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Clay Dunham Obituary
Clay Lynwood Dunham, 29, of Kodiak, Alaska, died at home unexpectedly on February 13, 2008.
Clay was born April 28, 1978, in Arcata, California. His entire education was in the McKinleyville School District, where he made many life long friends. He was a 1997 graduate of McKinleyville High School. Clay participated in basketball in elementary and middle school, played football in high school and baseball from Little League through high school. Clay was an avid sports fan and a faithful N.Y. Yankees and San Francisco 49er fan.
Upon high school graduation Clay worked as a sales representative and in the fiber optics field, where he had the opportunity to travel to many different states. While trying to find his niche in life, Clay ended up in Kodiak, Alaska, where he became a commercial fisherman. For the last year Clay had the opportunity to fish side-by-side with his younger brother and best friend Ronnie Dunham on the F/V Ruff and Reddy. This time spent with his brother was one of his most cherished moments. Clay was proud to be a commercial fisherman, an occupation that only a small percentage are capable of doing; however, he had reached a point in his life where he felt it was time to do something different. He and his brother Ronnie were making plans to attend heavy equipment school in Eugene, OR, next year.
Clay was a man that had a great big heart and would do anything asked of him. He dearly loved children and was “Uncle Clay” to many. His big brown eyes and great smile would warm anyone’s heart. He is loved by all and will be missed by many more.
Clay is survived by his parents, Gary and Michelle Dunham, Ontario, OR, and Beverly and Ron Eads, Kodiak, AK; brothers, Dennis Dunham and family, Lewiston, CA, and Ronnie Dunham and special friend Ashley, Kodiak, AK; step-brothers, Sam Eads and family and Casey Eads and family, Kodiak, AK; grandparents, Dorothy Dunham, Lewiston, CA, Gary and Glenda Howard, McKinleyville, CA, Elaine Lake, Rogue River, OR, and Terry de Martino, CA; great-uncle, Frank and Glenna Coleman and family, Harper, OR; uncle, Jerry Erickson and family, Fortuna, CA; cousins, Michael Dunham, New Smyrna Beach, FL, Brenda Dunham, Las Vegas, NV, Russ Dunham and family and John Maready and family, Crescent City, CA; extended family, Kevin Stark, McKinleyville, CA, best high school buddy, Chris Weaver, Eureka, CA, and many other family and friends too numerous to list.
Clay is preceded in death by great-grandmothers, Jean Howard and Daisy Van Winkle, McKinleyville, CA; grandfather, Francis Dunham, Louisville, KY; uncle, Sherman Dunham, Lewiston, CA; great-uncle, Larry Van Winkle, NV; great-aunt, Kim Kates, Fieldbrook, CA.
A memorial service was held on Friday February 22, 2008, at 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 17 in Kodiak, AK. Capt. John Quinn from Salvation Army officiated the service. At a later date the family will have a private ceremony to scatter Clay’s ashes at sea in McKinleyville, CA.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to McKinleyville High School in support of the athletic program, 1300 Murray Road, McKinleyville, CA 95519.
Please sign the guest book online at www.times-standard.com click on obituaries.
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Memories and Condolences
for Clay Dunham
Kevin Weaver
April 21, 2008
Clay was one of those people that always brightened the day for those around him. Even though he was my older brother's friend he never made me feel like I was tagging along or not part of the group. From cruising McKinleyville in his Corolla to boating at the lake, you always knew if Clay was there it was going to be a good time. Clay played a big part of making my first couple years of highschool much easier and a lot more fun. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Andrea & Brian Collart
April 5, 2008
Our prayers are with all of you at this time of loss. MAy GOd surround you with His perfect peace and love at such a difficult time. We remember Clay and his wonderful outlook on life as he spent time with our son Nic, daughter Heather and us. We particularly remember a skiing trip he went on with us to Mount Shasta. He hadn't skied before but with his usual exuberance went off down the hill at top speed taking all the falls and bruises in stride. He always had a smile and took the time to chat with us whenever our paths crossed before he moved away. May you find some comfort in your precious memories of a special young man, Sincerely, Andrea & Brian Collart
Deb and Jeff Sawyer
March 26, 2008
Gary and Michelle, We were so sorry to hear about Clay. He was a good friend to my son (David Huffman). He had a great heart and a wonderful laugh, and he will be missed.
Heather Collart
March 26, 2008
When I was growing-up Clay was among a group of Nic's friend who I considered "big brothers". I have so many happy, humerous and caring memories of him and just smile remembering how great he treated me - even if I was just trying to tag along.
His smiles never ceased, his laughs were always contagious, and he had a unique ability to make anyone feel welcome, loved and cared-for simply through being himself.
Hearing of his loss immediately made me sad, not for what he didn't accomplish - but for those who will not have the pleasure of knowing him.
He will be missed.
Nate Baroni
March 25, 2008
I knew Clay for a long time while growing up in Mckinleyville. I am happy that I got to know him personally and for the time that we spent hanging out and playing youth sports together. Clay was a guy that somehow had the ability to always bring a smile to my face.
I will miss you.
Pauline and Roy Doan
March 21, 2008
Gary and Shelley,
Hi 'Cuz', You know we are thinking of you all the time. We're hoping you will find some comfort in these words from friends and family. If you ever need us, you know we are just a call away. You know we love you!
Love from your 'cuz'.
1997 - Mack High Yearbook
March 15, 2008
1997 - Mack High Yearbook "Outrageously Crazy Clay"
March 15, 2008
Summer 1995 - Clay's ride was his pride and joy
March 15, 2008
1995 - Celebrating Christmas with candy cigarettes
March 15, 2008
1986 - Chris Weaver and Clay were best frinds in first grade
March 15, 2008
Bill and Mary Lou Weaver
March 15, 2008
Chris and Clay were great friends. They had something very special and really enjoyed each other’s company. Chris and I were riding home in the car recently and he embellished several of his favorite "Clay stories" to the point that I could almost see and hear Clay. In spite of our sadness, we were both laughing hard! If you ever get the chance, I hope Chris will be able to personally tell you about some of the fun times they had growing up together and graduating from high school. Clay will live in your minds once again. I’m also sure they have a lot of stories of their "adventures" (or misadventures) that we have never heard about and probably never will!
Chris tells us of a trip he and Clay took to Las Vegas, and Clay couldn’t leave without seeing a WWF Professional Wrestling event. They got nosebleed seats for $20 and thought the show was a dud without the close-ups and sounds effects you get on TV. According to Chris, they used to walk back to Clay’s dad’s house from Dows Prairie school and watch wrestling on TV. Clay knew all the names, all the details, and all the moves of each of the wrestlers.
We remember Clay wrestling with Chris the day of his 7th birthday, before his party, and accidentally landing on Chris’s finger, breaking it. Chris had to go to the hospital and remembers being in great pain and crying while everyone at his birthday party was eating cake and having great fun. Clay was always physical and, with his sense of humor, probably would have been a good physical comedian. He loved to horse around.
Mary Lou and I were talking about words and phrases that describe who Clay was to us, and they went like this: fun loving, affectionate, physical, big personality, happy, joking, boisterous, kind, good friend, loyal. Clay always had a little devilishness about him, and loved to pull pranks and joke around. At school he knew just how to smooze a teacher or an administrator, and see if he could get away with something. He loved to joke around, and yet he could be serious when he needed to be – and he could turn on each of these expressions at the drop of a hat. He was really endearing and it was hard to be mad at Clay for anything very long. We will never forget Clay and everything he meant to us and to Chris.
We have a number of photos of Clay growing up. If you would like some copies we would happy to email them. Let us know.
David Huffman
March 14, 2008
Clay was one of those guys that could always make you smile...his upbeat attitude was infectious. We had great times in high school, and a fun time after high school when he moved to LA with me. I will never forget cruising around McKinleyville on blistery cold foggy nights (with the windows down of course) in his infamous metallic blue corolla. That thing was an indestructible all terrain vehicle (no joke Toyota should have featured Clay's car in one of their ads demonstrating their brands inherent dependability). But, I digress. He will forever be a part of my life that I fondly remember, cracking a smile and probably a chuckle as I continue to relive in my mind the shenanigans we used to get into. You will truly be missed.
Tom Kaiser
March 14, 2008
To the Dunham family: I would like to say - I am so very sorry for your loss. Clay was a great guy and friend to me. I remember he was always happy and put everyone else in a good mood with his big smile, and positive outlook. I spent a lot of time with Clay in high school - hanging out and in sports. I am very sadden by the news - He will be forever missed and remembered.
Edward Burgess
March 14, 2008
Gary and Shelly,
I'm sorry I never got a chance to meet Clay. It would of been great to have someone that I could vent to when his dad was picking on me. Myself along with others at work were very sorry to hear about your loss. You two have always been good friends to me and I will always be here for you.
Ben Hickok
March 12, 2008
I first met Clay when I was in Jr. high. Clay was a couple of years older.When I got to high school with him he took me under his wing and showed me how to "roll with the big dogs" as he used to say. I used to leave my house walking because I knew I would see Clay driving the Corolla. He would pick me up and we would just drive around Mck. for hours. He became one of my best friends. I will miss so many things about him and I will always remember him for all the good times we used to have. Rest in peace buddy.
Jessica McMullen
March 10, 2008
I have known Clay for many years, and grown up with him close to my family. I remember our vac. together to DisneyLand. We were allowed to go off by ourselves and well, we didn't tell time very well and thought we had time to ride just one more. Well we were wrong, everyone was looking for us and we were in big trouble. Clay was a warm and thoughtful person and will be missed. Gary and Shelly your in my prayers.
Adrienne Peters (Damron)
March 10, 2008
I will always remember Clay for his laugh, smile, and big heart. He was always fun to be around and was even voted "outrageously crazy..." our senior year of high school. Clay was loved by all and will truly be missed. I feel blessed to have known Clay and will always remember him for the lovable, kind hearted person that he was. Clay you were a great friend and I will always remember you.
Marshall Kamph
March 10, 2008
Clay had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. I met Clay through baseball. My experience with Clay was that he always had a great attitude and it was a pleasure to be around Clay whatever the circumstances. I can't think of Clay without smiling.
Becky Wiest (Toroni)
March 9, 2008
Gary and Michelle,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I only met Clay a few times but he seemed like such a great guy......
MIke & Virginia Mullan
March 8, 2008
Gary and Michelle- Virginia and I were very saddened to hear of the loss of Clay. We send our condolences and want you to know our thoughts are with you.
Kathy Roth-Harris
March 6, 2008
Clay I will always remember your great smile, beautiful eyes, and sense of humor. You were always the one that tried to make things better for another person when they were down and out. You will be missed and you will be in my heart and memories forever. I love you. I send my love to your family.
Jaimie Ouellette
March 5, 2008
I began Morris in second grade and was friends with Clay until he moved to Alaska. He stopped by my work a couple of times to surprise me and see how I'd been while in town visiting. His laugh was unique in such a great way, I couldn't help laughing along with him. I remember sixth grade was our funnest year playing football at recess; Clay, Shaun, a few others and I. I love how he cared so much about his hair and when he got a perm in 4th grade the curls were awesome. I am completely shocked that Clay Dunham is physially not here. My prayers are with all the family and friends. In this sad time that they may find peace in knowing Clay is walking down beautiful streets of gold and is never going to be forgotten. He is a friend I'll be looking for on the streets of heaven. God Bless, Jaimie
Michael Perkins
March 5, 2008
I will never forget the wrestling matches or the pranks we used to play on each other.I will miss you dearly
Nat Kilian
March 5, 2008
Gary and Michelle-I'm so saddened to hear about Clay. I remember him from school and baseball in McKinleyville. He seemed to have fun where ever he was and was always making other people laugh. I hope you both are doing ok through your loss. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
Larry Roth
March 4, 2008
Clay you will be missed.I will never forget all the baseball games in the neighborhood and staying out in your brother Dennis room and having wrestling matches.You stayed with me in my house for the whole summer when I broke my leg and I am sure you could of found better stuff to do but you hung with me anyway.Thanks for being a great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.I will never forget you.
Rick Nelson
March 3, 2008
I just wanted to say a few words on behalf of my great life-long friend, Cashious Clay. I was very lucky to have found a freind like Clay when I was a just a young kid. Our friendship lasted all through our childhood and continued throughout our adult lifes. It is hard to find freinds like Clay, that actually care about you and are always there for you. I was blessed to be able to spend soo much time with clay and will always cherish the fun times, laughs, and all our memories we shared together. Clay had a very distinct laugh, one that I will never forget. He was a very happy-go-lucky guy who got along with everyone. Clay had so many friends, everyone always liked Cashious Clay.
Clay, you will always be in my heart and always be a good friend. You will never be forgotten and will always be with us. Go Yankees.
Your Friend Always,
Rick Nelson
Terri Bundy
March 3, 2008
Clay was a special person, who while growing up in McKinleyville, was a positive influence on our family. We remember him with a smile and much love. Love and Prayers to all.
Joe, Terri, Nick and Bill Bundy
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