Many of us love our communities, and we support them by giving back in numerous ways. Some volunteer with children’s sports, help in their church, assist at not-for-profits, or give in other ways. These efforts contribute immensely to community wellness and vibrancy and should be recognized. However, consider this: how many of us give tirelessly to our community for more than 50 years? Precious few make this depth and breadth of commitment.
Clayton Spears was one of those few.
Clayton was a lifetime friend, supporter, and promoter of Haldimand. He passed away last week.
Clayton was a Haldimand leader. He wasn’t a politician, spiritual leader, or head of business. His agency was earned through continued community involvement, much of it done quietly. For more than five decades, Clayton led or was a supportive volunteer of innumerable Haldimand events and changes. What, you may wonder, motivates this kind of commitment? I think for Clayton it came naturally. He was a kind and interested individual energized by a desire to make Haldimand better; to celebrate its past and present and improve its future.
He and his wife Helen gave time, talent, and donations to organizations such as Cayuga Lions, Fisherville Lions, Cottonwood Mansion, Ruthven Park, and many others. The couple’s efforts were formally recognized and appreciated when Clayton and Helen were named Cayuga Citizens of the Year in 2005 and Haldimand County Volunteers of the Year in 2007. Clayton also received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
I first came to know Clayton when growing up in Cayuga. I knew him by way of his friendship with my dad.
More recently, shortly after I bought The Haldimand Press from Bob Hall in 2014, I got to know Clayton and his wife Helen much better. As I worked to expand the paper with more news, more readers, and more staff, Clayton was a constant source of ideas and encouragement. He suggested story ideas and offered advice. Within a brief time, my husband Fred and I counted Clayton and Helen as trusted friends.
The four of us would talk regularly about a range of things: local politics, Helen’s baking, repairs to his deck, what was happening at the Fisherville Lions, the value of having supportive friends, the beauty of Lake Erie near his home, and much more. Without exception, every conversation with Clayton and Helen delved into what was going on in our community. Haldimand was Clayton’s centre, his focus, his love.
This past week, many of us and Haldimand at large lost a valued friend and an energetic and dedicated community advocate. Clayton was one of those once-in-a-lifetime people who positively impacts your life and the lives of others. He made our community better. Clayton will be missed. I will miss him, and I know many others will also.
Jillian Marshall-Morison,
Cayuga resident, and former publisher of The Haldimand Press
