March 21, 1937 - October 14, 2014

Randolph "Ralph" Clayton - 77 of Gibson Woods, Kings County, passed away very suddenly on Tuesday October 14, 2014, at the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, Nova Scotia. He was a son of the late William D. and Marjorie Clayton (Upshaw) and step-father Clarence Clayton. He was one of 19 children. At the time of his passing, his family, whom he was much loved by, was beside him. Ralph was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and spent his childhood in East Preston and attended the Partridge River School. After school there was little time for playing. In those days most families struggled, times were different, there was always lots of chores to do cultivating the gardens, weeding, tending the animals, cutting wood during the winter months. Ralph was the type of person who rarely complained and was always willing to lend a helping hand to family members or anyone who needed help. He had lots of skills, could take any situation and turn it around. Ralph left the community, moving to Montreal in his late teens seeking employment. He spent many years with the CN  Railway/Via Rail in various positions. He later returned to Nova Scotia, living in the community of Gibson Woods, near his sister. He later sought employment with the Kings Housing Authority until illness forced his retirement. He joined the Gibson Woods United Baptist Church and was an active member. He served on the Board of Trustees and AUBA Brotherhood of District 3 Churches. He also served as Deacon, holding the position of Honorary Deacon until his death. Left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, his beloved wife of 35 years, Lise (Pelletier); sons, Randall, Dartmouth; Derrick (Henrietta), Kentville; daughters, Myra Blowe (Phillip), Colette (Shawn) and Sharon (Geoffrey), all of Virginia, USA; Nancy Hazel (Charles), Aldershot; God children, Terri-lynn Andrew, Waverley; Nathan Sparks, Cherry Brook; sisters, Geraldine Browning, Gibson Woods; Eveline and Jean Earle (Ron), all of East Preston; Olive Emerson (Fred), Cherry Brook; Claudette Korchinski (Peter) and Vanessa, both of Ontario; brothers, Roy (Lois), Dartmouth; Timothy, East Preston; Cecil and Eddy, Vancouver. Grampy will be missed by 16 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ruth, Peggy and Mary; brother-in-law, Hilton Braznell, Montreal and a multitude of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and step-father, he was predeceased by a daughter, Alana Turner, Virginia, USA; brothers, Raymond, Donald, Burthon, Bayfield and Dexter; sisters, Leona, Montreal; Marie, Kathleen, Josephine and Wanda, all of East Preston; brothers-in-law, Orval Browning and George Sparks. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2014 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, where the funeral service, followed by a reception, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2014, Pastor Stephen Gough officiating. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Gunn, Dr. Sinclair and the Annapolis Valley Victorian Order of Nurses, especially Beth Lynn Hird for their care, kindness and compassion. Donations in memory may be made to the Gibson Woods United Baptist Church (402 Gibson Woods Road, C/o Dennis Jackson, Centreville, NS B0P 1J0) or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.