubs and 600 Districts. Over 600 spouses were asked to bring childrens books from their countries to be donated to our local library. I met Buzz at his storage facility and we filled his truck with boxes he donated. At the Hilton we assembled rows and rows of boxes for the 2,000+ childrens books arriving the next day.
Today, if you want to see the books with the donors signature and country inside the front cover, go to the City of Orange Library on Chapman Avenue,
and think of Buzz.

Danielle Arena - Helms

September 19, 2010

Dear Kathy, Julie, Nick & Family,
I am so deeply and profoundly saddened to hear of Buzz's passing, as I hold you close in prayer for peace and comfort at this most devastating time. I have many fond memories of celebration with your beautiful, friendly, kind and joyful family that remain a cherished part of my childhood... My love is with you in your sorrow.

Onai &abdul Nasser-zia

September 17, 2010

Our sincere condolences to entire clayton's family! Buzz was a wonderful Man and a wonderful Neighbor one of our "Favorite", full of life and optimism,& he will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with entire family during this difficult time.

Teresa Santarosa

September 17, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! We love you forever Buzz, and we will always hold you in our hearts. God bless you!

orin berge

September 16, 2010

We lost a wonderful person. Buzz was a Pioneer in his SS construction. Over the years knowing him and watching him contribute much to the development/ construction and self storage Industry I was always in awe of his common sense intelligent approach to all challenges. A man of character, spirituality, humility, generosity, courage, with an unbending love of family Country, and friends. He will be missed by many. I am a better person for having had Buzz in my life. My sincere condolences to Kathy and family. Reqiescant in Pace. Orin Berge (Bud)

Edwin Aruldas

September 16, 2010

Dear Kathy, I was sad to hear of Buzz's passing this morning. Buzz was a good man that loved his family, his friends & his community . I enjoyed working with Buzz and making his clothes. It was always a delight to see him. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

ellen quirk

September 16, 2010

To all the Clayton Family,
We are so very sad to hear of 'Buzz' passing away--we are sure that he has already earned his Angel Wings in Heaven!
"Buzz" always had a kind word,great smile,love for all his Family !!
With much Respect and Love,
Bill Bettis, Ellen ,Patti and all the Crew @ Nieuport 17

Julie Holt

September 16, 2010

Buzz was one of the kindest and finest men I've known. He will be truly missed. Kathy, Julie & family -- You are in my thoughts and prayers. Just call if you need anything. Sending big hugs! Julie

September 16, 2010

So sad to hear of Buzz's passing. Kathryn & Buzz were close friends for many years with my sister Irene (Scotton) Range. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Fondly,
Garth & Nancy (Scotton) Menges

September 16, 2010

ROB FOUST

September 16, 2010

Dear Catheryn ,finding out this morning about Buzz both saddened and hurt a great deal. It was hard to believe . Buzz meant a great deal to my brothers and me. He will always be in my thoughts and in my heart .Love Rob

Rob Foust

September 16, 2010

We were all saddened and shocked by the passing of Buzz. He was so important in our lives. We all loved and admired him and will keep him in our hearts and thoughts for a long, long time.

With love,

Robby, David and Dana
and Mom

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