Mr. Andrew W. Clay, 1935-2013

Mr. Andrew W. Clay, 1935-2013
Our counselor at Nicolas Junior High School, 1957-1970

Andrew Wickham Clay died suddenly on July 24, 2013, at the age of 78.

Born on July 2, 1935 in Glendale, CA to Robert and Mabel (Wickham) Clay, Andy lived in Los Angeles County until moving to Anaheim in 1952, graduating from Anaheim High School in 1954. As a youth, he was active in theater arts and sang in the local boys' choir, usually as a soloist. He attended Fullerton Junior College and transferred to San Jose State University, graduating with a degree in elementary education. At FJC, he met his future wife, Dorothy (Addy), whom he married in 1956.

Returning to Orange County, he accepted his first teaching position at Nicolas Jr. High in Fullerton where he also served as vice principal. For more than twenty years, he was the principal at Ladera Vista Jr. High, but eventually returned to the classroom- his first love- teaching 6th grade at Hermosa and Acacia before retiring after a forty-five year career in education.

Retirement was anything but. He continued to accept substitute teaching positions and traveled extensively with Dorothy when not engaged in tireless volunteer work-a hallmark of his entire life-for Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul, several orphanages in Tijuana, and his church, St. Boniface.

His outgoing personality and quick wit made him a favorite among his students and colleagues, but especially his grandchildren, with whom he shared countless jokes and silly stories.

He leaves behind Dorothy, his beloved wife of fifty-seven years; children, Stephanie George (Hal) of Villa Park, Michael (Lori) of Fullerton, David (Angela) of Vista, and Rosemary Segal of Fullerton; fifteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Anna Clay of Katy, Texas; and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Wickham Clay, son-in-law, Charles Segal, and two grandchildren.

Vigil is scheduled for Monday, July 29, 7:00 p.m. St. Catherine Academy (St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel) Anaheim.

Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 10:00 a.m. St. Boniface Catholic Church. Anaheim.

Interment will be at Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to One Legacy Foundation or the charity of your choice

. HILGENFELD MORTUARY

Published in Orange County Register from July 27 to July 29, 2013

Add Comment

Gaggia on July 5, 2018 at 2:23 PM said:

I remember Mr. Clay as a slightly, portly fellow. I believe he over-saw the Student Council. I know I could really be a burr under his saddle, though he was quick to forgive and forget. The hardest job, they say, in education is teaching/counselling the kids between elementary school and high school. And, of course, that's right where Mr. Clay put himself; On the front lines of the battlefield. Of he'd been on either side of that line, he'd probably still be here. My sympathies to his many loved ones. They sure have braggin' rights on this old warrior

Paul Saevig, ‘67 on May 13, 2018 at 10:36 AM said:

[I think we had an earlier obituary for Mr. Clay, but it seems to have been lost.]

Mr. Clay was a wonderful gentleman, and such a kind, compassionate person. I remember the gentle way he’d put his hand on our shoulders when he talked to us. What he taught me by words and actions has stayed with me all my life.