Obituary of Clayton Harvey Richardson

Richardson, Clayton Harvey December 2, 1925 – Three Hills, Alberta November 16, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta Clayton ‘Clay’ Richardson of Calgary, AB passed away on November 16, 2015 at the age of 89 years. Clay was born in Twining, Alberta, the second of two children born to Elizabeth and William Richardson. He and his older sister Doris attended school in Three Hills, Alberta. Following graduation, Clay quickly enlisted in the Canadian Navy in 1943. Clay was discharged at the end of WWII and began his studies in Pharmacy at the University of Alberta in 1948. He began his career in pharmacy at Horsley Drugs in Red Deer in 1952 and later moved to Waterbury Drugs in Three Hills. Clay married Jean (Christie) in June 1953. He had an opportunity in 1956 to pioneer his own drugstore in Hinton, AB as a new pulp mill was under construction. He and Jean owned and managed King Value Drug Mart until 1989. Clay was very active in the Hinton community as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Progressive Conservative Association as well as President of the Optimist club. Clay was often seen helping with projects that improved the Town of Hinton and assisted with the hand digging of the first outdoor swimming pool, helping to build the clubhouse at the golf course, helping with the minor hockey program and helping to build the first curling rink in Hinton. Clay and Jean retired to Salmon Arm, BC in 1989 and enjoyed many years spending summers at Mara Lake BC and winters in Mesa, AZ. Clay and Jean were actively involved with the Rotary Club of Salmon Arm and were awarded the distinguished Paul Harris Award. In 2000 Clay and Jean moved to Calgary to be closer to family. Clay also became involved with the Rotary Club of Calgary and remained active until 2014. He enjoyed a very special closeness and camaraderie with his brother-in-law, Tom Christie following Jean’s death in 2002. Clay leaves behind many good friends at Sienna Park Green. Clayton was very proud of his rural farming upbringing and achieved success by working hard, serving people and looking for ways to make his community a better place. He was a strong role model and provider for his family. We will always miss our Dad and Poppa dearly but will remember him with a smile, a wink and a happy heart. Clay is survived by his daughter Elizabeth (Betty-Jean) (Randy) Sachro of Okotoks, AB, and his sons James (Vivianne) Richardson of Scotch Creek, BC and Kenneth (Janice) Richardson of Calgary, AB. Poppa was also very proud of his grandchildren Derrick Franche, Christie (Christopher) Smith, Chelsea (Derek Kovalskie) Franche, Benjamin Sachro, Jennifer (Luke) Flowers, Clayton (Katelyn Grimbly) Richardson, Blair Richardson and Colin Richardson. Great Poppa is also survived by his great-grand children, Avery and Oliver Smith and Isla Kovalskie. Clay is also survived by his second family Tom (Phyllis) Christie, Jim (Doris) Christie and Jack (Lynn) Christie as well as many nephews and nieces. Clayton was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean in 2002, grandson Adam Sachro, parents William and Elizabeth Richardson, his sister Doris Parker, his brothers-in-law Robert and Charlie Christie, Walter Parker and his sisters-in-law Margaret, Clarice and Nancy Christie, and son-in-law Dale Franche. A Celebration of Clayton’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Monday, November 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Clayton will be interred and rejoin his love, Jean in Three Hills, AB at a later date. Forward condolences through . If friends so desire, memorial donations be made to the Providence Children’s Centre, 5232 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB. T2V 0Z4 where Clay spent many hours volunteering and reading books to “his kids” or Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association, 1245-70th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 2X8. Our family would like to thank the staff at the Scenic Acres Retirement Living Center as well as the medical and nursing staff at Foothills Medical Centre and the staff at the Chinook Hospice who made Dad’s final journey so comfortable and peaceful. In living memory of Clayton Richardson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.