It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Clay MacCumber of Edmonton, Alberta, on February 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Clay was born in Bramber, Nova Scotia, on April 6, 1935, to his parents, Ethel and Jimmy Macumber.
Clay will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lila of 59 years; his son, Perry (Sandra) Dominey of California; daughter, Angie (Ron); and granddaughter, Natasha Macumber of Edmonton; his sister, Doreen Tucker of Burlington, Nova Scotia; as well as several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ethel and Jimmy Macumber; sisters, Minnie (in infancy), Elsie Armstrong. Izetta MacNanamara, Eva MacAskill, and Margie Lynch; and his brothers, Stafford, Henry, Maynard, Pernell, Everett, Sammy, Leland, and Charlie Macumber.
Clay worked hard all his life and was a great provider for his family. Initially he found work in Ontario building silos for a time, but Clay and Lila were homesick for Bramber, that was their home, they moved back to Nova Scotia where Clay found work in Darthmouth working for Uniroyal Tires, but his hard work did not end there. After work and on the weekends, Clay built their house and made it into a beautiful home. He had a huge garden and at times had several farm animals. After Uniroyal closed down, like many folks in Nova Scotia at that time, in the late 1970’s, the decision was made to move out West to Alberta. Clay came out ahead of his family to find a job and a place to live, the family then made the move to join him 3 months later. Clay worked for Du-All tires for several years, before moving on to Grimshaw Trucking where he worked as a Tire Specialist in the Edmonton Maintenance Department for over 13 years. Clay retired from Grimshaw in early 2000.
Retirement life was good and bad for Clay. Good as he had lots of friends and his granddaughter that kept him busy, though he was never too busy to help with any projects his friends were working on. Unfortunately, as the years went on, Clay had several worsening health issues. When faced with these health scares, he met each of them head on with unwavering strength and a will to live on for his family. There was a point where Clay was given 5 years to live. His response was “To Hell with that!” and lived another 15 long years, he was a fighter and proved that to the end. Elisha, his Nurse Practitioner, said she has “never encountered a stronger will to live”, and that Clay was a “Phenomenon”.
Many will remember Clay for his hard work and dedication, his quick wit, generosity and as he would say, showing off his “fancy footwork”. Clay loved to dance and entertain and be the life of the party. The home table was never empty, he always made sure family & friends never left the table hungry. On weekends and holidays back in NS, he loved nothing better than to sit with family & friends, playing the guitar, and singing. Clay was a man’s man, and people were drawn to him, and highly respected him. He will be remembered often by his family and friends, for those who knew him, his laughter, drive, and quick wit will be eternally missed. For those that did not get the pleasure of knowing him, missed out on knowing the best, most kind and caring man, who always put his family above all else.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff from Home Care and Palliative Home Care, Erwin (Home Care) who started out as his case manager, then he was transitioned into Palliative where Elisha became his Nurse Practitioner; his nurses, Anna and Taryn, the help that they provided was over the top. They all treated him with respect and kindness, and I can’t thank them enough for all that they did! Thank you to Gerard and Joelle, who helped care for my dad for several months; and to friends, Donna and Glenn, and Patti and Danny, we don’t know what we would have done without you! You all are truly special people!
Remember as Dad would say “Never say Goodbye, that’s forever, just say ‘See ya Later‘!”
The family asks that you please join them in sharing memories and celebrating Clay’s life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Newton Community Hall (5520 121 Avenue NW).
Service
Celebration of Life
Newton Community Hall
5520 121 Avenue NW, Edmonton
March 23, 2024
1:30pm
Erwin Cheng says
My deepest sympathies to Lila and family.
Lenora Martin says
Our deepest condolence Angie and family
Dawn says
Clayton, you will be missed by all that knew and loved you, you were a great man. You will never be forgotten 😞♥️
Bernice Harris says
My condolences to you and your family. Very sorry for your loss .
Wendy jacobs says
Kevin an Wendy Jacobs are so very sorry for the loss of this funny,amazing and sometimes crude man. We loved him like our own. Lila and him always welcomed us with love,food,coffee and whiskey. Our hearts hurt for the family’s loss. May you find comfort in the love he had for you all.
Lots of love and hugs
Kevin and wendy jacobs
Crystal Lake says
He was one of my favourite Uncles and I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with him and Aunt Lila. Wherever we went he made friends of everyone. People were drawn to him. The world is a sadder place without you Uncle Clay. I won’t say goodbye, just see you on the other side❤️
Carolyn says
Dear Ang, Ron and Tash
I was so very sorry to hear of your dad and grandfather’s passing. Angie, it was truly a gift that you and Tash were able to be by your dad’s side throughout his journey to help, love and support him and your mom. You are a true blessing.
May all the great memories you have of your dad/grandfather keep him close to your ❤️ hearts.
My love, thoughts, prayers are with you all
Big hugs
Carolyn
Marilyn Macumber says
Sincere condolences to Lila, Angie, Tasha & Perry. There are so many memories of when you were our neighbours. The support that you gave to our family, especially during Dad’s illness, was/is so appreciated. There were the “good times” of the many dances/kitchen parties that were the highlight of most every week. Hugs to you all!
RICK TYLKA says
Angie,
I never got to know your Dad as well as I would have liked, but from the first time I met him I knew him as a kind, strong, courageous and respected man. I will always remember him referring to me as “Son” when you first introduced me to him. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family.
Rick & Bonny
Wanda , Rocco Romano and family says
Dear Lila, Angie, Ron, Natasha and Perry, are thoughts and love are with you at this sad time. We will always remember Clay as a beautiful, loving, witty, man. We have many great memories that we will hold in our hearts as well. Hugs🩷
Karen Tymchuk says
My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss. May he live on forever in your hearts and memories.
Donna Slauenwhite says
Dear Lila and Family.
Sorry to hear about Clay our sincere sympathy, Lila we go back many years we all used to gather at Bonangs for our Saturday night dances, great memories. You were a great couple.
Donna Davis Slauenwhite
Ethel macumber keddy says
Rest in Peace uncle Clayton condolences to the rest of the family thinking of you
Emily Macumber says
I’m sorry for your loss. I’m Everett’s Granddaughter from NS. I heard many wonderful stories about your Father. And was thrilled about Todd’s visit back last year. Although I never got to meet him, I kept him and you all in my thoughts and heart. Xo
Debby Arora ( Little Debby) says
Growing up, Clay was my second Dad.
He was larger than life, and the best flirt around. He would come rescue Angie and I at any hour of any day. This man was a God Send and my life is so much richer for getting to be a part of his.
Family, He’ll be “upstairs” resting and hanging out waiting to give us a huge hug when it’s our turn.
Raise a glass for me on the 23rd to thank him. My love to all of you and thank you for sharing him.
Allen Ries says
If angels walk amongst us Clay certainly was one of them. I will never forget the kindness and cheerful countenance that Clay shared with everybody. I will miss you. I will never forget.
Sharon Kuziw says
Angie, Lila and family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. I always felt welcome in your home and know how much he will be missed. Sending much love
Sharon Kuziw
Kathy Rolf Perry says
Aunt Lila, this is Kathy from New York. I used to come to your house with Uncle Bob when I was a young girl. I’ve often thought of you over the years and came across Uncle Clay’s obituary, I’m so very sorry. I have such fond childhood memories of going to Nova Scotia. Angie, you were a young girl, I’m not sure if you remember me, I’m very sorry about your dad.