Lonnie Clay was born Martin Alonzo Clay, July 14, 1954 in Dawson Creek. He was the 4th of 7 children born to Doug and Betty Clay. Lonnie’s early years were spent on the family farm in Clayhurst where he developed a love for animals, especially horses. Lonnie attended school in Clayhurst where you could still ride your horse to school. From a young age Lonnie had a knack for fixing things.
He was never scared of a challenge. Lonnie did everything from welding, painting, truck driving, operating heavy equipment and owning a salvage business.
In 1973, he was running grader up the Alaska Highway around Mile 245 when he met the love of his life, Wendy Joy Hyette. They fell in love and on July 5, 1975 married in Cherry Point, Alberta. They had four children: Kane, Shelbie, Matthew, and Kailie. This year, Lonnie and Wendy celebrated their 40th anniversary; their love was as strong as ever. Over the last few years, Lonnie spent most of his free time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lonnie encountered many hardships throughout his life, but never would you hear him complain, he kept a positive attitude right to his final days.
Sadly, December 23, 2015, after a hard fought battle with liver disease, Lonnie passed away in the Vancouver Hospital, surrounded by family, love, laughter and music.
Above all else Lonnie loved his family. He was predeceased by parents Douglas and Betty, brother Earl and sister Pam. Lonnie is survived by wife Wendy, children Kane (Jen), Shelbie (Brian), Matthew (Shawna), and Kailie; grandchildren Kasia, Connor, Drake, Grace, Oliver, Kora, Darryl, William, Anna and great-grandchildren Sophia and Kaleb. Lonnie also leaves behind sisters Alice, Renee, Barb, and Virginia.
A social gathering was held December 31, 2015 in Rolla, British Columbia. Donations in memory of Lonnie can be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Suite 801-3100 Steeles Avenue East, Markham, Ontario L3R 8T3 or the SPCA South Peace Branch, 637-114th Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia,
V1G 3A1.
Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.