Clay Christopher CUNNINGHAM
Clay Christopher Cunningham
August 13, 1974 – March 29, 2024
It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish, and it is with very heavy hearts we announce the passing of Clay. Born on August 13th, 1974 in Edmonton, Alberta, the world gained a smiling mischievous blue-eyed boy who grew to be a brilliant, kind hearted, and outgoing man.
Clay passed peacefully at home in his sleep on Friday, March 29th.
An irreparable hole has been left in the heart of his partner of 14 years, Bonnie Yates. There was an instant connection and bond between the two from the moment they met. A concert, a rodeo, or just an evening at home dancing in the living room, together was where they wanted to be. The enduring love they had for each other may have been tested at the end, but that true love never wavered.
Also mourning his loss are his parents, Art and Joanne Cunningham of Gunn, Alberta. Clay loved and doted on his parents and was always a phone call away, and in turn the love they had for their son was immeasurable.
His brother Chad, sister-in-law Jennifer, and niece Chloe. Clay and Chad were inseparable as kids, and that never changed, there were no two brothers closer. Clay always wanted kids of his own and was overjoyed and extremely proud when he became an Uncle to Chloe.
Sadly, also left searching and wondering where their treasured “Dad” went, are Bella and Bailey. Clay loved animals and had a special way with all of them, but most of all, his many beloved dogs. His heart was full of love for the many that passed before him.
Clay was very active in sports playing hockey in his younger years, and he raced pro moto cross for many years. From a young age Clay loved rodeo and even tried his hand at bareback riding. With a start in oilfield, Clay made his career for over 20 years with Calibre Drilling.
Clay had fun no matter what he did, and along the way always acquired another friend, and there were many. Clay had a huge heart, and countless people have been touched by his kindness. He will be truly missed.
A celebration of life will be held and Clay will be smiling down on us all. To see his family, loved ones and friends all together remembering him and sharing stories, will have him laughing and dancing above. There’s nothing that Clay would want more, than to have everyone together celebrating the light, joy and love he added to their lives. Date of celebration will be announced shortly.
When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.
So sorry for your loss Bonnie. We only knew Clay for a few years. What is written above is beautiful and describes how we knew him to be. We didn’t know his family but know the feeling of losing a son and offer our condolences to them as well. We’re glad you have these precious memories.
Our condolences to the family. Clay was by far the best neighbour ever, our friendship grew over time, we would always say we were fence buddies and we relied on each other for many things over the years and that friendship intensified over the past couple of years. Clay was kind and generous to us and our many “over the fence” conversations were always enjoyable and always longer than expected, we will miss you Clay. Rest in peace.
I share in your sadness with the loss of Clay. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are of Clay, Chad and my brothers and I getting into mischief while our parents played cards and hung out. He will be missed terribly. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
I had the pleasure of working with Clay for about eight years. Clay was a people person treating people with respect and earning respect from others in return. You seldom saw him without his baseball cap and his sunglasses resting on it. No matter what the job or kind of weather, Clay was always pleasant and helpful.
Deepest sympathy to all who loved and knew him. We are saddened by the loss of Clay and will truly miss him. He will remain forever in our hearts and thoughts.