Gordon Douglas Clay

Gordon D. Clay, 73, a life-long resident of Plymouth, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Copley Hospital, in Morrisville, VT. Born in Plymouth on July 30, 1941, he was the son of David and Ruby (Coffin) Clay. Gordon was raised in Plymouth, attended local schools, graduating from the Plymouth High School. For 41 years, Gordon worked for the Plymouth State College as a Grounds Foreman, retiring in 2002. He also served as a volunteer fire fighter and E.M.T., attaining the rank of 1st Deputy Chief with the Plymouth Fire Department for 26 years. Gordon loved traveling and camping with his family, he and his wife Ellie were loving foster parents, fostering over 73 children throughout the years, adopting three. Gordon was well known throughout Plymouth and the greater Plymouth area as a kind, generous, and compassionate man who helped a lot of people throughout the years; he had a great sense of humor and a well known booming laugh which warmed the hearts of many friends and strangers alike. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and he will be missed by many. Gordon was a dedicated 50 year 32nd Degree Mason with the Olive Branch Lodge, in Holderness. Gordon is predeceased by his parents, and his daughter-in-law, Tracy Clay, in December, 2013. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 ½ years, Ellie (Dunlap) Clay, of Plymouth; seven children, Douglas Clay and his wife Cindy, Timothy Clay, Robert Clay and his wife Melody, William Clay, Jennifer Rodriguez and her husband Derek, foster son Donny Cross and his wife Danielle, foster daughter Pennie Magnes; nine grandchildren, Aidan & Julian Rodriguez, Matthew Clay, Melissa Zimmer, Megan Fetko, Robert, Jr., David, & Amanda Clay, Ashley Clay; eight great-grandchildren, Makenzie & Jacob Clay, Dylan & Justin Zimmer, Covu Catania, Ava Magnes, Logan & Sarah Fetko; godchild, Nicole Magnes; brother, Clinton Clay and his wife Joan, and several nieces & nephews. He is also survived by his loving dog Lola. Donations in Gordon's memory may be made to the NH Humane Society, P.O. Box 572, Laconia, NH 03246 www.nhhumane.org

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Gordon Douglas Clay

July 30, 1941 - September 11, 2014