Calvin NELSON Obituary

Clay and I graduated seminary together. He was a friend, leader, faithful witness. I am so sad to hear of his death.
Hugs and blessings to his family.

On the San Francisco Trolley.

Dear Rachel and daughters, and other members of Clay's family,
James and I watched Clay's beautiful memorial service this morning. We learned quite a lot about the man who was to us in Australia, a wise, funny, caring and down-to-earth president of ANZUUA (Australian and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association). James and I deeply appreciated his leadership, his insights, his steady reassuring presence and the thought-provoking, inspiring services he led both here in Australia and on Zoom more recently. All in our faith communities in Australia benefited from Clay's ministry. A Brisbane fellowship member wrote 'One of the pleasures of my life has been to hear Clay speak several times.'
He will be greatly missed, yet his life inspires us to continue our own journeys with at least a little of the generosity and wisdom he so clearly emanated.

It was a new bbq grill. Glad he had a good sense of humour!

At the Top of the Mark in San Francisco.

Clay was a great home chef. I missed the Passover event due to traveling, so he made me this amazing Seder meal.

I truly loved this man. Fun pics: 1) It's a new grill. We never let him forget this; 2) He surprised me with an authentic Seder dinner since I had to miss the one he had attended while I was away; 4) He has roots in SF. They even named a street after him; 4) We loved attending the Sunday brunch at the top of the mark, SF; only four pics allowed, will add later.

I was most fortunate to have had several years of connection with Clay at St Matthew in the City. He was kind, caring and inspirational, taking me into that wonderful world of progressive Christianity.
His is a life well lived with lots of laughter along the way.
Thank you Clay and sincere condolences to his family

So very sad and a huge loss. Sincere condolences from Duane and I and all from NZPSA. Arohanui

I am very saddened to know of Clays passing so soon after retiring as minister. I was strengthened and heartened to know him, as a man of good faith, and to have the security of him in my wider community as a leader, particularly when a difficult time came about when I was organising a queer event and received death threats. He was able to advise me kindly and compassionately, having also received these over the years, particularly on his leadership and allyship and in creating safety for lgbtq people under his ministry and in the wider community. His kindness made a huge difference to how I handled the situation, in what I have to say seemed like a surprising and very strange thing to experience in NZ. I will always appreciate the calm he fostered in me throughout that time, in such a humble way. Ive seen this calm in him affect others, and I think there is an unseen ripple effect of having peaceful people in the core of communities, that goes on to echo for many years. I am thankful for his presence in my world. I'm wishing my best wishes to all his extended family, and the Unitarian community at this time.

I first knew Clay in school and in an Episcopal youth group we attended in the early 1960's in Gunnison, Colorado. Nearly half a century later, I had the unforgettable experience of staying with Clay and Rachel during a memorable visit to Auckland. Knowing him as a somewhat annoying adolescent, and having the incredible experience of meeting him again as an unbelievably inspirational adult was truly a gift. I am stunned to learn of his loss, and am supremely grateful to have known him.

A huge lose

An exceptional man. I thank Clay for his many brilliant sermons, his humor and compassion for the earth and all humanity, and for introducing me and furthering my exploration of insightful writers, leaders, mystics and poets, and of course many great Unitarians. Clay will be deeply missed.

A splendid man in every way. I am very grateful that he has been a part of my life.