Clay Crichton

WILMINGTON—Clay Robert Crichton, 70, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2024, after a valiant, hard-fought battle with cancer. His fight solidified the toughness he carried throughout his life-though for anyone who knew him, that was never in doubt.
Clay was born March 24, 1954 and was raised in Wilmington, Clay spent over 20 years living in Colorado before retiring from SunCor Energy and returning to his hometown.
Clay proudly served in the United States Army and was a millwright by trade. His career led him on countless adventures, from field service in remote towns in Mexico to working inside the Hoover Dam, nuclear power plants, and refineries. Clay was exceptionally proud of his work and exemplified the meaning of hard work and dedication.
He had a lifelong passion for bowling, with an impressive list of accomplishments-though he was never one to brag. He loved playing cards with friends, especially Euchre, and was an avid enthusiast of Mopar cars, motorcycles, and military history. Known for his love of great music, Clay always had the jukebox going and the speakers cranked up. Above all, he deeply enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
Anyone fortunate enough to know Clay knew he brought life into any room he entered. A spark of energy, he made sure everyone around him was having a good time. Clay embodied the spirit of "work hard, play harder," with a blue-collar grit, a wild and free spirit, and a calm demeanor that nothing could shake. His collection of stories, brimming with adventure and humor, could fill a library.
Clay is survived by his children: Caryn and Ted, and his beloved grandchildren: Cameron, Eastynn, and Hudson.
A celebration of life will be held at The Rustic Inn in Wilmington on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 at 2 p.m.
In honoring Clay's memory, we remember a hardworking, kind-hearted, and fiercely independent man who lived life on his terms and left an indelible mark on everyone he met.