Clayton Whitman Spencer

Clayton was born in Durban, MB in 1930 and was raised with his 2 sisters, Margaret and Vera-Anne. His family relocated to The Pas, MB in 1932 to open a new GM garage. Clayton spent much of his early years working in his Dad’s garage and helping around the shop. At only 10 years old, he was responsible for pumping gas, cleaning up the shop and completing minor repairs. He received a special driver's license at 12 that allowed him to drive for the shop.

After going to Business school in Winnipeg, he eventually moved west to Alberta looking for work. One evening he found himself at a Saturday night dance in Jarvie, AB where he met the love of his life and future wife, Mary England. Clayton and Mary were married in 1955 and they raised 6 children together in Grande Prairie, later relocating to Calgary where they settled down. Clayton opened his own tire shop in Calgary, where he ran it until his retirement.

Clayton was a skilled writer and wrote wonderful letters and cards to his family. He loved to read all types of books and magazines and proudly read the newspaper front to back every day. His lifelong passion with vehicles and mechanics didn’t just mold his career, but was a full time hobby. He would often be found tinkering in his home garage and restoring old classic cars. Clayton was an avid walker and loved his daily walks in the neighborhood. He loved being social with the neighbors, always stopping along his walks to say “Hi”.

He is survived by sons Michael (Kelly), Joe (Michelle), Randy (Sue), Dan (Melody), Jeff (Lorraine) and a daughter Debbie along with 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.