It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Clayton Francis Reashore, age 76, on Sunday, July 26th after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at Hospice Cape Breton with his family by his side.

Born in North Sydney on Nov 14, 1949, Clayton was the firstborn son of the late Joe and Helen (Dombeck) Reashore of Point Aconi. In his younger years, Clayton worked aboard the Great Lakes ships, where he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life. He loved spending evenings at the Lakers dances with his love Thelma, family and friends. Or you might find him at Bud’s Speedway racing stock car number 3.

An entrepreneur at heart, he opened the Fina Garage and Pop Shoppe in North Sydney and later a Petro-Canada station in Sydney, all while continuing to answer calls with his beloved tow truck—affectionately known as “The Happy Hooker.”

He later became the Head Heavy Duty Mechanic for the Town of North Sydney. After a significant workplace accident, rather than slowing down, Clayton chose to shift gears and follow a new path. His passion for mechanics combined with his love of the water carried over to a new venture. Through Reashore’s Marine Sales & Service, Clayton became known far and wide for transporting and servicing boats of every size. He even designed and modified his own trailer so it could accommodate everything from small pleasure boats to large sailboats and fishing vessels. Countless miles were spent on the highways doing what he loved and helping fellow boaters.

There are some people whose lives simply cannot be measured by the years they lived, but by the countless lives they touched. Clayton was one of those rare people.

To know him was to know that there truly wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. He was a master mechanic, welder, fabricator, machinist, problem solver, teacher, inventor, and mentor. If a part didn’t exist, he’d make it. If something was broken, he’d fix it. If there was a problem no one else could solve, people knew exactly who to call. His remarkable “MacGyver” mind was always at work, seeing solutions where others saw obstacles.

Clayton found genuine joy in helping others. No matter the hour or the day, if someone needed him, he was there. He never simply fixed a problem—he taught others how to fix it themselves. While sharing his knowledge, he made even the most difficult jobs seem easy. It was simply “Clayton’s way.”

His hands built so much in this world, but his greatest creation was the life and family he loved beyond measure. Above all else were his girls—his cherished “Triple T’s”: Thelma, Tina, and Tanya. Triple the love, triple the laughter, and as he would proudly joke, “triple the trouble.”

The water was where Clayton felt most at home. Boating wasn’t simply a hobby—it was part of who he was. He loved participating in poker runs, spending summer days surrounded by friends, laughter, and the music of The Beach Boys playing in the background. His beloved boat, Therapy III, was fittingly named - being on the water truly was his therapy.

Clayton was never one to sit still. There was always another project, another engine to rebuild, another idea taking shape. More often than not, his own projects remained unfinished because someone else needed his help first. That was simply who he was —always putting others before himself.

One of the greatest joys of his life was becoming “Papa.” Summers were spent spoiling his beautiful grandchildren, teaching them everything he could while he still had their attention, sharing his love of boats, tools, and fixing things, and creating memories they will carry with them forever.

When Clayton was diagnosed with cancer, it slowly took him away from the life he loved and the water that brought him peace. Yet even as his strength faded, the legacy he built never did. It lives on in every engine he repaired, every lesson he taught, every friend he helped, every life he touched, and in the family who will forever carry his spirit.

Clayton leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by accomplishments alone, but by the respect he earned, the kindness he gave so freely, and the unwavering love he had for his family and friends. He showed us what hard work looked like, what generosity meant, and that no challenge was ever too great when met with determination, ingenuity, and heart.

He was our rock, our steady hand, and our light through every storm.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Clayton is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Thelma Reashore; his two girls that he adored - Tina (Doug) Gohmann of Calgary, AB and Tanya (Stephen) MacKinnon of Point Edward, NS.; his three cherished grandchildren - Lauren, Kenzie and Brodie. He is further survived by his siblings - Linda (Jim) Thompson, Yvonne Reashore, Frank (Cora) Reashore, Joan Colburn, Darlene (Gerald) Bragg and Sherry Kennedy. Besides his parents, Clayton was predeceased by his three siblings Luke, Ronnie and Donna.

The family would like to give special thanks to so many people, but namely to the Doctors, Nurses and Care Workers at Hospice Cape Breton. You truly made his last few months more manageable and ol’ blue eyes wanted to make sure you were recognized for it.

Thank you to everyone who is part of the Palliative care team and VON, we couldn’t have cared for him at home for as long as we did without your support. Dr Ritter - thank you for hearing us and allowing us to advocate for his health along this journey. Thank you to all of the family and friends who supported dad through his illness. The ones who faithfully visited and who helped our family navigate any and all the challenges that came up - you showed up for all of us at the drop of a hat and we can never thank you enough.

Service will take place at 11am on Aug 8th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 34 Archibald Ave, North Sydney with Father Doug MacDonald officiating. Reception to follow at the Northside Legion, Branch 19.

Memorial donations can be made to HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE SOCIETY OF CAPE

BRETON COUNTY - https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/8338