It is with much sadness we announce the passing of Bill at home on March 13, 2022 aged 61 years. Devoted husband of Helen. Loving father of Tara, Jayke, Sam, Billie and partners. Adored Poppa of 6 and a half grandchildren.
Family and friends of the late Mr. Bill Clayden are respectfully informed that his funeral service will be conducted at the Chapel of McGlynn Hunt Funerals, 38-40 Madden Avenue Mildura on Friday March 18, 2022 at 10.30am. A private cremation will follow.
To view the live stream of Bill's service please click on the below link:
http://funeralcast.com.au/funerals/view/william-bill-david-perry-clayden
Tributes
Deb Fuhrmeister
I most remember Bill from our younger years as kids. To us three, he was known as “Cousie”! He had a cheeky grin and infectious giggle which usually left me wondering what else was going on!! We had lots of fun, especially riding our mini bikes round the cliff tracks at Airies. We send our love to Helen and family, as well as Aunty Joan and everyone. Deb and Ken
Caroline Frith
The Clayden family were my neighbours and friends for many years at Mistral Place
Old Bar. I remember him as a kind, quiet and friendly man, willing to lend a hand or
help if you needed it.
Despite suffering from chronic back pain Bill enjoyed working in his well-organised
garage, constructing, building, repairing and tinkering with things around the house
or modifying and fixing his boat and caravan.
While the family were living here they took many outings and trips away in the
caravan, exploring our area. They usually chose quiet bush locations where they
could have a fire and relax together. If it wasn’t too far they would extend an
invitation to come and visit them. They were well set up and it was happy times for
them together.
My friendship with Bill really connected when we realised that we shared an
obsession with Bunnings. A trip to town was only ever a success if it included
Bunnings. Bill would come back in his beloved ute and Helen would be onto him.
Inspecting the ute and saying “What did you get?”. Later she would say to me as we
had a cuppa under the olive trees, “You wouldn’t believe what he’s gone and
bought now”.
I remember one occasion which stands out for me. Bill returned with a huge
cardboard box tied down in the back. Oo oh, I thought. It was a cement mixer.
“I couldn’t help it” he told her, and everyone else who would listen. Helen was
perplexed and didn’t quite know how to take this purchase because she had only just
finished mixing by HAND a concrete base for the council bins. I however was thrilled
and excited.
We had so many good times, looking out for each other and knowing we were
secure in caring, collaborating and supporting our little community in Mistral Place.
So it was incredibly difficult when the family was posted to Western Australia.
Bill came over on the last day to say goodbye and he gifted me the cement mixer. So
kind and thoughtful.
Waving goodbye to them was very difficult only eased slightly by knowing the card I
had given them had Bunnings vouchers in it.
I really miss the presence of the Clayden family in Mistral Place. I am so grateful for
having had you all in my life and send love to you all for the passing of your
Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, family member and
My dear friend
Bianca Byers
Sincere condolences to Helen and the family, Bill truly was one of the best and he will be greatly missed.
Bill worked in my small team at ASO Bandiana as a military instructor, in his time at the school trainings hundreds of young soldiers just starting their careers in Army he was highly regarded as the genuine bloke we all came to know and love. No matter what Bill was dealing with in his own world he always had time for every person in our team, he had a way of making everyone feel valued and included with his country boy charm and ‘old bloke’ wit.
All of us who had the privilege of working with Bill will miss him and feel blessed to have had the chance to meet him.
Gone but not forgotten.
Brentt and Lauren
Dear Helen and family,
It is with overwhelming sadness to hear of the loss of one of the great humans we have known.
He was kind and caring, grumpy and mad, and at times a complete pest, but this is the Bill that we all knew, loved and respected.
It was a pleasure to serve with Bill, and an honour to call him our neighbour.
We wish the family all the best during this tough time, but know that we are thinking of you.
Helen and kids,
Bill would be proud of everything you are and everything you do. So never change!
Much love,
Brentt, Lauren and family
plus the extended family from Mistral Place
Tony Watson
Sincere condolences to the Clayden family and to all of Bill’s many friends.
Bill was a stalwart of C Coy 8/7 RVR throughout the ’90s and I have many great memories of that time.
MAJ Tony Watson