The family of Dougie Clayton have been overwhelmed with messages of sympathy following his sudden death earlier this month.
Dougie was an extremely familiar face in Teesdale, particularly in Barnard Castle, thanks to his years working for Boothman and Hillery and Atkinson Builders’ Merchants and also as an actor in many popular productions.
He died at home in Kalafat on his 84th birthday, January 7, and is survived by his three sons Simon, Martin and Robert, and his grandson Will.
Eldest son Simon says the family are extremely grateful for the number of cards and messages they have received since Dougie died.
Speaking to the Mercury, he said: “The amount of cards we’ve had has been unbelievable and in just about every card the message starts with ‘he was a gentleman’, which is lovely.
“It’s amazing how many people knew my dad, not just in Barney but lots of people up the dale as well.
“On behalf of the family I want to thank everybody for their messages and cards, it’s greatly appreciated.”
Dougie was a Yorkshireman born in Goole in 1942, and grew up in nearby West Cowick. He married Linda in 1968 and work soon took the couple to Barnard Castle.
They put down solid roots in the town, living first in Market Place and then moving to High Riggs in the 1970s. Dougie and Linda parted in the 1990s but remained close friends.
Dougie’s first job in Barney was at Low Mill Yard working with Bill Robinson and Cyril Pattison. That business was taken over by Boothman and Hillery and he cheerfully served countless customers at the company’s busy premises in Birch Road.
Atkinson Builders’ Merchants took over the firm, which moved up to Harmire Enterprise Park, and, in April 2001, Dougie was presented with a video recorder in recognition of his 25 years’ continuous service.
At the presentation, branch manager Joan Hillery Robinson paid tribute to Dougie, saying: “He is a people person and is a great asset to the business.”
Away from work, acting was Dougie’s passion and he was a member of Darlington Operatic Society and Richmond Operatic Society.
“He loved acting even when he was a kid down in Yorkshire,” said Simon. “And when we were young he was always busy acting in his spare time. I can even remember him learning two plays at once. On holiday one year he had two scripts with him!
“Acting was his passion, he acted all his life. He died on his birthday, just like Shakespeare – typical actor!”
Darlington Operatic Society posted a tribute to Dougie on social media following his death.
It read: “Dougie joined Darlington OS in 1992, making his debut in The Merry Widow and went on to become one of our treasured ‘life members’ in recognition of his many years of service both on and off the stage.
“Over the years he played many memorable roles across our productions including My Fair Lady, Carousel, Jekyll & Hyde, West Side Story, South Pacific and The Full Monty, to name just a few.
“When he wasn’t on stage, Dougie was a loyal and much-loved member of our front of house team. As a programme seller he always claimed the prime spot and, more often than not, sold the most programmes of anyone, greeting every audience member with warmth, charm, and that unmistakable Dougie smile.
“Dougie’s love for theatre, his kindness, and his unwavering commitment to Darlington OS will be deeply missed.”
Richmond Operatic Society also made their own heartfelt tribute.
“Dougie was a cherished and much-loved member of the theatre community. His passion, generosity, and commitment to theatre touched countless people.
“We are utterly devastated by his passing and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“Dougie will be remembered with immense affection and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to live on in theatres and societies far and wide.”
Apart from acting, Dougie’s other great passion was Darlington Football Club and he spent many seasons supporting the Quakers.
He also belonged to the Round Table and 41 club.
“When he left 41 club they latterly started ‘the old codgers’ club of which he was a proud member!” said Simon. “And he was a regular – every weekday morning with his coffee club in town.”
Funeral details have yet to be finalised.
