Clayton Drew Firth, beloved son, brother, grandson, dad, companion, papa, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away on Friday, Sept. 20, in Evanston. He was born in Vernal, Utah, on April 30, 1978, to Drew and Sherry Firth.
Clayton grew up in Vernal, Utah, where he grew a love for baseball, hunting, fishing and bullriding. He spent many of his early childhood days with his dad at the horse racetrack, earning himself the nickname “Stink.”
His younger years would bring a friend that became a brother, Andy Washburn, who was always there when Clayton needed him. In 1996, Clay graduated from Evanston High School after enjoying many years on the high school rodeo team. He followed in his dad’s footsteps by becoming a pipeliner and worked in multiple states around the country.
Clayton became a dad in 1995 to Abi, followed by Gavin soon after. Gracee and Carsen came along a few years later, and then Zoey joined the crew.
In 2014, Clayton met his sweetheart, Amber Brown, and her sons Kody and Kaiden. Together they welcomed their son, Levi, to the world in 2016. They spent a lot of time camping, traveling to Iowa and enjoying life with their family.
In 2020, he earned the title of “Papa” when he welcomed his first of three granddaughters, all of whom he spoiled relentlessly with love, and he cherished every minute of his time with them.
Clay had the most contagious laugh and was always making everyone around him smile with his goofiness and joyful personality. He was a hard worker and busy bee, always lending a helping hand whenever he could.
Clayton never forgot a birthday, and made sure to celebrate his loved ones and make them feel loved. He was very intuitive and always seemed to call or text to check in when he knew something was wrong.
One of his favorite pastimes was watching sports with his loved ones, especially the Broncos and the Rockies, for which he spent countless hours cheering and hollering.
Clayton is survived by his dad, Drew Firth of Evanston; mom, Sherry Firth of Vernal, Utah; stepmom, Lori Firth of Evanston; and stepmom, Cathie Reed of Evanston; life companion, Amber Brown of Evanston; his children: Abi (Jake) Bench of West Jordan, Utah; Gavin (Jade) Wagstaff of Evanston; Gracee Firth of Fort Worth, Texas; Carsen Firth of Forth Worth, Texas; Zoey Clement of Vernal, Utah; and Levi Firth of Evanston.
He is also survived by his siblings: Marcie (Justin) Duke of Vernal, Utah; Michael (Kerry) Firth of Evanston; Brittany Webb of Vernal, Utah; Shianne Day of Evanston; and Aliyah (Preston) Williams of Evanston; his grandparents, Blaine and Ellen Argyle of Randlett, Utah; his three sweet granddaughters, Peyten, Parker and Kaylee, who loved their “Papa.”
His memory will live on through them and all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Clay is preceded in death by his grandparents, Boyd and Dora Firth and Ralph and Melba Sharp; his aunt, Connie Aronson; his uncle, Dennis Firth; and cousin, Heather Erikson.
Services for Clayton will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Evanston Youth Club. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. We ask that visitors wear blue in honor of Clay’s favorite color.
