Richard Warner Clayton, Sr.
August 19, 1932 - June 29, 2012
Obituary
If lives are measured by the quantity of positive influence, Richard Warner Clayton, Sr. lived a better life than most.
Born in St. Paul and raised in Longview, Dick found his way to IBM after scouting, WSU and the Navy. He married and had a son, Rick, in the late fifties. Five years later, he married Janet McCord and had a daughter, Andrea. He and Jan were a perfect match.
When Rick was old enough, Dick was back in scouting. Scoutmaster, Order of the Arrow and Silver Beaver were to follow along with four beads in Woodbadge, the famous scouting leadership course.
After retiring from IBM and a move to Tacoma, his disaster recovery consulting firm helped many companies with preparedness. His ideas are still replicated today.
He found a new home in scouting aboard the Sea Scout Ship Odyssey where he served for 15 years as lead skipper. The Federal Way Harmony Kings Barbershop Chorus and the Christian Science Society of Auburn also benefitted from his active participation.
He leaves behind his wife, Jan, who fed and housed all he brought home; daughter Andrea (Carleton Black) and son Rick (Shelly); grandchildren Matthew and Melanie; and brother Robert (Joyce).
There will be no services. Any loving contributions should be sent to the SSS Odyssey care of Captain Bud Bronson, www.lebronson@gmail.com or (253) 318-2533.
Dear Jan and family, Our sincere condolences to you all . Dick will be warmly remembered by many who benefitted from his talents. My older sister, Marie was just here and asked about Dick…she remembered him in the barbershop chorus performance from many years ago. She so enjoyed the concert. Hoping that many wonderful memories will bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
Diane and Brendan
We will miss Dick–especially his colorful descriptions of various experiences as he lived life to the fullest. He found the good in everyone–and made their life richer by being an example of how to be a brother and helpmate.
What a great man he was! He taught me so much about running a boat as a mate and a captain. He was somewhat responsible for my marriage because he brought the woman I married into the Odyssey program. Thanks Dick! You will be missed.
My kissin’ cousin! Much loved and a true blessing to so many!
Mr. Clayton was so patient and cared about all those around him. I have such fond memories of Odyssey, many including him. I am truely thankful & blessed to have known him. My condolences to all of his loved ones…
Thinking of you Janet, Rick and Andrea.
I was a scout (Eagle) and saw Dick’s either Philmont or Woodbadge belt buckle on one of my first rehearsals with the Harmony Kings. The chorus was facing an issue that had the potential to be devisive and he guided a discussions in his quiet way that defused the tension. I inherited from him as an officer in the Harmony Kings handling the mass mailing that he had developed for our annual show. We still use that system. It was an honor to know him and we’ve missed him these past years.
Dick was a solid and valued Neighbor for many years. I enjoyed Dick’s sense of humor and learned quickly that I needed to be standing in the right position so that I could determine when there was a certain glint in his eye, telling me that he was joking me around.
I’ll salute Dick with each passing sailboat in the harbor.
I met Dick (and Jan) at College Graduation, but little did I know he and Jan would become family for me. We just clicked when I got to scraping popcorn off the ceiling of their new Federal Way home. The rest is history… Dick has always been warm-hearted, very hard-working, and thoughtful…not to mention a great sense of humor always. What I will miss most is the way Dick made everyone feel loved and an instant friend even if he knew your faults. He transformed the Federal Way home and many others, and he transformed the Odyssey Program to a scouting one. For the many years together, I am so very grateful!
Our son Aaron was in the Sea Scout program which was a great experience for him. Dick Clayton was a mentor to our son and we are very grateful to Dick for that. Additionally I had the pleasure of working one summer for a week on the Odyssey as a cook with Dick as the captain. I got to see him work with the scouts and get to know him better. It was a great week. His contributions to the Sea Scout program and specifically the mentoring of the young people he worked with has a been a real gift. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clayton family.
Laurie and Les Brown
I met Dick (& Jan) through church and my husband knew Dick through Boy Scouts. I have many fond memories with Dick and Jan — camping and fishing at Lake Shasta, sailing on the Odyssey and my husband and Dick playing guitar at our home or theirs. They also introduced my husband and I and we have been married 30 years this year:). Thank you for the fun times, your love and generosity.
My sons and Daughter-in-law were active members in the Sea Scout program on the SSS Odyssey under the leadership of Mr. Clayton. It was a wonderful program and experience for them. Mr. Clayton’s was a positive role model who continued to show his support (along with his wonderful wife, Jan) to these young adults long after they left the program. My condolences to the Clayton family. He was a true inspiration and blessing to many and will be greatly missed.
Kirsten Alexander and Family
Dick was a great person and friend. I know Dick via our love for barbershop music. We both sang with the Harmony Kings at Federal Way, WA. I also played racquette ball with Dick several times and he was a challenging adversary. I got even with him once as we were just warming up. He was in the fore court and was returning towards me when I accidentally hit him in the groin with the ball. He hunched over in pain but said nothing (a true gentlemen). I’m sure apologies did not lessen the pain. Dick was a great guy and our shared memories will be remembered for many years to come. May God bless his soul!
My Uncle Dick was my favorite uncle . He could be the intelligent adult that he was, but still communicate with me as a child and make me feel important in a large extended family.I always loved it when he and Janet visited. As an adult, he and Aunt Janet welcomed us into their home, either in CA or Tacoma. No matter how many years there was between our visits, the caring, family feeling was there. My heart goes out to Aunt Janet, Andrea and Rick. Rest In Peace Uncle Dick and give Grandma Lil a kiss on the cheek from me.