Carl David Clay

Carl David Clay passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Penticton Regional Hospital at the age of 82 with family members by his side. Dave was born to Carl and Kay Clay in 1940 in Dawson Creek, BC, and lived in Clayhurst which was named after the family in the Peace River District.

Dave grew up in a close, loving family with sisters Carlyann, Noreen, and Shirley, and brother Chad in the Peace River country which he loved. He married Ellen Brekkaas in 1959, and together they welcomed sons Kevin, Clinton, and Shane, and daughter Holly.

In 1967, the family moved to Summerland where Dave worked with the Department of Highways until he founded his own business which became Dave’s Backhoe Service and was operated until his retirement. Dave regarded his work as much more than just business and many of his customers became lifelong friends.

Dave enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities including skidooing, quadding, and golfing with his family and friends. In 1993, encouraged by friends who share an interest in grape growing and winemaking, he planted his own vineyard at their home in Trout Creek and became an accomplished grape grower and home winemaker.

Dave was predeceased by grandson Keenan Clay, daughter Holly, his mother and father Kay and Carl, brother Chad, and sisters Carlyann Lawrence and Noreen Morrice. He is survived and deeply missed by his wife Ellen, sons Kevin (Shelley), Clinton, and Shane (Cathy); grandchildren Koare, Kramer, Kael, Trent, Kindree, Elizabeth, and Aida; his sister Shirley Conrad and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the summer. Those wishing to extend a tribute can do so to The Heart & Stroke Foundation or The Canadian Cancer Society.

The Clay family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and doctors who cared for Dave.❤