We Remember
CLAY, Victor Barry
—
April 23, 1939 – July 02, 2021
Victor Barry Clay passed away peacefully at the Kelowna General Hospital on July 02, 2021.
Vic has overcome many obstacles in his life, but this past year has been the most challenging for him after falling and fracturing his hip last June. He was in and out of the hospital many times over the past year until he finally succumbed to his injuries and other health disorders.
Victor is survived by his wife Denise and children Cheryl, Danny, Lynn & Sarah. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Matthew, Melissa, Nicole, Isabella, Conor, Geoffrey, Corbin, Jacob & Maryn and 7 great-grandchildren Emilia, James, Alyssa, Bradley, Izabella, Kurtis & Freya.
Victor was the son of Percy Clay born in Halifax, Yorkshire England and Bertha E. Tribe, born in Olds, Alberta. Victor, commonly known as “Barry” throughout his childhood, was born in St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver, BC on April 23, 1939. He was predeceased by both his parents and his older brother Ronald Wesley Clay.
Victor spent much of his childhood living in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He would travel with his mother and older brother to BC to visit his many Auntie’s and Uncle’s in and around the Chilliwack area for summer vacations. Victor and his parents eventually settled in Kelowna, BC.
Vic joined the sea cadets as a young teenager and later joined the Navy where he was able to pursue his passion of being a chef. Anyone who knows Vic can agree he loved to cook and made many delicious meals for his family and friends. Vic wore many hats over the years, but his true passion was helping people, especially troubled teens. Victor loved his dogs and always had a few dogs in his home over the years. Vic was probably the most dedicated Canucks Fan, although he loved most sports. It was comforting to know he was able to watch his familiar programs in his final days. He was always willing to learn new things, and he enjoyed keeping in touch via Face Time over the Pandemic, which was a savior for all the family members that weren’t able to visit. Our family would like to thank the nurses and team on 3East for the care they provided. A special thank you to Dr. Jeremy Harris for his kindness and compassion.
Victor will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I really appreciated Vic for his compassionate nature and his service as a foster parent. He was a fine man. My condolences to his family.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
💕 My Heart Goes Out To Denise Clay And Family. My Name Is Troy Patrick Parker. I Was One Of Those Trouble Youth Going Down A Very Dark Path That Would Have Taken My Life. Vic And Denise Let Me Into Their Home 🏠 And Showed Me That I Could Have A Different Life, A Life I Never Believed I could Have. Vic Had A Unique Gift A Gift Of Wise Words A Gift That Made Me Believe In My Self, A Gift That Made Me To Believe I Had The Power In Myself To Survive In This World, No matter Of What Hardships Iv Experienced Growing up.
This Gift Vic Used So Naturally Had Such An Impact On My Consciousness And My Life And Will Stay With Me All My Life. Both Vic And Denise Im So Grateful for Both of You. If It Wasn’t For You Two I know I Would Have Ended Up Leaving This Planet Way To Early. Will See ayou Again One Day Vic Clay.
Love And Light To You
Troy Patrick Parker
I was one of the troubled teens in his care. 1997/1998? He was in my life for inly a few months but he made a huge impact on me. I was just thinking about him and found out right now about his passing. I am now a Grip film technician on many Warner Bros productions on TV. Mostly the superhero ones. I wanted to tell him. Peace be with you brother. You mattered.
This man was the best of us all, his compassion for helping troubled children, I know I was one of them. And I am sad by his passing. I would not be the man I am today without his guidance, caring, and loving compassion, he always brought out the best in all of us.. R.I.P good sir, you will be missed by many. And thank you for everything that you and your wife Denise did for me…