It's been 2 years since we lost Clay from this plane, and it's taken about this long for me to stop reeling and collect my thoughts. I could write a lot of pages about Clay, my instant best friend and one of the most consequential people in my present life and beyond. A kindred spirit and a kind and giving soul.. I have stories and jokes to warm and guide me for a few lifetimes, but there's only 2k characters here so will boil it down to 3-4, Music-related jewels of memory:
We first  bonded over acoustic guitar and the song Campaigner, a Neil Young deep cut. Soon after, I sent him Chad VanGaalen's snowy, Canadian indie sounds (VanGaalen's first 3-4 LP's were a common, rare-found treasure between Clay and I). 
Flash ahead some years and several miracles later, and Clay is driving Peter and a group of us from the big airport in East Boston up to Manchestah, NH. I remember the car ride being more us talking and slamming jokes than music.. but I had the song Cannock Chase by Labbi Siffre in my headphones back then and that song will always bring me back to that car ride... as well as our meetings that week creating a new urban landscape with our friends and colleagues (we did a lot of that too btw, thanks in large part to Clay's hard work).
Summer of 2025 found my family and I driving around southwest Florida, and our memories of Clay abounded. Specifically, the song Corner of my Eye by Future Islands came and washed over like a wave of memory and feeling as the miles flashed past. We think of Clay and share these memories often in my little family, and we forever send our love to all of Clay's family and friends. He always was, and always will be, "one of ours".

Thanks to all who have reached out and reminded us of the good memories and the special place that clay had it your hearts......its always going to be a little dark spot on our day, but he's left his mark on all of us and we still say something daily to each other like "Clay would have loved that song" or "wish he was coming with us tonight".  

Our family is grateful to you for remembering.

Can’t believe it’s already been two years…Miss you , bud.

Dear Clayton
You are always in our hearts and thoughts 
Thinking of you Peter and Deborah and family 
We love you 
 Clayton , may you continue to be at Peace and Loved in his Kingdom ❤️🙏🙏

Many of you have sent wishes already, and we are grateful that Clay remains in your memories.  Our faith informs us that we will see each other again without the burdens of this mortal place.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Clay, fellow Leo.
Thinking of you and your Mom. May u always be watching over her. 
Irma

My deepest sympathy to Mary, Alex, Dillon and Clay's father and family.  Clay was the sweetest and handsome boy and young man. Working with Mary, I met him when he was around 8 years old, the cutest kid with his page boy haircut. 

He was Mary's pride and joy and she was always there for him and was so proud of all his accomplishments.  My thoughts and prayers for all and I hope with the time that has passed that all are at peace with beautiful memories of him. He is truly an angel in heaven and he is watching Mary and keeping her safe and at peace, as well as everyone else.

With sympathy,

Irma Avila
Pompano Beach

In memory of the funniest, smartest, weirdest, closest friend I’ll ever have... Acceptance around this is the most uncomfortable feeling I’ve ever had to process. I will never meet anyone like you in this world.. Across 4 countries, I’ve spent the last 10 years looking. If I saw you one last time, I’d tell you that nobody even came close.  

Master at the Art of Bouncing Back - a true maverick, frontiersman, and incredibly loyal Son. There is no task you could not complete, break it down - and then build it back better than before while everyone else hadn’t even started yet.  It breaks my heart every day to process that you will not be able to bounce back from this and not a day has gone by in the last 15 years where you haven’t crossed my mind. 

Your relentless work ethic and spirit inspired me in so many situations to keep moving forward and sure enough, we would arrive there together despite being continents away.  What a privilege it was to be your best friend for so long. I love you. 

All of my love to uncle Peter, auntie Mary and Alex. You have an ally in me, forever. If there’s anything I can do, ever - please reach out. 

Dominic 
LON POS MIA

This Sunday 11.26.2023 we will be celebrating Clay's life near Powerhouse Gym Fort Lauderdale on A1A & Sunrise BLVD. at 5pm.

I took Clay to a Bouncing Souls concert back in 2000, when he was really into punk. It was at a venue called the Chili Pepper in Miami… not sure if it’s still around. I think Youth Brigade and Mustard Plug also played. But yeah, we had a great time. He didn’t really participate in the circle pit… he was just jamming out in his own world… he was so into it. It was a great memory, and I enjoyed his company.

To Peter and Deborah, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your son Clayton. Even though I did not know your son personally I felt I got to know his spirit and soul through the wonderful memories that have been shared on this memorial page. I will continue to pray for your family as you grieve and know others are praying for you as well.
I am Steven Martin's sister who lives in Atlanta Ga. 
Catherine and William Quarte

Clay and I became friends when he was first opening Powerhouse Fort Lauderdale. I was told I was one of the very first people to join the gym pre opening. We became fast friends at the gym and sometimes we would talk for an hour. We had a few things in common. Even though I was old enough to be his Dad his insights and intellect always impressed me. He was becoming an astute businessman. For whatever reason I felt really proud of him and I told him. One day I saw him at the gym beaming that he had just bought a new home. I told him we were buying in the same place. Soon we would be neighbors. During that time I saw him frequently in the elevator,  we always made time to chat and catch up. 

Clayton was a VERY bright light on this planet. His energy and zest for life was admirable.

My thoughts and prayers go to his family and close friends. We have lost a beloved man.

Today. I’m in shock. I feel a sadness that I can’t even describe. Lost, bereft and even a little angry that someone with so much promise is no longer here.

I pray that he is finally at peace.

With love and deep sadness,

Ken

Rest easy Clay!! Thanks for all the laughs :)

Peter,

My thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace have been with you and your family since learning about your son's passing. You have my sincerest and deepest condolences. 

Joseph Beasley

My Heart is Wrenching for his family and loved ones, I’m so sorry. Clay was a dynamic and charismatic human and I’ll always be grateful our paths crossed. May he rest in paradise. Until we meet again Clay. 

❤️Ashley G

Peter and Deb,
I'm sure Clay's passing has been incredibly painful, I can't begin to imagine.  I'm glad you have the comfort of your religion and God to lean on at this time. I wish all the best to you both and your families.

Mom, dad, Dylan and Clay. You are the salt of the earth. Love you to the moon kiddo.

Peter and Mrs Debbie: I haven’t seen or spoken to either of you in years, I wish I could change that. I love you both so much. 
 Peter, I just feel compelled to tell you this memory: so it was approximately 8-9 years ago when Clay and I moved down to south Florida so he could work with you, and him and I got our first apartment on our own. He was so exceptionally proud that you would allow that  he worked with you (and he was so talented and intelligent, I was like obviously your dad wants you to work with him). I won’t write a novel here, even though I could, but when he told me about it before we left the Tampa area, he specifically played this song and I will never forget it (it brought me to tears then, and now even more so): 
Peter Gabriel/Solsbury Hill. 
I hope you are both as ok as you can be, my heart is with you. Please know that anytime you need anything, anytime, I will always be here for you. -Love, Shannon 727-301-7467

Our deepest sympathies to Clayton’s family.

Rita and Neal Jump.

Dear Peter and Deb, 

My heart goes out to you for the loss of your son, Clay. I know there are no words that can ease your pain. I am praying for your peace and comfort.  Be kind and gentle with yourself.   Take your time and know you have my full support. Sending healing prayers and comfort to you both.  May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this heartbreaking time.

Love,
Dr Khonnie Wongkittiroch
Z-ROC Dermatology

Clay was my big cousin or “cuz” as we would say. My heart is broken knowing I won’t see him again, he will never respond to another message just checking in and I won’t get another chance to give him his flowers 💔. I have vivid memories of our childhood antics, the pool games we would play, how my sister and I would ask Aunt Mary Eve to “make” Clay come out of his room and play with us when he was in his moody teen years and we were his annoying little cousins. I’ll never forget the time Clay stuck up for me when the others were making fun of me for painting my nails black when I was exploring my punk phase as a kid. I’ll never forget so many little details and memories that would not have been the same without Clay. As a kid, I looked up to his creativity and style; his love for music inspired me and influenced my own creativity and for this I am so grateful. As adults we would keep in touch and I would reach out if I was going to be in Miami for work. I loved how he remained protective over his “little cuz” and would tell me to be careful even though I’ve been living in big cities my whole adult life. I was so proud of him. I love my cousin very much and am missing him a lot.

For Clay,
It has been so difficult to accept your death.  Death is always senseless but more so for you.   You should be here.  An intelligent, handsome, talented, gracious, and caring young man …. you should be here with us, with your family and friends.  So many hearts are broken, as your memorials attest
I am missing you more now, more than before, when you were here with us.  Since you’ve left, I find I’m missing you all the time … …. every day.  It’s the hard, awful truth of knowing for certain, that you are no longer here.   It’s the knowing that you won’t be around for the holiday dinner, a family gathering, meet at the mall, or a hook-up at a concert … all these things that were once simply taken for granted.  
“Guess what - Wonderful news – Clay will be here for dinner!”   We won’t be hearing these words again. A terrible horrible void remains.   It’s just not fair

Rest in peace my precious nephew.  I’m thankful beyond words that you were part of my life, and most thankful for the consolation of knowing you’re with Jesus, and knowing we’ll see you again.   That will be a wonderful, happy day.   
Quoting you, “I love you to the moon”.

I am so sorry to hear about Clay.  
My deepest condolences to you and your family.  Your family is my thoughts and prayers.
Angel

Dear Peter, our Condolences and prayers with you and the family. Clay was one of the most talented and kindest people we have ever worked with and had pleasure becoming friends with . His attention to detail was above anything I have ever seen. When he walked us through FLL and then him building Miami I was astounded at his thinking, vision and derail as to what he wanted to achieve. His input and guidance to do our first Skelcore/Powerhouse stores and then clothing colab line was incredible and we had just finished the designs for drop 2 in all the styles and colors he wanted (always on trend & the most stylish).  Clay will be sadly missed by me, my sons who loved dealing with him and my wife.  I am still in shock.  Rest in peace. God bless, Marc

It was with deep sadness when I learned  of Clay’s death. I knew him from powerhouse in fort lauderdale. He was always there with a smile. His warmth and kindness always made me feel I was a special member.  A truly kind and gentle soul.  My heart goes out to his family and all who loved him.
    Bill. Wilton Manors

To Mr Flotz and his family… I had the pleasure of meeting Clay and interviewing him for an article I wanted to publish. The interview was filled with excitement, pride and so much personal growth .. but mostly.. gratitude  that his family got to witness his brilliance.. He was thoughtful, kind, and beyond humble at the wonderment of life.. my heartfelt condolences to your family.. he will held up in prayer along with his loved ones.. may his memory fill your hearts  and comfort you during this trying time 

Angela Civitella

A favorite picture of Clay, the day of his Baptism at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale.

Many of you have asked how to memorialize Clay so we would ask if it's in your heart then give to https://samaritanspurse.org in his name.

We want to thank everyone who has poured out their hearts and shared their thoughts about Clay.  We are overwhelmed by how many people he touched, and how his gentle personality ultimately shined through his addiction.  We will miss his wit, his humor, and his rib crushing hugs.  The smile you all shared in his photos is burned in our eyes……..
Its been almost two weeks since our son went to Heaven, and we are so grateful that we shared the same faith and are comforted knowing that he is in the arms of God who shared him with us for 37 years and 51 days.    The sadness is consuming, and we are at a loss to explain it, so we share with you all these words of King David in Psalm 44:
I cried out to God for help;
    I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
    at night I stretched out untiring hands,
    and I would not be comforted.
12 I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
13 Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Though we are despondent now, our hope, like David’s, is in our faith and our knowledge that we will see him again.  We look forward to this day from Revelation 21:
 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a]for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Peter, I’m so sorry to hear of Clay’s passing. My thoughts are with you right now.

My heart hurts for you. Gone so young. I remember him as a baby in the back of your Jeep and at the beach at the Galt mile all those years ago. Such a beauty. Will remember him always and will cherish Tucker.
Love you. Hugs
Jean

I remember when Clay and Dylan were just little Dudes that they were running in and out  and around the house, like little boys do.  I was in the pool with Mary and said " you know it's getting hot, I think I should close the sliding glass doors and air down the house.   So I did so and returned to the pool.   About three minutes later there was a huge  "KAWOOOMPHH!!" and the kitchen sliding glass door vibrated like it was going to come off it's hinges.  I ran from the pool and slid open the kitchen door.  There was Clayton on his Butt in the middle of the kitchen floor!   I said "Clayton, Clayton, are you all right ???    He looked up at me with his head wobbling and his eyes as big as saucers and said:

   "I'M BATMAN"!!!!!

I'm going to miss you Batman !

I looked at Clay like family, he was such a good hearted person and gentlemen. He soaked up every bit of knowledge he could, always aiming to be better. My sons and I are grieving deeply in disbelief of what happened. We are here for you and your family, if there is anything absolutely anything we can do please feel free to reach out at any time. God bless Clay and god bless your family. 🙏

It was a honor to help Clay bring the PowerHouse brand to MiamiCentral. A wonderful developer, businessman, gentleman, and friend.

Peter - I am so sorry for your loss.  I never got the chance to meet Clay, but know from our conversations about him that he was very much loved and respected and was a good person.  I can only say that I hurt with you, as a friend and parent.  God bless Clay and your family.

Todd Simpson

It’s with a heavy heart I write this condolence. I met Clay right in the beginning when he start to sell memberships to PHG, he used to say I was one of his first clients. He always was so nice and sweet, even through my neck he was so supportive and carrying.  Will keep the family in my prayers.

Clay was “our” first baby!  My cousin and I took him everywhere when I visited. I was his Godmother as well. And my daughters enjoyed their cousin relationships for years!  He was such a remarkable person, so smart, so talented and so sweet from childhood to manhood. My heart melted when he called me Auntie Kathy which he did always! Clay I will always be your Auntie Kathy and will always keep you alive in my heart.

A friend of mine since we met in 2017
We’d share political fun and music. A great man. Very sad. See you in the other side brother man

Peter & Deborah, 

Sending you prayers and light to soothe this journey you are walking.     May the memories of the past be stepping stones to peace during this time.  

Dr. Will Richardson & Staff

You will be forever in my heart, Clayton.

From the moment I met him, it was evident what a pure, kind-hearted soul Clay truly is, and how much he cared for all his friends, family, and Powerhouse team. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all of his dearest and nearest.

Clay- I couldn't find a photo of us together so I just added myself to this one.  I still thought about you a lot, even though we had grown apart. I will always remember our times together and remember you. I love you and your family (who I also miss). Your friend and brother - Andrew

We barely got to now Clay and it was more than enough to love him dearly. A giant in size and in gentleness, polite, caring, helpful, loving, so many godly traits. We will miss him, at the same time we're happy to know he is in paradise with Jesus. 
That was his faith and his belief and we thank God for it.

I met Clay when I partnered up with his father on real estate development over ten years ago.  Clay was always the perfect gentlemen, hard worker and would do whatever was asked as he supported our little company on some of our early projects.  When we teamed up to start the PowerHouse Gym business he was so committed to excellence and did such a wonderful job.  I can identify people with good character and Clay had it.  What a cool guy in so many ways and I will so miss him.  When I spend time with my only son, who is about Clay’s age, it will always remind me of how much I will miss Clay.

Clay we only met once but heard often from your Dad about how proud he was of you and your accomplishments.  Deborah and Peter our thoughts are with you during this time.

I remember the time Clay came to Columbia to work with me on a project. So full of energy, so intelligent, so wanting to learn more about the business side of parking. Bursting with energy, you could tell he had so much of Deb and Peter in him. We know he is now with the Lord. Love and prayers from John David, Sallie and Kimberly Spade.

A piece of me has left with you, Clay. You were my first love, my best friend, and my family. I never thought I would have to live in this world without you, and even typing the thought now feels irreconcilable. I've never been as close to another person as we were, and I just feel so fortunate I got to share that connection with a person as sweet, talented, funny, and weird in all the best ways, as you. I'm so glad it was you, Clay.  I'll love you till my last breath. See you on the other side.

My dear friend ‘s 
I truly had a great  opportunity to meet an incredible young man 
Clay Flotz

Knowing him through his Father ,
Peter and his step mom Deborah Flotz.

I saw this kind and genuine human being .
Every time I was at the gym.
When he was determined to get things done he was on it.

Knowing Peter and Deborah for several years.
I had the opportunity to know Clay 
even more.
The last time I saw him 
He visited me in the hospital, with Peter  and Deborah 
I remember our deep conversation on how God and Christ is the answer .
When  we are lost in the confusion of living in a troubled life.
I believe in you Clay ,and know you are at Peace in Heaven.
This is not a good by.
It’s more like ,”Till we meet again my friend “.
Peter  and Deborah 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss.
We love you , and your family very much 
We are here for you in anyway 

May God , and Our Lord 
Give you strength, and to continue this journey.
Knowing he loves you very much 
And will guide you too.

Sending you our love, and hugs.
Love ,
Phillip Salazar 
Steven Martin 🙏❤️💐

I remember when powerhouse opened up Clay was very actively involved. He was always so inspirational and kind enough to lend a hand or advice about training and diet. It pains me to hear that a young soul was taken so early in tragic circumstances. 
I pray you find your rest Clay.

I never had the opportunity to meet Clayton in person here in Fort Lauderdale, but I am a member of the Powerhouse Gym and am so sorry to hear about his passing.  Prayers & peace to his family.
Cindy G.

I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of our dear boss, Clayton Flotz. He was truly an exceptional person, and I was fortunate to witness his dedication during the few times we crossed paths. His loss is profoundly felt, and my thoughts are with his family and all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. We have lost not just a boss, but a remarkable human being whose legacy will always inspire us.

We often would eat desserts together… usually much much than we should have eaten

Clay powered the top fitness center in South Florida. I was proud to be part of his vision.

Mary, Peter, and Deborah, my heart aches for you.

I met Clay a little over a year before he opened PHG. Over the years, I got to know him very well. I experienced his darkness, but I also saw his light. He had a boyish spirit that shone through the cracks of his façade. 

The quote, “Tell me every terrible thing you did, and let me love you anyway,” will always remind me of Clay.

Some of my favorite memories are of our hours and hours sharing music, singing together in the car, playing disc golf (especially the time he tried to wade through what he thought was knee-deep water to get a frisbee only to find it was about chest deep…), and the simple nights in with dinner on the stove and a guitar in hand. 

I feel for Clay and all of the family and friends that are feeling lost right now. 

“Remember when we got lost trying to leave Miami? I’d give anything to be lost with you again.” - CGF

I just wanted to share my interactions with Clayton.. everytime we spoke he was always respectful and shared a smile and asked how I was and was genuine about it..  his phrase he’d say to me was always “ you holding it down man up here or what “and he’d give a smile and small chuckle and a fist bump . I’m so grateful for the opportunity he gave me . It’s so shocking man all that’s transpired. God rest his soul and God bless his family . Much much love to him.

Clay was one of my best friends for a long time. Before we were all in our dream careers, he was a produce team member at Publix, the best I might add! Stacked those avocados with pure precision.  I loved watching him crush his goals and succeed in life to get to where he was. I feel really fortunate to have had that version of Clay for so long. He fought a lot of battles. I hope he’s at peace now. My sincere and deepest condolences to Clay’s family.

I have always had a special place in my heart for Clay. Peter, I am so sorry to hear about your amazing son.  I am here for you and the family. You and your son were like a second family to me. I’ll miss him.

The loss of your precious  son Clay is a loss felt by all who knew him. May the love and memories you shared bring you some measure of comfort during this difficult time. 

I offer my deepest condolences Peter and your family on the passing of your beloved son. His time with us was too short, but his impact was immeasurable.

Sincerely James

OBITUARY

Clayton Flotz

August 6, 1986 – September 26, 2023

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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