Clayton P. Spanjer

Clayton "Clay" Perry Spanjer, age 76 of Fort Collins, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, following complications from Parkinson's Disease. Clay will be remembered for his sharp engineering mind, his generous spirit, and the gentle wit that could lighten any moment. Born November 2, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to Clarence and Violet Spanjer Nix, Clay's remarkable journey would carry him from the Windy City through Illinois' North Shore to Fort Collins, Colorado. Clay's formative years were spent in Winnetka, Illinois, where he graduated from New Trier High School in 1966. His academic excellence continued at Purdue University, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Distinction in 1970, followed by an M.S. in Industrial Administration in 1972. At Purdue, Clay found his brotherhood in Kappa Sigma Fraternity and distinguished himself academically through Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, Phi Eta Sigma honor society, and Skull and Crescent Fraternity. For over five decades, Clay channeled his engineering expertise into designing and manufacturing custom indoor and outdoor signage. His career began at Spanjer Bros. and culminated at Icon Identity Solutions, where his innovative work left a lasting mark on the industry. After retiring, Clay and Barbara embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Fort Collins in 2018 to be closer to family. Clay's greatest love story began in a laundry room in their Chicago apartment building-where he met Barbara Becker. What started as a chance encounter blossomed into a beautiful marriage in September 1978. Together, they shared 46 wonderful years, creating a loving home for their two daughters, Kirsten and Brittany. As a devoted family man, Clay taught his daughters to snow and water ski and sail, passing on not just skills but a love for adventure itself. He enjoyed coaching park district and Trevian softball, with characteristic patience and encouragement. From skiing to golf courses, tennis courts to pickleball games, Clay pursued every activity with genuine passion. His grandchildren will always carry 'Papa' in their hearts-remembering his bedtime stories, playground adventures, and competitive card games. Clay's legacy lives on through Barbara; his daughters Kirsten Smith (Zachary) of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and Brittany Roeder (Joseph) of Fort Collins, Colorado; his treasured grandchildren Maclain and Riley Smith, and Perry and Sophie Roeder; and his brother Clarence "Skip" Spanjer (Judy) of Glenview, Illinois. A private ceremony will be held at Montrose Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. For information regarding Clay's Celebration of Life in Northbrook, Illinois, please contact Barbara. Donations in Clayton Spanjer's memory can be made to Parkinson Association of the Rockies, www.parkinsonrockies.org– https://parkinsonrockies.org/product/one-time-donation Or by check to Parkinson's Association of the Rockies, 1325 S. Colorado Blvd. #204B, Denver CO 80222