Clayton Myrial Fitch

Clayton Myrial Fitch, 77, of Meridian, ID (formerly Beaverton, OR) died March 21, 2013 after a courageous fight to remain on this earth with his family. Clayton was born October 27, 1935 in Miami, Oklahoma, the youngest of seven children of Marvin and Alva Ruth (Sapp) Fitch. At the age of 6 yrs he moved with his family to Utah and subsequently to Fruitland, ID where he remained until marrying his high school sweetheart, best friend, and the love of his life Thelma Jean (Secoy) Fitch on October 8, 1954. Clayton was the proud and loving father to his three children, Darren, Deborah, and Dawn. Clayton graduated from Fruitland High School in 1953 and the Davey Tree Surgery Institute, Kent, Ohio in 1973. He proudly served his country as a Naval Reservist for 32 years, retiring in 1984 at the rank of Chief. He was awarded Sailor of the Year among other honors during his dedicated service. Clayton was a career tree surgeon and arborist working for Davey Tree Expert Company for 35 years and subsequently retiring from his regional safety officer position at Utility Tree Service in after 12 years of service. His family, friends and neighbors were blessed in being recipients in the joyful and never ending sharing of his knowledge and expertise. Clayton was an avid basketball player, hunter, and fisherman. He loved to hear geese "set their wings" and the joy of fishing with his wife and family for anything from lake trout to sturgeon and salmon on the rivers and ocean in Idaho and Oregon. Clayton served as Boy Scouts of American scoutmaster for troop 39 in Boise, ID including taking his troop on a 50-mile backpack trip through the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. Clayton and Thelma recently returned to Idaho and have enjoyed their new friends at Meadow Lake Village bringing new energy and laughter to the community. Clayton's family was the center of his life and his number one priority. He was an ever-present and proud participant in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Clayton is survived by his wife of 58 years, children Darren & Laurie Fitch, Deborah & Timothy Spofford, and Dawn & Dennis Weiler; grandchildren Cody & Amanda Fitch, Jordan Fitch, Tucker & Hattie Spofford, and Abigale Spofford; great-grandson Adrian Fitch; brothers Harold, Lawrence, and Charles Fitch; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Preston Fitch and sisters Roberta Jewel King and Christine Chase, and precious granddaughter Timborah Spofford. A viewing for friends and family will be from 3 to 5 p.m. , Sunday, 3/24 at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, 3/25 at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth. Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, 3/25 at the Meadow Lake Village Lodge 4037 E Clock Tower, Meridian, ID. Condolences may be made to Clayton's family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com. Service Details. Visitation When: Sunday, March 24th, 2013 Location: Funeral Home Address: Service When: Monday, March 25th, 2013 Location: Funeral Home Address: