Obituary of Wayne Ralph Claypool

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Wayne Ralph Claypool on Thursday April 12, 2018. Wayne passed peacefully at home with his loving family by his side. Wayne was born March 20th, 1945, in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan to Leo and Winnifred Claypool. He was the fourth child of a family of 6. Wayne was predeceased by his brothers Del (Winnifred) and Errol (Kathleen) Claypool and by his sister Diana (Arthur) Mackenzie. He is survived by his sister Darlene Welsh and his brother David (Vivian) Claypool. He is also survived by his brothers in law Fred (Kathy), Larry, Ed (Marlene), and Dale Tucker. Wayne will be greatly missed by his wife of 51 years, Carol, his children Dean Claypool, Wendy (Ron) Lepage, and Wade Claypool (Jenn Radtke), and by his grandchildren Brennan Claypool, Emma, Kelsey, and Mason Lepage, as well as many other family and friends.
Wayne was raised on the family farm in the Beechy area, and took over running the farm at the age of 17 when his father passed away suddenly. While in Beechy, Wayne met and married Carol Tucker. Shortly after, Wayne got a job with the Credit Union which took them to live in various locations around southern Saskatchewan.  Wayne’s enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with the Credit Union which spanned 40 years. In 1974, Wayne and Carol moved to Swift Current so that he could join Burroughs, Weber, and Partners accounting firm. Two years later, Wayne returned to the Credit Union when he joined Pioneer Credit Union, where he would continue on as General Manager. While in Swift Current raising their family, Wayne was an active member of the First United Church, joined Rotary, and became an active participant in many community activities including coaching hockey and baseball teams.
In 1993, Wayne and Carol moved to Estevan where Wayne was the manager of finance and eventually became CEO of the credit union, until his retirement in the fall of 2007. While in Estevan, Wayne continued on his active service to the church, to Rotary, and to the community. After retirement, Wayne and Carol moved to Saskatoon to be closer to family allowing them to attend many of their grandchildren’s music and sports activities. Wayne continued to be involved in many leadership roles with the United Church, as well as with the Meewasin Rotary club. During his Rotary career, Wayne was president of three different clubs and served as District Governor, continuing his commitment of service to others.
Wayne’s life was rich and joy filled. He enjoyed many trips which took him around the world, as well as annual fishing trips with friends and family to Fishing Lake, to the cabin at Clam Lake with the Bowman’s and the Fosters, and to the annual Bowman, Foster, Claypool camping trip to Cyprus Hills. In retirement, Wayne and Carol enjoyed many winters in Palm Springs with old friends.
Throughout his life, Wayne lived the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” by reading with students at schools, helping build houses in the Philippines, working to eradicate polio, and many other things. Wayne was always actively involved in his church, his community and his families’ lives. He had a positive effect on many people’s lives and will be greatly missed by his family and within the community.
A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, April 28th, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at McClure United Church (4025 Taylor Street East, Saskatoon, SK). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Polio Plus or The Rotary Foundation at www.rotary.org or cheques can be made payable to the Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin, Box 425 8B 3110 8th St E Saskatoon, S7H 0W2.