Roy Ernest Clayton

It is with deep sadness at his passing and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our father on December 31, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Saint John, NB.

Roy “Tunney” Clayton was born in Fernhill Cemetery, Saint John, NB, on August 12, 1931. He was the son of the late Roy Sr. and Grace (née Erb), who were the caretakers of Fernhill Cemetery and resided in the cemetery house.

Tunney, as many of us knew him, was exceptionally talented with his hands. He was always carving or turning wood. He became a pattern maker and began his career at McAvity & Sons. He later stepped out on his own, establishing Clayton Woodworking – Custom Cabinets, a business he ran for more than 40 years. Throughout this time, Roy continued his woodcarving and went on to build musical instruments. He also took up oil painting and continued creating well into his 90s — always designing, always creating.

Country music held a special place in Roy’s heart. He was actively involved with the Bradley Lake Jam and the Sussex Corner Jam with the Country Gold Band. He could often be found designing and building the stage, setting up the sound system, or playing and singing on stage. Thank you to all who were part of this — Dad’s music family meant the world to him.

Roy is survived by his son Chris Clayton (Ann); daughter Kim Stubbs (Tim Greer); and stepdaughter Heather Carroll (George); along with his nieces and nephew, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. He was blessed to have an incredible friend and neighbour, Wendy Swinemar Wilkins, who was like a daughter to him. Roy also greatly enjoyed his friendship with his home care worker, Gail Kilpatrick — whose cocoa-making skills none of us could ever quite master “like Gail does.”

Besides his parents, Roy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Thelma (Fairweather McKenney); his three sisters, Audrey Scott, Ruth Watts Kale, and June Billingsley; his niece Marilyn Trott; and his infant grandson, Gregory Stubbs.

We extend a special thank you to all the staff on the GEM (5th) floor of St. Joseph’s Hospital, who provided our dad with exceptional care and many warm blankets right to the end.

Thank you to all who knew him and were part of “walking him home.”

Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, (506-646-2424).  Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8th 2026 from 2pm -4pm and 6pm – 8pm. Celebration of Life service will be held on January 9th 2026, 3pm in the Fundy Chapel (Fundy Funeral Home).  Internment will take place in the spring at Fernhill Cemetery where he will once again be home.

Donations in Roy/Tunney’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice