March 5th, 1940 – February 29, 2024
On February 29, 2024, just 5 short days from his 84th Birthday, Dad passed away at HSC surrounded by the love of his family.
Left to cherish wonderful memories are his loving companion, Debbie Lamoureux; Children Deb Devaney and Al Claydon; Stepsons Tom and Don (Darla Hiebert) Corbett; Grandchildren, Jay & Ty (Lisa) Devaney, Taryn (Mike) Bird, Corey and Cassidy Claydon, Abbi & Jenni Corbett; Great Grandchildren, Jack, Piper, Ava and Norah; brother Bill Claydon; Nieces and nephews, Catherine (Jeremy Tritton), James (Milena), Kerry, Curtis (Lorrie), Claydon and their families. He will also be fondly remembered by his former wife, Carol Claydon and sister-in-law Edna Claydon.
He was predeceased by his parents Harry & Eva, his brother Jim, sister-in-law Diane and niece Tracy.
Dad was born in Winnipeg on March 5th, 1940. He grew up in West Kildonan and attended West Kildonan Collegiate.
He was employed by Winnipeg Transit as a bus driver from 1963 to 1978. He was then elected as President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, a position he truly loved. He was a skilled orator and fought fiercely, fairly and successfully for employee rights until he took an early retirement in 1993 at the age of 53. Not one to sit idly, shortly after he chose to drive a school bus for the Seven Oaks School Division. He was much loved by the staff & students. The students especially appreciated that he set up a sound system and played “their music” along the journey. Unfortunately, that abruptly ended in 2016 as a result of a stroke, which robbed him of one of his most endearing qualities, his ability to communicate effectively.
He was a kind and gentle man, and he really was a joy to be around. He always had a wonderful smile for everyone and could carry a meaningful or lighthearted conversation on just about any subject. He was very interested in Politics and world events and could be found watching CNN for hours a day with his cat Princess snuggled on his lap. He loved all types of music, had a lovely singing voice and you would often find him singing or whistling some of his favorite tunes.
Dad was a hobbyist woodworker and enjoyed spending time in his workshop with Granddaughter Taryn. He was always on hand to help family and friends with building and renovation projects. He enjoyed travelling, especially his winter vacations in Puerto Vallarta and spending time in the summer at West Hawk Lake, relaxing with his beloved dog Cookie by his side. He also enjoyed getting on the lake in his boat, ‘Miss Piggy’. He was especially happy when the Grandkids would come out for visits. He also enjoyed cheering on his Grandsons at their hockey games.
For the last few years, Dad chose to reside at River Ridge II. It was a lovely retirement facility, and he really enjoyed his time there. He was known by the residents as ‘the whistler’. We would like to thank all the staff for treating him with the respect and dignity he deserved.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and no formal service will be held.
Rest easy. You were well loved by many and will be greatly missed.
20 thoughts on “Harry Hugh Claydon”
My condolences to Debbie and Harry’s family on his passing. Harry was a lovely man who always had a smile on his face.
Dana Valente – Seven Oaks School Division
I will miss you forever. Thank you for all you have done for me and given me. Thank you for the wonderful trips we took,all the good times,and at times some tears. I will remember each and every day we had.
Your Sarah.
We will miss you Harry! Your smile and personality could light up the room.
It’s hard to believe Uncle Harry is no longer with us. Our hearts go out to everyone close to him. I’ll always remember his boat rides, laid-back charm, and easy going nature. May his spirit and infectious laughter shine bright in our hearts like the summer sun. Rest peacefully, Uncle Harry.
My deepest sympathy. Harry was a great man. It was never a dull moment with him around. He always lit up a room. He will be missed.
Harry is the most brilliant man – He hired me almost 39 years and working with him was amazing – Even after his retirement in 93 his guidance was valuable – He was and always will be ATU (Amalgamated Transit Union) – Harry had debates with top leaders, political and otherwise and Winnipeg Transit knew Harry Claydon for being fair, well spoken and a true advocate for the members of ATU! Knowing Harry – he is having many conversations with those who went before him and in true Claydon style I’m sure my Dad and him are having a real debate as my Dad was NOT a Union man – I’d love to hear that conversation!
He’ll still have his Coffee and Newspaper and his cat Tabby is likely laying on his paper – the only female who could interrupt that morning constitution – in the Union Office we all knew not to talk to Harry while he was reading the paper and later he’d start preparing letters to address articles!
No bad words could be spoken about Harry
Travel safe in your journey Harry
He was a mentor to myself and others. When he worked in the Union office he was always there to help.
Great memories Harry., at West Hawk, tubing on the apple River, camping outside Fargo and many New Years too.
You were a great friend and will be missed.
Uncle Harry,
I have many fond memories of my Uncle Harry. He was always very kind to me growing up. So funny!
Harry was important to me and was an amazing “step” dad. He was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed by many. Definitely have great memories Harry. I remember the family trip to Disney land when I was little. Many great experiences at West Hawk lake. He will be remembered fondly.
Uncle Harry,
I don’t remember a time when you didn’t have a huge smile on your face and a joyful twinkle in your eyes. Your smile really lit up a room and instantly put people at ease.
I have so many fond childhood memories of Christmas and Boxing Day parties at your house, with you singing along to your favourite tunes from Engelbert Humperdinck. You made sure you said his name often, because you knew it would evoke giggles from all the kids.
I will cherish the happy memories of West Hawk Lake bonfires and rides on Miss Piggy. You were always so patient and encouraging as I tried (and failed lol) to learn how to waterski.
Thank you for the smiles, Uncle Harry. You were easy to love, and hard to lose. You will be dearly missed.
Sending deepest condolences to Uncle Harry’s family, friends, and all who loved him. May your cherished memories of Uncle Harry always put a smile on your face. xoxo
Sorry to hear about Harry’s sudden passing
Sending condolences to the remaining Claydon family in Wpg.and his children.
We have lots of fond memory’s of Harry from their family occasions and we always had a lot of fun and laughs!because of his good sense of humour.
He did have a great smile and always was fun to be around..
Rest In Peace …Harry.
He will be remembered bye everyone that met him!.
Eric& Irene Bechert ,Calgary AB
Diane Claydon was my sister.
Having known Harry for 60+ years, he was a wonderful brother-in-law. He will always be remembered for his kind and loving nature and joy of life. Xxx
So sad yet such a blessing. What a great guy! Happy trails to you!
Harry was always so kind and entertaining to my daughters Stephanie and Nicole. We spent many weekends at WestHawk with Harry and Carol.
He would sing Too RaLooRaLoo and they adored him. Rest in peace “Harry-B”.
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of uncle Harry. He was always so kind to us when we were kids.
Colleen (carol’s niece)
Fond memories of days at the Union Centre and ‘The Working Dog.’
Sincere condolences to Harry’s family.
Lorraine and Doug Neal
Oh my, the world has lost a truly great man. Harry was the light of the union office. He always had a smile on his face. He always gave great advice when confronted with an ATU member who had a problem. Harry was just one of those truly awesome people that you just couldn’t help but like. He was always helpful and so proud of the first of the female bus operators. He went out of his way to ensure that those first ladies were dealt with fairly and always respectfully. Yes, it was impossible not to like Harry. We are so sorry to hear about this and wish his entire family true and heartfelt condolences. He sure will be missed.
Still in shock,
Harry was my best friend and buddy who I had known for 65 plus years. I have fond memories of boating on the river and at West Hawk Lake in “Miss Piggy”, many trips to Fargo for our fabulous New Years Parties, meeting at the union Office to go out for drinks/evening. This is one guy that loved his position as the President of the Amalgamated Transit Union for Winnipeg. When it came to Union matters and Politics, he could not be stumped. He had a fabulous constant smile on his face, who also had a way about him that lit up the room when he walked in, made everyone feel valued and comfortable. He loved his word working and often would extended a helping hand. I will never forget him and miss him already. See ya down the road Bud.
My condolences to Harry’s family. I was a bus operator with Winnipeg Transit & knew Harry as a well respected Union President of the ATU Local 1505. You will be missed, Harry.
John Boxall