Clayton William Soice passed away peacefully October 29, 2025, free from pain with the love of his entire family with him. He was born July 10, 1928, to Gladys and Odber Soice who farmed in the Warner area.

In 1929, when Clayton was one year old, they moved to the current family farm half a mile west of Warner. This farmstead has been owned and tended to by a Soice for almost a century. Clayton was raised on this farm west of Warner with his two sisters Delvoir and Marjorie, and his brother LeRoy. Clayton learned at a young age to clean pig pens and chicken coops, milk cows and work the land. Clayton received his primary education in Warner School and enjoyed activities such as music lessons, bowling and hockey.

Clayton’s passion was sports - especially the sport of baseball. He was a pitcher with the Warner team which played against competing teams from surrounding areas such as New Dayton with players including Harry and Jerry Gorrill and the Cronkhite brothers. Clayton’s baseball highlight was when his Warner team won the provincial championship in 1957. 

After completing business college and a welding course in Calgary, Clayton started renting the farm from his parents in 1948 at the age of 20. With hard work and determination, he was successful in purchasing the farm a quarter section at a time. It was a great accomplishment for Clayton, and he became a very respected farmer and steward of the land that he loved.

Clayton met Dorothy Gorrill at a dance in Waterton, May 24, 1950. As they chatted he was shocked to learn that she was Harry and Jerry’s sister! His baseball rivals! Clayton proposed to Dorothy that Christmas Eve. They were married June 6, 1951 during a prairie blizzard.

Dorothy was a teacher by trade and believed strongly in education. Before they were married, she told Clayton that if they were blessed with children that each one of them were to have a post-secondary education. They raised five children together; Gary, Douglas, Daryl, Linda and Shelley.

Clayton was a strong supporter of the community. He was an assistant coach in hockey, became involved in Cubs and supported 4-H. He was also a pretty good referee as sometimes the three boys needed a bit of separating. He was instrumental in the installation of natural gas lines and bringing water co-op lines into the Warner area. Having a good water and heat supply are essential for life on a farm.

In 1971, Clayton, Hal Cronkhite, Tom Cronkhite and Art Beaton formed the Rollin’ River Ranch Company. They bought the Rowland lease of grassland to graze 600 cows. The families ranched together, fixing fence, herding cows and branding, when inevitably a game of baseball would break out. It was a successful venture where they shared many good times, barbecues and laughter.

Clayton and Dorothy were active in the Warner community. They enjoyed being with family and friends as well as curling, bowling and golfing. Fishing trips with his sons, son-in-laws, and nephew, Terry were also a highlight for him. They had a good life, enjoying traveling with their trailer, on cruises and by air to many destinations. Sadly, cancer took Dorothy’s life in January 2004.

In April 2005, Clayton married Marie Witbeck. This was a union of two people who had lost their beloved soulmates. After 77 years on the Soice farm in Warner, Clayton retired and moved with Marie to Lethbridge. They were good companions who enjoyed playing cards with friends and visiting with the gang at Tim Hortons. In 2019, when Marie required more care she moved into a lodge in Raymond to be close to her children.

Clayton loved life, particularly farm life. The saying that “the keeper of the herd and the land are closer to a god than most” resonated deeply with him. He viewed the herd as his family and the land as the farm and took the responsibilities of both on with deep conviction. Even after his move to Lethbridge, the farm was always on Clayton’s mind and he often made several trips to Warner to see the crops and the cattle. He was a helpful hand at branding and enjoyed getting his hands dirty repairing machinery.

In 2023 Clayton moved into Black Rock Terrace, an assisted living facility where he made new friends and enjoyed playing pool and spending time visiting with family from near and far.

We will remember Clayton for his enduring love of family, friends, farming and ranching. We will remember his quick wit, sense of humour, and his remarkable ability to bring laughter and warmth to those around him. We will remember his generosity, his kind heart, his incredible work ethic, curiosity, conviction, and unquestionable love for his family.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff and residents at Black Rock Terrace, the home care aides, EMS workers and Dr. Johan Meyer for their compassionate care during Clayton’s final days.

Clayton will be remembered as a true gentleman who was deeply loved, is profoundly missed, and will forever remain in our hearts.