Clayton Lee Canning

Clayton Lee Canning, age 31, passed away peacefully in his home on January 24, 2023, with loved ones after a courageous battle with Cancer.  He was born April 19, 1991, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Terry and Tamara (Smith) Canning.  A few years later he moved with is mom to Tooele, Utah.  He was later raised by Rodney Mecham and Tamara Canning.  At 14, when most kids were out playing, Clayton chose to work.  He loved working with his hands.  He not only worked at home with Rodney doing yard work, but he worked at Clarke Johnson Middle School on weekends cleaning the building during the constructional phase.  His hard work and frugality paid off when he was able to purchase an old Dodge Ram Charger not long after.  He enjoyed working on this truck, and later was able sell it, and even make a profit! Little did he know this would become a life-long hobby. Not only did his trucks need to be cleaner than everyone else’s, it had to be faster as well. Keeping things clean and well maintained wasn’t only applicable to his vehicles, but his life in general.  His room was always clean, the lawn was always perfect.  Organization was at the top of his priorities. He also enjoyed camping, shooting his guns, and hunting. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family.  He started his career in the industrial field at the age 18.  It was not long after he met Shantell Lemire.  On August 18, 2011, they had Bailey Shay Canning.  Clay always had a soft heart for everyone, and Bailey was no exception.  When he looked at her, you could see the love in his eyes.  Bailey was always close to her dad.  She was fiercely loyal and protective. Without a shadow of a doubt, his legacy will live on through her.  During the time Clay worked at Energy Solutions, he made and kept many good friends including his best friend and companion, Hillary Clegg.  A special thanks is given to Hillary for the dedication and service she freely gave to Clayton.  Each person in our family has been touched by Clayton in some way.  He has two sisters.  His oldest sister is Kylee (Martinez) and Francisco Farias.  His youngest sister is Molly (Mecham) and Esai Luarca.  His youngest brother is Matthew Mecham, and his 4 nieces and 3 nephews. Two of the most important people in Clay’s life were his parents. Rodney, who Clay fondly referred to as his dad instilled in him traditional family values, as well as a strong work ethic.  Rodney lit the spark that fueled the fire for a lot of Clay’s hobbies.  His mother, Tamara, was a dedicated and nurturing mother whom Clay had a deep admiration for.  Clay was fortunate enough to have his mother as his caretaker toward the end of his courageous battle with Cancer.

A viewing and funeral will be held Saturday, January 28th at 11:00am at Didericksen Memorial, 87 W Main, Grantsville. Interment will follow at the Tooele City Cemetery.