In Memory Of
Clayton Benjamin Taylor
Silver Fox
1924-2002

On the morning of August 2, 2002, my father-in-law Clayton Benjamin Taylor crossed over. In his seventy seven years on Earth he touched many with his humor and quiet courage. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.


Crow Story

The night of Clayton's wake the family gathered at the funeral home to arrange the photo collage and prepare for the calling hours. Prior to this I had spent most of the day reviewing and printing photos. With a strong sense of honor and respect I put together the collage of Clayton throughout his life. As I arranged the photos, the reality of this man's life took hold of me. This son, brother, husband, father, comrade, friend had such a profound impact on so many lives. Upon completion of the collage I went outside behind the funeral home. As I stepped out I immediately noticed a swarm of crows over the funeral home. After calling out to the crows, facing north with tears streaming down my face, I thanked the creator for shaping my path and allowing Clayton into my life. Without him, my life would have been drastically different. I thanked Clayton for my wife and childern. I prayed his life's mission was completed. I offered Tobacco, one of the sacred Native American herbs, as a sign of reverence and honor.
The wake was great, very emotional but great. We heard so many stories from others touched by Clayton. These stories made us feel so good, I remember thinking, "mission complete Clay". Nobody wanted to leave the funeral home. As we walked to the car, parked behind the home, my wife Lisa pointed to the ground. In the exact place where I placed the Tobacco offering was a large shiny black Crow feather. The Tobacco was no where to be found.


Hawk Story

On the day of burial the family gathered around the grave. It was a beautiful day. The Minister is a good man with a powerful sense of humor and dignity. He spoke of the fine day and of Clayton's full life, ready for return. After he left we offered Tobacco to Clayton. First I extended the Tabacco, then my sons Michael and Corey, next my wife Lisa, and finally my sister-in-law Cindy. The moment Cindy placed the Tobacco on the urn, holding Clayton's ashes, a hugh Hawk glided silently from the north. He slowly flew toward Cindy and as soon as he was over the urn, about 25 feet above, he rose almost straight up rather dramatically. I pointed this out and we all watched as the Hawk flew off toward the west. I knew he was going to return. Sure enough, he returned from the west moved toward the south and then abruptly changed toward the east and finally leaving through the north. Encircled by this Hawk, I felt Clayton's warm presence.

A few days later Cindy called Lisa. She had been to the market, as she often does, and this time felt sad. Usually at that point she would look over her shoulder and she would see her father Clayton sitting in his car. Apparently, they shopped at the same times and were always bumping into each other. When she stepped out of her car she felt his presence. She looked up and there in the sky was a large Hawk circling directly above her. She stayed and watched and the circling continued. She spoke to her Dad and realized that everything is OK. He really is at peace!


Peace, Love, Harmony
Quiet Owl Medicine Crow
August 30, 2002


Photos of Clayton and the ship he served on.

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