Clayton Michael Thornton, age 38, was swiftly taken to heaven by the angels to be with our Lord on Oct. 27, 2019.
He was born on June 4, 1981, in Tonasket. He was the second child born to Ted and Hanna Thornton of Carlton.
He was preceded in death by his father Ted Thornton, and grandparents Jack and Audrey Thornton.
He is survived by his two beautiful daughters, Emma, age 6 ½; Tedi, age 4 ½; and their mother, Ashley Hanson. Other survivors include Clayton’s mother, Hanna Thornton Kinzle; sister Natalie Thornton; stepfather Ken Kinzle; and niece Amaya Thorndike.
He attended Allen Elementary in Twisp, and then was home-schooled until attending and graduating from the Methow Valley Christian Academy in Twisp in 2000.
Clayton was amazingly talented at whatever he did — 150%. He took to golf like a duck to water. He joined the Liberty Bell High School golf team and help take them to state. He also became a master of culinary arts within just a few years of training at the Freestone Inn in Mazama.
For relaxation and joy, he became passionate about gold mining, metal detecting, hiking and camping. He was proud to start and run the “Big Kidd Mining Company.” He truly loved the backyard of the Methow Valley.
He spent many years as a bartender at the Branding Iron. He was a world-class pool player. He was a brother and friend to so many.
You are so loved and missed.
Most of all, Clayton loved his daughters more than anyone or anything.
A graveside service for close family and friends will be held at Beaver Creek Cemetery, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. A memorial will follow at 1 p.m. at Cascade Bible Church in Twisp.
