Our family has a proud history of individuals who made significant contributions in faith, education, public service, law, and the arts. Among them was Reverend W. Leslie Clay, BA, MA, DD, whose work in ministry and scholarship reflected a lifelong commitment to faith, learning, and service to others. As head of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, he played an important leadership role that shaped both his church and community. His legacy also had a lasting impact on our family, as without his contributions, we would not have the treasured Shawnigan Lake property that continues to bring enjoyment and memories to generations of our family today.
Together, these individuals represent a legacy of service, resilience, creativity, athletic achievement, and devotion that continues to be remembered with pride and gratitude within our family.
Margaret Jean Clay served as Victoria Public Librarian from 1924 to 1952, dedicating nearly three decades to promoting literacy, education, and access to knowledge within the community. The legal profession was also strongly represented within the family through Lawyer Jack Clay, a founding partner and barrister at the law firm Clay & McFarlane, formerly known as Clay & Company. He served from 1919 until his passing in 1951, helping establish the firm’s strong reputation within the Victoria legal community. Jack was diagnosed with polio at a young age, but he never allowed it to define or limit him, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination throughout his life.
Jack and his wife, Laura, built the cedar shake cabin in 1948. What began as a family retreat has become a cherished gathering place for generations. Today, this cabin continues to serve as the shared summer vacation home for the current families and their children, standing as a lasting symbol of connection, tradition, and togetherness.
Within the same professional circle, Mary Minto Clay served as a legal secretary to Judge Alan B. MacFarlane during his tenure as a partner at Clay, MacFarlane, Ellis & Popham, formerly Clay & Co. Her work reflected a strong commitment to professionalism and to supporting the legal field.
Deeply devoted to her faith and community, Mary spent many years volunteering as a Sunday school teacher at St. Andrew’s Church, where her father served as reverend. She was lovingly known within the family as “Mernie,” a childhood nickname that began when her young nephew could not pronounce “Mary,” and it remained with her throughout her life. She is remembered with deep affection as the favourite great-aunt of many in the family—gentle, patient, warm, and endlessly loving. Her kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her and continues to be cherished across generations.
Helen Amelia (Clay) Ellis, a renowned Canadian weaver, also contributed to the family’s artistic legacy by teaching weaving at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her work helped inspire and educate future generations of artists and craftspeople, leaving a lasting impact on the textile arts community in Canada.
The legal tradition continued through Lawyer Richard Carlyle Ellis, known affectionately as “Dick Ellis,” former President of Rugby Canada and widely known as “Mr. Rugby.” He participated in a wide range of athletic pursuits throughout his life, including swimming, diving, fishing, football, and especially rugby. His leadership and lifelong dedication to sport were recognized when he was inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also a very active member of the Oak Bay Wanderers at the time of his passing in 1974, which resulted from a scuba diving accident. His life reflected energy, passion, and commitment both on and off the field, leaving a lasting legacy in Canadian rugby.
Our mother, Shirley Ellis (December 15, 1920 – April 30, 2021), was a retired Registered Nurse and served as the matriarch of our family until her passing in 2021. She is remembered for her strength, compassion, and steady presence, which guided and supported the family through many generations. Her legacy of care and dedication remains at the heart of the family she helped nurture and hold together.