Clayton R. Nordquist's Obituary
CLAYTON R. NORDQUIST
Written by Clay, March 2010
December 10, 1929 -" April 8, 2010
Well, I have finally reached the end of my journey. It's been a great trip that I would like to share with you. I was born in Seattle and adopted by Cliff and Marie Dyer Nordquist who were always my parents, and later blessed with two sisters, Nancy and Karen Harris (Malcolm). I graduated from Ballard HS in January, 1949 and married my loving wife, Ruby, in March of 1949.
We shared 61 years with our three children, Wally, Gail Learned (Mark), and Jill Vedros (Ralph). In that span of time we operated family restaurants in the Tacoma area. We started in 1957 with the Airport Café at Oswald Airport in University Place until 1970, when we relocated to the Yorktown Restaurant on Steilacoom Blvd. in Lakewood. In 1988 we renovated the restaurant which we operated until 1994, when we sold the business and retired. In that span of time we have enjoyed four grandsons, Bryce, Jason, Jerrad, and Tyson, and one granddaughter, Ann Marie, and nine great-grandchildren.
I go with fond memories of the many friends and acquaintances I have had the pleasure of knowing. They include my wonderful employees, business associates, and most of all our loyal patrons through 37 years of serving them the best way that we could.
I wish to extend my gratitude to my extended biological family in Montana, my sisters, Barbara, Sharon and Linda, and my brother Max and all of their families. I really appreciated their acceptance and kindness.
Well, that covers my time here. Ruby and I really retired in 2009 when we moved into the Peninsula Retirement Center in Gig Harbor. I have few regrets and many fond memories. Goodbye you all.
A Celebration of Life for Clay will be held on April 18 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Peninsula Retirement Center. The family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.
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