CLAYTON SMAILES June 21, 1972 - July 23, 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our hero, Clayton Smailes, on July 23, 2009. Clayton's unique personality, charm, and love for mischief rewarded him with an amazing circle of friends who will always miss his brilliant smile and expressive eyes. There will always be a whisky glass on the table for ya, buddy! Clayton is survived by his loving wife Colleen Smailes, sons Nolan and Justin, grandmother Anna Smailes, parents Glenn and Ellen Smailes, sister Dawn (Gert Rutters) Smailes, brother Phillip (Jan) Smailes and their daughters Nikki (Josiah VanNess) and Natalie (Ian Mackay), father and mother-in-law Bill and Mary Nichol, brothers-in-law Matthew (Laura) Nichol, Jason (Charlene) Nichol and their daughters Jade and Mya, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Clayton was born in Prince George on June 21, 1972, and spent his first three years there before moving with his family to the Kamloops area, where he lived thereafter. Growing up in the Vinsulla area north of Kamloops, Clayton was very active in 4-H, an accomplished public speaker, scholarship winner, and President of the 4H Junior Council for several years. His 4H scholarship took him to Fairview College, where he obtained his Partsman certificate. While in Fairview he took several Rodeo clinics, specializing in bareback, steer wrestling and bull riding events. This was his start in rodeo, an activity he pursued successfully for several years. Clayton loved being out with his friends, and he loved movies and music. He started his own DJ business with a friend while still in high school, and later was a DJ at his favourite watering hole, Jack Daniels, where he hosted a live weekly radio program and was known to cut a rug or two on the dance floor. His experience at Jack's encouraged him to pursue a career in communications, and he went on to get his Broadcast Communications Television degree from BCIT before returning to Kamloops to work at the local TV station CFJC, as a news cameraman. It was through 4H that Clayton met his lifetime partner Colleen Nichol, and their longstanding friendship eventually matured into a lifetime commitment when the two married on July 17, 1999. Nolan and Justin came along in due course, and Clayton was a devoted and proud father, enjoying the opportunity to spend time with his wife and sons, while renovating their first home together. Clayton also stayed active with different team sports, playing hockey and softball on several recreational teams. And he was just developing his paintball skills when he was diagnosed with ALS in 2003. As his illness progressed, Clayton never wavered in his devotion to family, friends and the causes that were important to him. He was blessed with a large, caring and involved group of friends, and with their support completed several fundraising initiatives for ALS. Most notably, his Two Guns Team raised over $20,000 in two years on the Kelowna Walk for ALS. Clayton also assisted with a recent successful grant application, writing an article to help publicize and increase awareness of ALS. Over the past several months, Clayton and many of his friends were working with the society on its inaugural Kamloops ALS Golf Tournament of Hope, to be held at the Dunes this September. The family would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank Clayton's friends and the many businesses and concerned community members and organizations who have contributed their time and resources to the family and to the ALS society. Your generosity is much appreciated. Clayton spent the last few months of his life at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice. The family thanks the hospice volunteers and workers for their friendship and support, and for the warmth and hugs always available for family and friends. The staff of MWS are truly an exceptional group and have cared for all of us. Thank you is not enough! All of Clayton's many friends are warmly invited to come for a Celebration of Clayton's Life at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 31st, 2009, at the Kamloops Convention Centre located at 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice House, 72 Whiteshield Crescent S., Kamloops, BC, V2E 2S9 or to the ALS Society of BC, #208, 1600 W. 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1R3. Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to the online memorial register at: http://www.personalalternative.com. RIDE ON TWO GUNS !!