On October 25, at the age of 85, Clayton Iles—Clay to everyone who knew him—passed away after a long period of declining health.
While he was born in Manitoba, and died in Grande Prairie, it was Tumbler Ridge that Clay called home.
He moved here when the mines opened and worked there until he retired in the late 1990s. He was elected mayor in 1999, and one year later, Quintette Mine shut down ahead of schedule, throwing the town into an existential crisis.
Many pundits saw this as the end of the town, but Clay, in his determined, deliberate way, was able to broker a deal with the Ministry of Housing to sell of the unoccupied housing in town at fire-sale prices. He also put in place rules that would disallow anyone from trying to simply buy the houses and then move them to a different location.
Throughout his life Clay worked hard in various mines, road construction, P&G, and even owned his own autobody shop. He was a highly competitive hockey player, coached many hockey teams and enjoyed the sport with his family.
He also loved playing baseball and never turned down a round of golf. Most of all Clay loved spending time with family and friends. He loved to laugh, dance, snuggle babies, and tell stories.
Clay will be remembered by his family; wife Ferne, sister Deloris (Wayne), brother Lee (Lois) children; Maurice (Dawn), Karlene, Tracy (Phil), Kelly (Rick) and Buck (Tanya), many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the Parfit and Emberley families.
Clay was predeceased by his parents Earl & Vi, wife Marj, brothers Len, Ken, Orval & Morris, grandson Joel, and daughter-in-law Brenda.
In honour of the contributions to the community throughout the years by Clay the street name of Founders Street was renamed to Iles Way in October, 2014.
He was laid to rest on November 1 in Grande Prairie.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
