Memories
of Clayton

Clayton's Eulogy

Written by Clay's mom Brenda Phillips for Clay's memorial gathering at the Squalicum Boathouse in Bellingham, WA, August 25th, 2024

Clayton was a strong and vibrant young man, vital in all ways, and at the peak of his life. He tragically lost his life at sea on July 25, 2024 at the age of 36, while captaining his own fishing vessel in Alaska.  

 

His passing leaves behind his wife, Cheyenne. His son, Cillian and a daughter -- who was born just yesterday (24th August, 2024). His mother Brenda Phillips and father Guy Hoy, and his step parents, Chris and Jora. As well as his loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-siblings, and all of Cheyenne’s family. Family was incredibly important to Clayton and he loved them very much. Those who are still with us, and those who have left us were a huge part of Clay’s life. 

 

Clayton was born on a warm, sunny day, June 5, 1988. The waiting room was filled with family and friends waiting to greet Guy and Brenda’s first and only child.

 

He was a big baby…really big.  He was at ease and content from his first breath. His mom took one look at him and felt he’d been here before…perhaps more than once. 

 

They lived in Everson where Clayton had a true sense of belonging within his community. Many friends from that community are with us here today.

 

He had a way of bringing all sides of his family together.  Especially at his birthday parties and in the school bleachers to watch him play baseball, basketball, soccer, and of course…wrestling.  Which he took very seriously.  

 

In middle school, he would scan the ingredients on food labels and describe to his mom what each of them would do to your body. Definitely an early sign of his life-long focus on fitness and health. 

 

Even at an early age, it was clear that Clayton was intelligent. He had an insatiable thirst for learning about literally everything. He read so often, sometimes his parents would actually ask him to put down his book. 

 

While waiting for his father to return from fishing in Alaska, his mom would take him on surprise mystery tours.  Either to the zoo, science center, or the aquarium.  His big brain would take in all the facts about the cosmos, the earth and its creatures -- retain all that information -- and recite it back like a living encyclopedia. Clay and Brenda had a strong bond that lasted throughout his life.  

Growing up, he spent time fishing with his mom and dad in Bellingham Bay in an open skiff…and never complained once, even in bad weather.

 

At the age of 15, he began his fishing career in Bristol Bay, crewing with his dad. 

 

He was a natural, and he loved it…eventually becoming a captain himself.

 

Fishing was in his blood. 

 

And like his dad, he was very good at it.  He loved and respected his father. They had a close and unique bond. Working together and friends and partners.

 

Clayton was a wonderful blend of both Brenda and Guy. Passionate, warm, hard working, tough, funny, focussed, physical, driven, clever, proud, loyal, and kind.  

 

Clayton was no ordinary man. He knew who he was.  And everything he did, he did with a force to be reckoned with.

 

He was a warrior.

 

He could be as wild as he could be calm. And this balance made him very special. He was a generous and loyal friend. Ask any friend. Clay was there for you.  Those who knew him well understood his quirky sense of humor. If you got it…then you got it. 

 

Clayton had an insatiable drive to challenge himself mentally and physically.  Mixed martial arts was a perfect fit for this passion, and it became a major part of his life.  Eventually, to further pursue his MMA career, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 

And there is where he met the love of his life, Cheyenne. 

 

His family never saw him happier. Clayton and Cheyenne were a perfect fit.  They were best friends and did everything together.  

 

And she became part of our family instantly and effortlessly.

 

It was just a matter of time when they decided to get married and start a family.  When Cillian arrived, Clayton was so proud and happy. He threw himself into being the best father he could possibly be. They spent lots of time going on family hikes and sharing his love of the outdoors. Cillian spent so much of his young life in a pack on his dad’s back out in the woods. 

 

Whatever Clayton decided to do, he did it to its fullest.

 

He loved to push himself physically.  He’d carry packs full of rocks up mountainsides, practiced archery, loved to hike, and created unique fitness routines every day -- keeping his physique in peak condition.

 

He developed a deep passion to provide food for his family with his own hands. He trained his loving dog, Fane, to hunt with him and they became a formidable team. They loved and respected each other. 

 

Clayton took pride in bringing home food from the land and riches from the sea. Salmon, duck, grouse, venison and wild turkey were always on the menu for his family. He loved to cook, rustling up gourmet meals with a real passion. 

 

In January this year, Clayton and Cheyenne shared the news they’d be expecting another child…a little girl. Clay was beyond excited…a new addition to their beautiful family.

 

They both shared the same dream of raising their children to be strong, self-sufficient and learn how to provide for themselves. We will carry that dream on for them.  

 

He has left an enormous void - but shoulder to shoulder, in his honor, all of you - his friends and family - will find a way to that next horizon, knowing that there is so much of Clayton that lives on in his little children and in his bright spirit that will shine forever. 

 

There is no guide book for life without Clayton. No easy path for his family and friends to follow. One day at a time is the only way. 

 

But what we can do is rally around his family----especially Cheyenne, little Cillian and Clayton's baby girl when she arrives in a few days. 

 

For him, we can surround them with the love and support they'll need in the coming weeks, months, and years. 

 

And we can keep Clayton's immense spirit alive for them as we all live with him in our hearts and minds, every day, as he watches over us with love. 

 

❤️