Clayton C. Gurnoe

Clayton (Clay) CV. Gurnoe

Clayton (Clay) C. Gurnoe passed away at home on March 30, 2011 after completing his second round of chemo therapy. Clay was born on August 29, 1937 in Sault STE. Marie, Michigan and eventually followed his beloved wife, Jean, to Washington State in 1968. Jean and Clay were married for 48 years. In addition to Jean, Clay is survived by his beautiful daughter Samantha Williams who he proudly boasted would always be his little girl, her husband Dave, his amazingly gifted granddaughter Savannah, his sister Alice, and nephews Leroy, Melvin, and Carl. Clay had a special place in his heart for his nephew Carl whom he adored and thought of more like a son than anything. Clay was preceded in death by many relatives but the closest to his heart was his son Charles. The two of them shared a love for classic cars and Charles reveled in the fact that he managed to get his dad to scream like a girl the day they did motor cross together. Knowing that they will be together again is the only comfort of such a tragic loss. There are not enough words to describe how much Clay will be missed or the lives that he touched. He carried himself with pride, in both his heritage as a Chippewa Indian, and in the life he lived. He was industrious and hardworking. It was an honor for him to have worked for the same company for 40 years and the friends he made along the way he cherished. He loved to make things work, even if for all purposes they shouldn't. He even made rain boots out of trash bags so he could go clam digging with his family. The money he saved on boots he gave to them, which was his way. Clay loved his dogs and he delighted in taking care of them. Those he left behind will carry his memory like a treasure and he will not be forgotten. We will be celebrating the memory of his life at Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater on Sunday, April 10th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Clay loved to dress up for special occasions so we are asking that all attending please come dressed in your best dress or suit. The reception will immediately follow at the same location. Please bring your favorite food dish, as you know Clay would have proudly brought his famous chili, let's make him proud.