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Clayton Stewart

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CLAYTON THOMAS STEWART

February 21, 1980 – December 29, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Clayton T. Stewart, beloved son, partner, best friend, and cherished member of the Winnipeg arts community. Clayton passed away on December 29, 2025, following a tragic house fire in the Lord Roberts neighbourhood of Winnipeg. He was 45 years old.


Clayton was predeceased by his mother, Sandra Stewart, whom he loved deeply and carried with him in spirit throughout his life.


A proud Ojibwe and Treaty member of Peguis First Nation, Clayton lived with pride in his identity and a deep commitment to community. He believed laughter was healing, connection was everything, and kindness mattered.


Clayton was widely known as a stand-up comedian, actor, and performer whose career took him across Canada and the United States. He appeared in film and television projects including Goon, Sorry for Your Loss, Less Than Kind, Todd and the Book of Pure Evil, and Cashing In. Under his vaudeville-style magic persona, “Clayton the Great,” he blended comedy and illusion into a performance style that was unmistakably his own.


To those who knew him best, Clayton will be remembered not only for his talent, but for his constant smile and infectious laughter. He always seemed to be laughing—or making someone else laugh—and had a rare ability to put people at ease simply by being himself. His warmth filled every room he entered.


Clayton shared a deep and loving bond with his partner, Mary Vanderelst, who stood beside him with unwavering love and devotion. He was also inseparable from his best friend and comedy partner, Nelson Mayer, with whom he toured, created, and shared countless stages and memories. Their friendship was rooted in loyalty, humour, and brotherhood, and it remained one of the great constants of Clayton’s life.


Outside of comedy, Clayton had a lifelong love of Superman. He admired what the character represented—hope, goodness, protection, and doing the right thing simply because it is right. In his final moments, Clayton lived those values fully, selflessly saving his partner from the fire before losing his own life. For that act, and for so many others throughout his life, Clayton will forever be remembered as our Superman.


He was a gentle and generous soul—someone who checked in on others, encouraged freely, and never forgot where he came from. He loved Star Wars, adored his cats (whom he affectionately called his babies), and found joy in making everyday moments lighter.


Clayton is survived by his partner Mary Vanderelst and her parents Tom and Christal Vanderelst, his extended family including his aunts Linda Wilks and Colleen Robinson, his chosen family in the comedy community, and the many friends and loved ones whose lives he touched.


A celebration of Clayton’s life will be held to honour his laughter, his courage, and the light he brought into the world. The celebration will be held from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Morrow Gospel Church, located at 755 St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg Manitoba. Private family internment to take place at a later date.


Clayton’s legacy lives on in the laughter he created, the love he gave, and the lives he changed. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Edgar Governo

February 21, 2026 at 12:48 AM

Happy Birthday, My Friend

Audrey

January 28, 2026 at 5:52 AM

Clayton was known to my kids as the crossing guard in St. Vital eons ago. He and his mom ensured the safety of all the little ones crossing Dunkirk. Thank you Clayton. Rest in peace.

Nick Kasper

January 22, 2026 at 11:17 PM

On behalf of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg Executive, and all Winnipeg firefighters, we extend our deepest condolences to Clayton’s family and loved ones. We know all too well the pain that comes with tragedy and sudden loss, and our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

 

On a personal note, as longtime fans of stand-up comedy and regulars in the Winnipeg comedy scene, my wife and I had the privilege of seeing Clayton perform on a number of occasions. His passion for the craft was evident, as was his talent. He brought authenticity, energy, and heart to the stage every time he performed.

 

Another exceptional artist, Pablo Picasso, once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Clayton did exactly that. Everyone who was fortunate enough to enjoy one of his sets is grateful that he chose to share his gift with us. His voice, humour, and spirit will be deeply missed.

 

Our thoughts remain with his family and friends as they grieve this profound loss.

 

 

 

Oscar

January 21, 2026 at 8:04 PM

Oh my rest in peace buddy

 

Brenda Graham

January 17, 2026 at 10:35 PM

Clayton was the heart of Performance Anxiety (open mic) with his never ending encouragement, attention to individual detail & infectious giggles. He wasn't afraid to be the butt of his own jokes & self depricating humor. I'm sure he would be just delighted to know how many women have shed tears over his loss.

 

Rest in Peace Superman

Tammy Toews

January 9, 2026 at 11:58 PM

Clayton and I met at Glenlawn Collegiate. We were cast as husband and wife, George and Julia Gibbs in Our Town. From then on we became fast friends and we had so many adventures (and misadventures!) for years to come. We lost touch as people do after high school, but I always had fond memories of the big guy. I am profoundly saddened by this news. At the same time, I am grateful to have known him and to know he continued being the gentle giant he always was. RIP Clay.

Brenda Sanderson

January 9, 2026 at 10:10 AM

Clayton joined our Turtle Team during the long and gruelling COVID days, a tough time for families, for everyone. He brought a inner joy and light to our work and easily befriended our team and our relatives who had to come to Winnipeg to isolate. Clayton was a true friend, a guy who shared the Turtle love of kindness and love for all. AND his beautiful laughter and joy will forever be remembered. Meegwetch, ekosani Clayton for sharing your gifts with the Turtles, we are forever grateful for you...... Love and peace to your family and to Nelson, a great friend and a forever Turtle too!

Sugar Rae

January 8, 2026 at 5:22 PM

Safe Passage 🪶 🦅

Wayne and Donna Purvis

January 8, 2026 at 11:41 AM

Our sincere condolences to Christal, Tom, Mary and your families on the devastating loss of your home and your loved one. The grief and shock you will be experiencing will be unimaginable. We hope with time and the support of family and friends, you will find the strength to rebuild a life so tragically taken away. You are in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

Garet Seman

January 7, 2026 at 11:49 PM

Clayton was the best. Rest in peace my friend.

Janice Sharpe

January 7, 2026 at 9:43 PM

Clayton was truly a special person who was always there to help others to be the best that they could be. I knew Clayton when he was a student at Glenlawn Collegiate. He was a talented, sensitive and respectful young man who truly cared about others no matter how well he knew them. He was a 'gift' to all of us who had the privilege of having his life touch ours.

To Clayton's and Mary's families, may your many amazing memories give you strength today and in all your tomorrows.

Rebecca Sandulak

January 7, 2026 at 4:18 PM

Clayton and I officially met when he was an acting student and I was the cinematographer on some of his school's projects. I would often see him on set (Goon, Less than Kind) and his grand presence was undeniable - the camera loved him!

 

It was around 2018 when he reached out to me privately and generously volunteered his services as "Clayton the Great" for a personal fundraiser - a quiet gesture with such a loud voice. After reading these words about our friend and colleague, I will be telling my kids about how a magical Superman directly impacted us. May he rest easy.

 

Deepest condolences to his wife, family, friends, and the collective arts community.

Lorraine Reguly

January 7, 2026 at 2:40 AM

I knew Clayton as a performer, a stand-up comedian who was funny as f***. His comedic partner, Nelson, and Clayton performed in Thunder Bay (where I live) a couple of times, the last one being on their Bad Apples tour. I remember Clayton showed everyone his tattoo---one Nelson also has. The fact that they decided one night to get matching tattoos is illustrative of the deep bond and love they shared.

This obituary captures Clayton's essence beautifully. Tears fell from my eyes yet again, knowing that such a caring and good-hearted person was stolen from this Earth all too soon.

My deepest condolences to all those who knew this wonderful man, especially to his fiancée, who was the recipient of Clayton's final act of heroism.

Clayton will be forever remembered by many.

Rest in peace, Big Guy!

Dionne Waterman

January 6, 2026 at 6:11 PM

My first ever film set experience was on set of Clayton's Star Wars fan film The Evil Within in 2004. I am so incredibly thankful for the experience, it was so much fun and I've carried that with me all these years. Sending Mary and Clayton's family so much love right now.

Corey Toews

January 6, 2026 at 4:06 PM

I met Clay in 2002 having just returned from Toronto studying make-up. I was brought onto his fan film and we quickly developed a bond routed in what can only be called shenanigans.

He was more than a friend, I truely thought of him as a brother. Throughout our time together we collaborated on several projects. I must've drawn him a thousand times.

His legacy will be the humor he brought to every situation and the bonds he formed and the communities he created.

I'll always love you bro.

Chris Reid

January 6, 2026 at 3:33 PM

Clayton took a chance on casting me and countless others in his Star Wars fan film in the early 2000s. It was a pleasure to work with him, get to know him and the community he so loved. He brought so many creative people together on that project. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Kevin Dobbie

January 6, 2026 at 3:17 PM

Clayton was my Hawaiian shirt brother, we both dug the vibe. We toured all the way to LA. Catch up with you down the road somewhere. Peace my man ☮

Peter Froese (Unclepete)

January 6, 2026 at 3:06 PM

I met Clayton at Finn's at the Forks and was initially intimidated by his giant frame, but his smile and warm welcome put me at ease. He had a gift for lifting my spirits with his sense of humor and genuine care. I'll miss him dearly, and I truly mean it when I say he was a hero - Superman. Thank you, Clayton Stewart

Shelly Anthis

January 6, 2026 at 1:55 PM

So very heartbreaking. Knowing Clayton over a few decades;'I loved running into him and catching up. Clayton was always up to something, promoting someone sincere with his heart on his sleeve. You will be GREATLY missed and leave an indelible mark etched on us all. Much condolences to Mary your love and to your families & friends. Xo

Kelsey Norquay

January 6, 2026 at 11:34 AM

We learned together, we lived together, and we performed together. It feels like I'm echoing everyone else at this point, but it's true that he had the best, most infectious laugh in every room he entered. Talking to him always felt safe and fun.

 

If I could reach him now, I'd thank him for sharing his friendship and his stage with me. I think we'll all remember him as Clayton the Great.

Andrew Neziol

January 6, 2026 at 11:03 AM

One of the first people I truly Connected with when I moved here, weither it was over our love of Wrestling, Movies, Cartoons, Etc.. we just vibed from day one. More like a Big Brother always encouraging me to get out there and perform, I can truly say I am not who I am without him. You will be Missed Brother. Thank you for the laughs and love.

Justin "JBOMB" Fillion

January 6, 2026 at 10:52 AM

Clayton, you saved my life. You were right beside me supporting and cheering me on as I climbed out of rock bottom. You gave me the laughs needed to heal. I became a better person and father with your help. I haven't told my daughter you became and angel yet. She was a huge fan of The Bad Apples and so proud of her the stickers you have her. I love you so fucking much bro. Thank you for everything.

Ryan Goertzen

January 6, 2026 at 10:12 AM

He believed in me, I will hold onto his memory for the rest of my days

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