Bill Clayton passed away peacefully last Saturday on his farm in Idaho. He was surrounded by his family. As I think most of you know Bill contracted Parkinson's as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam Nam as a Marine helicopter pilot. He was an amazing, caring, commited and loyal friend. His passing is a big loss.
Bill's funeral service will be held on Friday November 29th at 3:00PM at St Mary's Church in Boise.
You may reach out to his son, Mike Clayton at 703-967-4662 or medidaho@gmail.com if you would like to contact his family.
Nampa, Idaho - William "Bill" Charles Clayton died peacefully with family by his side on the family farm and ranch north of Nampa on November 16. Bill will be remembered for his desire to spend time with family and friends, his community leadership, and his contagious smile and shining eyes.
Bill was born on July 3, 1943, in Berkeley, California, to Marie and Russ Clayton. He had two younger sisters, Teresa and Kathy. He spent childhood summers on his Basque grandparents' farm in Star, where he discovered his appreciation of farming, horses, cattle, and the Boise River. Those summers with his Uncle Jess were formative and provided material for a lifetime of stories about milking cows, bucking hay, threshing grain, sleeping on the summer porch during rainstorms, fishing, horseback riding, and family gatherings. He returned by bus to his home in Piedmont, California, at the start of each school year, in time for football practice. In addition to playing chess on rainy days during PE class and playing varsity basketball and baseball, Bill was active as a school leader and built lifelong friendships during his youth in the Bay Area.
Bill met his future wife, Diane Bouhaben, in 8th grade and dated her throughout their time together at Piedmont High School and the University of California at Berkeley. Bill was considered a special blessing to the Bouhaben family and cherished his relationships with Diane's siblings throughout his life. Following their graduations from Cal, Bill and Diane married in 1965 at the Carmel Mission.
Soon after, in 1966, Bill enlisted in the Marines. He trained at Quantico, Pensacola, and Camp Lejeune before serving in Vietnam as a Huey helicopter pilot, achieving the rank of Captain. In the words of a fellow Marine who served in Vietnam, Bill was "a true Marine, a good and humble human being and a patriotic leader loved and respected by those under his command." Years later, at a reunion for his squadron, Marines who served under Bill shared stories about how he mentored and supported them, changing their lives.
Following Bill's service in Vietnam, Bill and Diane lived in Oceanside and Pasadena, California, where Bill worked for Coldwell Banker selling commercial real estate. In January 1973, the family moved to Boise and then to the XL Ranch in 1976 to raise their three sons: Steve, Mike, and Joe. In those early years, Bill helped his parents run a cow-calf Hereford cattle operation, providing opportunities for the boys to care for the cattle and show bulls at local fairs – and to learn that Christmas morning did not start until all the animals were fed. In 1979, Bill and Diane sold the cattle, and soon after started Clayton Nursery. With the help of the boys, they planted 2,500 shade and ornamental trees. For the rest of his life, Bill enjoyed working with his family and employees to grow and deliver 'Specimen Trees for Color and Comfort'. He built relationships with nursery professionals around the country, helped found the Idaho Nursery Association, and served as President for the Growers Division of the American Nursery and Landscape Association. In 2003, Bill was thrilled to see his son, Joe, return to Idaho and join the team. In 2014, Bill passed leadership of the company to Joe. Since Bill and Diane founded Clayton Tree Farm, his crew has grown and shipped more than 500,000 trees. Their trees can be found in every community of the Treasure Valley and throughout the Rocky Mountain region – and Bill's and Diane's legacy of making communities healthier and more beautiful will continue into the future.
Bill was always involved in community leadership; he led by example. He built trusting relationships and welcomed different perspectives and backgrounds. He served as chairperson of Flood Control District 10 for 35 years, and with others, he founded and led Boise River 2000, a regional non-profit that envisioned a healthy Boise River. He helped organize the Bob LeBow Bike Tour for Terry Reilly Health Services to raise funds for patients needing financial assistance, and he served on the Board of Trustees of the Vallivue School District. He led the building and fundraising committees for the construction of the new St. Mary's Church. He organized the first state tournament for varsity soccer in Idaho in 1984, and he brought tractors from the ranch and volunteers from the teams to build the first soccer field at Bishop Kelly. He enjoyed giving to the community and cherished the relationships he developed. A fellow board member shared, "Bill was such a true gentleman and easily made friends everywhere he traveled. His inquisitive nature brought the best out in everyone he met. He had an uncanny ability to encourage all sorts of conversations over a wide gambit of topics – in a fun and entertaining way."
Back at the ranch, Bill and Diane built family and memories. In addition to three boys, they raised many black labs over the years, including Kicks, the first dog to retrieve tees at Bronco Stadium in the mid-1990s. Bill loved having horses for grandchildren to ride, and visitors to the ranch would learn to set siphon tubes for irrigation. He encouraged his sons and grandchildren to work on the farm – taking initiative and responsibility and figuring out how to resolve "learning opportunities." He loved having his sister, Kathy, and her family growing up on the ranch nearby. He and Diane enjoyed backpacking with their boys, biking together, and traveling. In 2015, Bill and Diane celebrated their 50th anniversary on the ranch; three years later, the family gathered again to mourn Diane's passing and celebrate her life.
Throughout some tough medical challenges, Bill persevered. He approached them as he did life, looking for the positive side and seeing them as opportunities to connect with others. He somehow always found a way to make others smile when discussing his health issues. In his later years, Bill was blessed to build a relationship with Michelle Gustin-Jones and share his life – and many smiles – with her. They planted gardens at the ranch, spent time in Donnelly, and traveled to explore new areas and to see friends and family.
Bill is survived by his sons: Steve Clayton of Boise and his children: Zachary and Naomi; Mike and Maria Clayton of Davis, California, and their children: Alisa and Sonia; Joe and Sarah Clayton of Eagle and their children: Amaia, Alec and Owen. He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane, and his sisters, Teresa Clayton and Kathy Clayton-Wonderlich.
The family would like to give special thanks to Jason Wonderlich, Bill's nephew, for his touching dedication to Bill over the past six months and to Angels Among Us Health Care for the friendship and wonderful care. They would also like to acknowledge the many doctors and nurses who helped Bill. The family hopes all of these special caregivers feel his smile of appreciation as they continue to help others.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 29, at 3 pm, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 2612 West State Street in Boise, followed by a reception at Crane Creek Country Club at 500 W Curling Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bob LeBow Patient Assistance Fund at Terry Reilly Health Services (https://www.trhs.org/donate). Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Idaho Statesman from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, 2024.
Shel Milligan
Bill Clayton passed away peacefully last Saturday on his farm in Idaho. He was surrounded by his family. As I think most of you know Bill contracted Parkinson's as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam Nam as a Marine helicopter pilot. He was an amazing, caring, commited and loyal friend. His passing is a big loss.
Bill's funeral service will be held on Friday November 29th at 3:00PM at St Mary's Church in Boise.
You may reach out to his son, Mike Clayton at 703-967-4662 or medidaho@gmail.com if you would like to contact his family.
Jack Fritschi
One of the finest men I have ever had the pleaseur of knowing. Many memories of fun times at his house on Sharon Avenue. RIP my friend.
Shel Milligan
William Clayton Obituary
William "Bill" Clayton
November 16, 2024
Nampa, Idaho - William "Bill" Charles Clayton died peacefully with family by his side on the family farm and ranch north of Nampa on November 16. Bill will be remembered for his desire to spend time with family and friends, his community leadership, and his contagious smile and shining eyes.
Bill was born on July 3, 1943, in Berkeley, California, to Marie and Russ Clayton. He had two younger sisters, Teresa and Kathy. He spent childhood summers on his Basque grandparents' farm in Star, where he discovered his appreciation of farming, horses, cattle, and the Boise River. Those summers with his Uncle Jess were formative and provided material for a lifetime of stories about milking cows, bucking hay, threshing grain, sleeping on the summer porch during rainstorms, fishing, horseback riding, and family gatherings. He returned by bus to his home in Piedmont, California, at the start of each school year, in time for football practice. In addition to playing chess on rainy days during PE class and playing varsity basketball and baseball, Bill was active as a school leader and built lifelong friendships during his youth in the Bay Area.
Bill met his future wife, Diane Bouhaben, in 8th grade and dated her throughout their time together at Piedmont High School and the University of California at Berkeley. Bill was considered a special blessing to the Bouhaben family and cherished his relationships with Diane's siblings throughout his life. Following their graduations from Cal, Bill and Diane married in 1965 at the Carmel Mission.
Soon after, in 1966, Bill enlisted in the Marines. He trained at Quantico, Pensacola, and Camp Lejeune before serving in Vietnam as a Huey helicopter pilot, achieving the rank of Captain. In the words of a fellow Marine who served in Vietnam, Bill was "a true Marine, a good and humble human being and a patriotic leader loved and respected by those under his command." Years later, at a reunion for his squadron, Marines who served under Bill shared stories about how he mentored and supported them, changing their lives.
Following Bill's service in Vietnam, Bill and Diane lived in Oceanside and Pasadena, California, where Bill worked for Coldwell Banker selling commercial real estate. In January 1973, the family moved to Boise and then to the XL Ranch in 1976 to raise their three sons: Steve, Mike, and Joe. In those early years, Bill helped his parents run a cow-calf Hereford cattle operation, providing opportunities for the boys to care for the cattle and show bulls at local fairs – and to learn that Christmas morning did not start until all the animals were fed. In 1979, Bill and Diane sold the cattle, and soon after started Clayton Nursery. With the help of the boys, they planted 2,500 shade and ornamental trees. For the rest of his life, Bill enjoyed working with his family and employees to grow and deliver 'Specimen Trees for Color and Comfort'. He built relationships with nursery professionals around the country, helped found the Idaho Nursery Association, and served as President for the Growers Division of the American Nursery and Landscape Association. In 2003, Bill was thrilled to see his son, Joe, return to Idaho and join the team. In 2014, Bill passed leadership of the company to Joe. Since Bill and Diane founded Clayton Tree Farm, his crew has grown and shipped more than 500,000 trees. Their trees can be found in every community of the Treasure Valley and throughout the Rocky Mountain region – and Bill's and Diane's legacy of making communities healthier and more beautiful will continue into the future.
Bill was always involved in community leadership; he led by example. He built trusting relationships and welcomed different perspectives and backgrounds. He served as chairperson of Flood Control District 10 for 35 years, and with others, he founded and led Boise River 2000, a regional non-profit that envisioned a healthy Boise River. He helped organize the Bob LeBow Bike Tour for Terry Reilly Health Services to raise funds for patients needing financial assistance, and he served on the Board of Trustees of the Vallivue School District. He led the building and fundraising committees for the construction of the new St. Mary's Church. He organized the first state tournament for varsity soccer in Idaho in 1984, and he brought tractors from the ranch and volunteers from the teams to build the first soccer field at Bishop Kelly. He enjoyed giving to the community and cherished the relationships he developed. A fellow board member shared, "Bill was such a true gentleman and easily made friends everywhere he traveled. His inquisitive nature brought the best out in everyone he met. He had an uncanny ability to encourage all sorts of conversations over a wide gambit of topics – in a fun and entertaining way."
Back at the ranch, Bill and Diane built family and memories. In addition to three boys, they raised many black labs over the years, including Kicks, the first dog to retrieve tees at Bronco Stadium in the mid-1990s. Bill loved having horses for grandchildren to ride, and visitors to the ranch would learn to set siphon tubes for irrigation. He encouraged his sons and grandchildren to work on the farm – taking initiative and responsibility and figuring out how to resolve "learning opportunities." He loved having his sister, Kathy, and her family growing up on the ranch nearby. He and Diane enjoyed backpacking with their boys, biking together, and traveling. In 2015, Bill and Diane celebrated their 50th anniversary on the ranch; three years later, the family gathered again to mourn Diane's passing and celebrate her life.
Throughout some tough medical challenges, Bill persevered. He approached them as he did life, looking for the positive side and seeing them as opportunities to connect with others. He somehow always found a way to make others smile when discussing his health issues. In his later years, Bill was blessed to build a relationship with Michelle Gustin-Jones and share his life – and many smiles – with her. They planted gardens at the ranch, spent time in Donnelly, and traveled to explore new areas and to see friends and family.
Bill is survived by his sons: Steve Clayton of Boise and his children: Zachary and Naomi; Mike and Maria Clayton of Davis, California, and their children: Alisa and Sonia; Joe and Sarah Clayton of Eagle and their children: Amaia, Alec and Owen. He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane, and his sisters, Teresa Clayton and Kathy Clayton-Wonderlich.
The family would like to give special thanks to Jason Wonderlich, Bill's nephew, for his touching dedication to Bill over the past six months and to Angels Among Us Health Care for the friendship and wonderful care. They would also like to acknowledge the many doctors and nurses who helped Bill. The family hopes all of these special caregivers feel his smile of appreciation as they continue to help others.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 29, at 3 pm, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 2612 West State Street in Boise, followed by a reception at Crane Creek Country Club at 500 W Curling Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bob LeBow Patient Assistance Fund at Terry Reilly Health Services (https://www.trhs.org/donate). Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Idaho Statesman from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, 2024.