Neil Kenneth Clay

North Fork-area resident Neil Kenneth Clay died on Friday, June 27, at Carla’s Vista View in Montrose. He was 86.

Neil was born in Arlington, Colo., on Aug. 6, 1921, to Mark Roscoe and Mary Belle McCabe Clay. He spent his childhood in Eads, Colo. He graduated from high school in Eads in 1939. Neil had lived in Hotchkiss for the last 69 years.

On April 5, 1942, Neil married the love of his life, Willetta Berdine Thornberry, in Hotchkiss. To this union five children were born. Together Neil and Billie celebrated 64 years of love and marriage. Willetta preceded Neil in death on Christmas Day 2006.

The most important thing in his life was his family. He was Hotchkiss postmaster from 1959 to 1976. Neil enjoyed sports; he had coached Old Timers Baseball in Hotchkiss. He was a people person; he had served as chief of the Hotchkiss Volunteer Fire Department. Neil was an orchardist and gardener. He did small engine repair at his home in Hotchkiss for many of his neighbors and friends. Neil liked hunting, fishing, arrowhead hunting and collecting coins, and working at “the Cabin” on Dyer Creek.

Those grateful to have shared in Neil’s life are sons Carl (Judy) Clay of Montrose, Keith (Gudrun) Clay of Aurora, Harold (Cynda) Clay of Hotchkiss and Aaron (Gayla) Clay of Delta; daughter Arla (Fred) Meyer of Fort Collins; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Neil was preceded in death by his wife, four brothers and three sisters.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at Riverside Cemetery in Hotchkiss with his children officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carla’s Care Home, 118 Vista View, Montrose, CO 81401 or to the Hotchkiss Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 522, Hotchkiss, CO 81419.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.