DaleH
FOUNDER of Classic Parker Forum
It is with a heavy heart that on behalf of the family, I have been asked to inform you that John 'cbigma' Clay, one of the founding members of CP, who also served as a Moderator here for every year since, has passed away. In addition, i was lucky enough to call him a friend and had visited his house many times (I just had to see his super-duper DIY boat Winter tarp wrap in person for myself!) and then on his boat at the marina many times too.
Obituary = https://www.lyonsfuneral.com/obituaries/John-Clay-6/#!/TributeWall
John's love of family, boats, boating, fishing, and his great love of scuba diving was evident in any interactions with him. I cried when I heard the new today ... so please forgive if I penned some thoughts to him and his family and then share it with you here:
"John, far too early, and far too young my friend. We met like ships at sea, first just a passing, then a sharing mutual loves, and then venturing out to each other’s ports. Boats, especially boat projects - our favorite Parker topic! - fishing, family and scuba diving were always topics on the menu when we’d meet, talk or text. Our time spent together was always quality time.
And then like life, or like ships or even like the tides and currents do - we all have our own paths to continue our journeys on and ours had diverted some. I am so sorry for you and for your family that your path was cut too short; far, far too short my friend. It's not fair ...
You made a lasting impact on me, on all of us you touched and helped. I know that when at sea, or whenever I see a Parker boat, I will always think of you and remember you fondly. I will also be there for your family if and whenever they may ever need any assistance with your boat. Fair winds my friend, farewell my friend - to the next time me meet - farewell and rest in peace.“
Obituary = https://www.lyonsfuneral.com/obituaries/John-Clay-6/#!/TributeWall
John's love of family, boats, boating, fishing, and his great love of scuba diving was evident in any interactions with him. I cried when I heard the new today ... so please forgive if I penned some thoughts to him and his family and then share it with you here:
"John, far too early, and far too young my friend. We met like ships at sea, first just a passing, then a sharing mutual loves, and then venturing out to each other’s ports. Boats, especially boat projects - our favorite Parker topic! - fishing, family and scuba diving were always topics on the menu when we’d meet, talk or text. Our time spent together was always quality time.
And then like life, or like ships or even like the tides and currents do - we all have our own paths to continue our journeys on and ours had diverted some. I am so sorry for you and for your family that your path was cut too short; far, far too short my friend. It's not fair ...
You made a lasting impact on me, on all of us you touched and helped. I know that when at sea, or whenever I see a Parker boat, I will always think of you and remember you fondly. I will also be there for your family if and whenever they may ever need any assistance with your boat. Fair winds my friend, farewell my friend - to the next time me meet - farewell and rest in peace.“
