Clayton Van Damme, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, February 21, 2025, in the comfort of his friend's home.

Clay was born in Russell, MB on September 2, 1978, to Roger and Mary Van Damme, the middle child with sisters Lisa and Sherry.

Clay was a lover of animals as a child and continued into his adulthood. He grew up on a farm and learned to operate most farming equipment and always had an interest in mechanics so would read books on how to tear apart engines, etc. With his dad's assistance, they rebuilt a 1978 Pontiac Firebird. He loved fast muscle vehicles and to the very end he continued to redesign his Ford 150 truck which was his pride and joy, always in meticulous shape and shining like a silvery moon.

Clay left home at an early age to explore working for a living and spent many summers with his Uncle Ivan learning the trade of construction. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, whether it be mechanics, plumbing, tiling, electrical, masonry, cement pouring, to building complete structures from scratch. He enjoyed fishing, both summer and ice fishing, kayaking and would enjoy shooting the rapids in the spring. He had a love for music and his favorite thing to do was watch movies. Clay had a great sense of humor and would help anyone in need with a kind, full heart.

Clay had many career changes from Dorn Construction, oil fields, Potash mine in Esterhazy, masonry in Ingnias to Dryden where he worked for an Aussie, Gunar Hardam, whom he formed a great relationship with. He worked for Gaiser Construction for 15 years and from there went out on his own as the demand for good carpentry was high. He always had jobs lined up, even to this spring, there were many people waiting for his expertise.

When cancer reared its ugly head in the spring of 2023, which led to an ongoing battle of many surgeries, treatments and unbearable pain. He met it head on and fought a very hard fight. He never wanted to be hospitalized so we did palliative at home and that is where he said his goodbyes.

Clay was blessed and survived by his three children which he was so proud of, Brett (Maddy), Alyssa (Dean) and Ryden; mother Mary (Wes); father Roger (Jean); sisters Lisa (Jarred) and family, Sherry; grandmother Jessie; his very special kitten Ausha; and as he always said his best friend on the planet Audrey (Doreen). Clay's aunts and uncles Dennis (Betty Anne), Harvey (Bev), Ivan (Paulette), Gerard, Bev (Gerry), Deanne (Henri), Judy, and Randy (Leslee) played an important part in his life and were always there when called upon. Clay was predeceased by his aunt Dorothy Sanders (nee Van Damme) and uncle Jerry Timmerman.

We would like to thank the team at CancerCare, in Winnipeg and Brandon, and the volunteers; Melissa Peters at Palliative Care and Trina Martins with Homecare, they allowed Clay to stay in the comfort of my home until the end. Special thanks to Joe Ball for all his support and visits with Clay, which helped meet his religious beliefs.



A Celebration of Clayton's Life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330 – 18th Street North, Brandon, MB on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.