VELMA BEATRICE CLAYTON

Velma Beatrice Clayton (nee Bamford), 94, passed away peacefully with her family at her side at St. Norbert PCH in Winnipeg on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Velma was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Burnett (“Burnie”); her parents, Campbell and Ella Bamford; her sister, Wanda Ivy; and her two brothers, Delmar and Bob. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Brent (Tanis), Douglas (Pegi); and by her daughter, Leanne (David). She will be sadly missed by her seven grandchildren, Arron (Carly), Jodry (Jenn), Stephanie (Jordan), Ian (Jenny), Devin (Jodie) and Stefan; as well as her four great grandchildren, Meryl, Olivia, Charlotte, and Benjamin.

Velma was born on December 29, 1930, on the family homestead in Birtle Municipality. As the third of four children in the family, her early years growing up on the farm near Foxwarren were filled with enjoyable days, working and playing with her siblings. Velma enjoyed the family’s horses, skiing behind “Pat” in the winter, and riding “Skipper”, aside from the many times he would stop abruptly, launching her over his head. An exciting memory from her earlier times is the day electricity came to the farm; she and Wanda gleefully ran through the house, turning on the light switches.

Velma enjoyed her school days, making the trip with her siblings by horse-drawn van, buggy, or sleigh, to attend Foxwarren School. Her love of learning, as well as the positive impacts of several teachers in her early days, led her to choose a career in education after receiving her high school diploma. She attended the Central Normal School in Winnipeg, where she earned her Professional First Class Teacher’s Certificate in 1952. It is here that she valued her volunteer work within the library. After her first position at Kelwood School, she taught grades 1/2 in Gladstone, and it was here that she met her husband-to-be, Burnie, at a community dance. She enjoyed the courtship years, with rides on Burnie’s boat, and picnics. They married on July 21, 1954, in Foxwarren, then settled on a small farm east of Gladstone. Velma and Burnie welcomed their first son, Brent, in 1955, with Douglas arriving in 1957. Burnie was employed with Pool Elevators and they resided in Gladstone. They moved to Vista, and it was there that they had their daughter, Leanne, in 1965. Following Burnie’s change of locations with Pool Elevator, soon after, they moved to Arden, which became their home for more than 30 years. Velma resumed teaching at Arden School, with a part time position in junior high. Each year she directed school plays, not knowing that decades later the Arden Dinner Theater’s actors/actresses would continue to use the skills gleaned under Velma’s encouraging guidance. Several student groups participated in readers’ theater, and attended the annual Neepawa Festival of the Arts. The family had immense pride when Velma pursued her goal to further her own education, driving to Brandon to take classes while continuing to teach. She earned her Bachelor of Teaching from Brandon University in 1979, having enrolled in many of the same classes with daughter-in-law, Tanis. Velma also kept busy volunteering with church groups, such as CGIT and UCW, as well as community groups, including Boy Scouts, HAND, Neepawa Golf Club and Drop-In Center, and the Riding Mountain Historical Society. She loved to read, and in Arden she worked to set up a library for both school and community using Manitoba Library Services.

Retirement enabled Velma and Burnie to spend more time at their favorite place, their cottage at Clear Lake in RMNP. Canoeing, lakeshore picnics, Happy Hour at the cookshack, golf, and watching the sunset from the nearby 2nd St. North dock were enjoyable activities. Burnie’s early passing in 1991 brought a new chapter; Velma devoted time to New Beginnings Support Group in Neepawa, and served as a primary leader for 18 years. She was pleased to spearhead an effort to establish a library of resources for those experiencing loss and to help set up the Neepawa Area Grief Support Council.

Velma enjoyed her retirement years, moving to Neepawa and remaining active in the community. She continued prior activities and new pursuits, including golf, clogging, and painting, and also enjoyed book clubs and social outings with her many friends. She also traveled to Europe with family and friends. One of their favorite trips was to Hawaii. She served as an editor for several books prior to publishing. Velma made many trips to Winnipeg, Edmonton area, and North Carolina to enjoy time with her family. She took great pleasure in watching her grandchildren grow up, attending music recitals, dance performances, school concerts, and sports events. They will always remember her thoughtfulness in always having chocolate treats ready for them. She moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family in 2018, initially residing at Seine River Residence, before moving to SNPCH in 2022.

Velma will be remembered and missed by many. She sought to always think of others, and had a generous and kind spirit. Velma recognized the importance of gratitude, the potential of working with others, and the value of empathy. Always a gracious host, even in her final years, she felt it was important that she was ready to welcome anyone who came in her door with a smile, and a sweet treat.

A special thanks to the administration and staff at St. Norbert PCH who provided care for Velma on a daily basis.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to:

- Neepawa Public Library

- Arden Museum * reference memorial donation to the Arden Museum:

Cheque to RM of Glenella Lansdowne

- E-transfer: rmofglen@glenella.ca

- Friends of Riding Mountain National Park

Or a charity of your choice.

Velma’s family kindly requests that as a friend or relative you take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

A Celebration of Life will take place October 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Neepawa Royal Canadian Legion. (425 Brown Ave., Neepawa, MB)

“Death leaves a heartache 

no one can heal.

Love creates a memory 

no one can steal.”

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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