Remembering Clayton
We are heartbroken to share the news of Clayton Swan’s passing, a very special person not only to us at Returning to Spirit but to many different communities. Our Executive Director, Lisa Raven shares her memories of Clayton and his legacy of kindness.
I have to admit when I first met Clayton as a participant in the workshop, his head was in the stars but he was so open and willing to share himself, you couldn't help but be drawn to him.
He attended our Roots of Reconciliation and Advancing Reconciliation workshops several times and was part of our Seeds of Reconciliation Trainer Development. He loved the work of Returning to Spirit and we loved him as well. He was a part of the RTS family.
As news of his passing was shared, tributes came from Trainers as far as Prince George, BC (Terry Lynn). There really was no one who met him that doesn't remember him fondly.
Clayton had a genuine and giving spirit which is evident in all of the other organization families that he was a part of. His reach had no bounds. He earned the respect of Ghis and my Camp family who met him at Camp Morning Star when he came out with Arnold Jobb and the Mennonites.
I think as humans all we want to do in this lifetime is make a difference in the world and Clayton did. He impacted a lot of people with his friendship. He didn't have a lot of money etc. but what he did have, his kind spirit, his time and energy, he gave freely. This made Clayton stand out, in what sometimes feels like a sea of indifference.
His gift was giving this feeling of belonging to everyone. Most of us feel a bit frightened about going to a rally or an event or joining a cause for the first time. We wonder if we will know anyone there, if will we be accepted, and if we belong there? But if Clayton was there, even if he didn't remember your name, he never forgot a face and he would always come and greet you warmly. I am not sure if he knew how much of a difference that simple act made in people's lives- but it did- in immeasurable ways.
They say people forget 98% of the things you said to them, but they never forget how you made them feel. As Clayton journeys his way back home I hope he knows the warmth he will be remembered for.
