Unbeknownst to me until this evening when I was on the computer, a friend informed me, Clayton Klein, the author of many books and former owner of Wilderness Adventure Books passed away. The title of my last piece was "Coincidence," where I spoke briefly about Clayton. Clayton actually passed away on Sunday, the day I published the piece.
I met Clayton when I first moved to the Village of Fowlerville and was working for myself at Madeleine's Manuscripts housed in the offices of Lodden Technology. Clayton called and asked if I could help him with a small writing assignment, which I did. He also offered me the opportunity to present my drawing to him for a book, but the author was looking for a different feel. I was okay with that. I draw now on occasion, but generally not with such detail and mostly it is cartoon in nature.
Clayton had a way with people with his contagious smile. I remember the last walk I had with him in the summer of 2011. Clayton was walking his usual circuit at the Fowlerville Park. He was walking at his same usual clip, much faster than I. In fact, I had to cut across the hill to meet up with him. We talked about a lot of things including his travels overseas.
Clayton told me as a child he had been overweight and so when he got older, it had been a part of his natural routine to follow a nutrition plan and exercising daily. He was an adventurous man and had been on many long canoe rides. In later life, it was always walking from Hell, Michigan to the Mackinaw Bridge.
Clayton gave back to his community in so many ways. He was there to walk with Genesis House Members for individuals who were coping with mental illness. Some of Clayton's children even walked with Clubhouse members as well. Life was about living for Clayton. Marjorie had been his friend and support in life until her passing.
If you ever needed a hand or someone to lift your spirit, you could count on Clayton. He was one in a million. I shall miss you my friend.
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