Clayton C. Gurnoe

FUNERAL HOME

Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park

5725 Littlerock Road SW

Olympia, Washington

Clayton Gurnoe Obituary

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.

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

Published by The Olympian on Apr. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Gurnoe

5 Entries

Nicole Sewell

April 6, 2011

Jean, Sam, and Savannah, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard this time is, and there are little words that will help the loss. Such a tragedy, there are never words that can explain the pain that is felt. He is now at peace, and you will always have the happy memories.

Danny Riordan

April 6, 2011

Clay will be missed immensely by his family for all of the small things he did for them along with the fact he was always there for them. I personally only met Clay a handful times but I know his beautiful wife, his daughter and granddaughter, all who are loved him with all their hearts and now have to deal with their hero being gone. Along with his family, Clay has a large extended family at Studio One that will miss him too; my youngest daughter talks about him and their ongoing battles of tomatoes while she would wait for her classes. Clay your family misses you! God Speed!

Tamatoa

April 6, 2011

I will miss Clay so so much. He is the kindest man with the biggest heart. His stories were renowned, his laughter and good mood infections and his chili- EPIC! He was one of the reasons I got up and came to work everyday. He influenced my life in more ways than one and I wish I could have one more day with him.

Gayle Wellman

April 6, 2011

RIP Clay I will dearly miss you. You are one amazing man, I will never forget the years we were able to work togather you brought so many smiles to so many people you were dearly loved by all. I will miss your weekly calls -:( Keep smiling we will meet again some day.

April 6, 2011

Jean and Sam,
Were so very very sorry for your loss, I worked with Clay when you guys first moved up here, he drove for Beakins, he was always so friendly and fun to be around. he always made sure we knew he could move a Mr & Mrs dresser ALONE ! and I had no doubt that he could. Stacy and Sam danced together at Debbies for a long time, i'm not sure she can get to the guest book so i'll sign this for both of us, if she does i'm sure she will sign it to. I to share his indian heratige i'm a different tribe but we both walked the red road.

I'll just say "AHO" my friend, you can now fly with the eagles and watch over everyone, i'm sure you will sit around many camp fires, and see many realtives.

Ho Ka Hay Clay, Ho Ka Hay

Lin Musser, Stacy Taylor (eddy)

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