Obituary of Harrold Smith Clayson

Unexpectedly at his home, on April 13 2024, at the age of 94, Harrold Clayson joined his beloved Mona (nee Atkinson) in their heavenly home.

Harrold Smith Clayson was born March 6 1930 to Elsie and Harry Clayson in Beamsville Ontario, where he grew up with three brothers (George, Eric, and Stanley) and one sister (Goldie).  As the middle child, Harrold was named after both the town (Harrold with two r’s) from which his parents had immigrated in England, and after his mother’s maiden name (Smith).

He went on to follow in the family tradition of the Clayson’s in England by becoming a bricklayer/stone mason.  Just as travelling to England allows one to see the work of his ancestors, so too can we see his work today in the many houses and buildings in the Niagara Peninsula and beyond for which he was the craftsman.  He greatly enjoyed and was a perfectionist when working and designing a custom fireplace out of brick or fieldstone, for which he found and split himself.

Harrold is survived by two sisters-in-law: Lois (George) and Mary (Eric) who will both greatly miss him.  He is also survived by his three step children:  Ruth, Rachel, and Paul, whom he guided throughout their lives from 1963 forward. He will also be missed greatly by his grandchildren and their families with whom he maintained active and loving relationships until the end: Allison with spouse Ryan, (Maddy, Hayden and Austin), Brendon and spouse Alicia, (Violet), Jessica, Nathan, Meaghan with partner Steve, (Luna), and Ben.  He was particularly fond of his great grandchildren, and took every chance to see them.

Finally,  “Uncle Harrold” will be greatly missed by nieces and nephews from all three families- the Clayson family, the Atkinson family, and the Adams/ Yorke family.  All will miss his zany and loving spirit, his interest in their lives, and his sense of humour.  In England, several cousins will miss his presence on this earth- he last visited in 2017 for an extended trip to visit all, and revisit Harrold along with meeting distant relatives.  England was one of his favourite places to visit, and he and Mona went several times.

Harrold’s faith was a strong part of his life, and despite life’s “ups and downs”, he never lost that faith, and was a strong proponent of practicing what one preaches. After retirement, he and Mona chose to work with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Calgary and the province of Alberta.  They made many more new friends in the west due to the move.  Moving back to Ontario, he continued to attend Calvary Gospel Church as a lifelong member, and his dear friends in the church community will particularly miss his friendship and interest.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV)

Harrold will be celebrated on Tuesday April 23rd 2024 in a memorial service at 11:15 AM at Calvary Gospel Church in Beamsville (4129 Hixon St), with refreshments to be served afterwards. Come prepared to speak briefly at the service if you like with your “Harrold” story as there is nothing he enjoyed more than his people and storytelling.

Donations can be made to Faith Mission in memory of Harrold.