Clayton Blaine George

Clayton Blaine George passed away from heart failure on February 2, 2021 with his wife LaDonna by his side. He was born on July 15, 1931 in Fargo, ND, the third of seven children born to Gust and Olga (Groth) George. Clayton moved to Bellingham WA with his family in 1945 when he was 14 and graduated Bellingham High School in 1951. He served in the Air National Guard and was stationed at Murphy’s Dome, AK after receiving the call to duty during the Korean War. He attended WWU for one year. Clayton married LaDonna McClellan on June 16, 1956. Their first son, Rich, was born October 21, 1959, and their second son Rob was born June 6, 1961. After working at Morse Hardware picking orders, Clayton went to work for Columbia Valley laying linoleum for a few years, until he got water on his knee. For many years he sold and delivered Frito Corn Chips for Frito Lay Co., introducing this new product to our region. He was then offered a job with Olsen Brokerage Co. calling on grocery stores selling food products. Later, Clayton hired on with Ralston Purina selling pet food and Chex Cereal until he retired in 1990 due to an injury. Clayton was passionate about boats and cars. He built his first drag boat in his garage and named it Six Pak. But one wasn’t enough, so he built another, bigger, faster drag boat and named it Hoof Hearted. Then he bought a bay boat. The family spent countless holidays boating and water skiing at Lake Chelan. Even more than boats, Clayton loved his Ford Mustangs and showed them at car shows with the Fourth Corner Elites Car Club which he was a proud member of. Clayton donated all proceeds from the car shows to Operation Santa for under privileged kids. In addition to the boats and cars, he bought an MCI 9 tour bus from Hesselgrave Tours. He and his best friend, Russ King stripped the interior and converted it to a motorcoach. Clayton and LaDonna traveled the U.S. in that coach, even living in it as desert snowbirds. They belonged to the Puget Sounders Motorhome Club and the National Family Motor Coach Association. Clayton and LaDonna could be frequently found out on the town dancing the night away with close friends. Clayton also enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, bowling, golf and was a member of the Elks Club. Most of all, Clayton loved his family, and adored his grandkids, and great-grandkids! He is survived by his wife of 64 1/2 years, LaDonna McClellan George, son Rich George (Lana), granddaughters; Brittney May (Luke) and Lacey Tucker (Bryce) great-grand-children; Gia, Maddie, Eva, and Max May and Aubrey & Scarlet Tucker, brother-in-law Jerry McClellan, and sister-in-law Vicki George, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Clayton was preceded in death by son Rob George on January 25, 1982, his parents, and his in-laws Max and Alta McClellan, siblings; Elaine Larson, Maxine Coxworth, Darlene Manwill, Marlys Sullins, Norman George, and Gary George, and sister-in-law Kristie McClellan. Clayton’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Whatcom Hospice for the wonderful care they provided. Memorial donations in Clayton’s name may be made to Whatcom Hospice 2901 Squalicum Parkway Bellingham WA 98225. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Clayton Blaine George

July 15, 1931 - February 2, 2021