It is with sadness that we report the passing of HDDC's first Managing Director, Charles Clayton Ambery . He passed away August 19,2009 in Windsor Ontario after a brief illness, just a few weeks after attending the HDDC's 25th Annual Business Conference in Mississauga as a special guest.

Clayt was born in Windsor  December 10,1920. He was predeceased by his high school sweetheart Barbara , their daughter Susan and his brothers Peter and Foster. He is survived by his sister Nan TurnbulI, grand-daughter Kimberly, great-grandchildren Amber and Nathan and many nieces and nephews.

I had the pleasure of working with Clayt at Motor Wheel Corporation in the 80's and he became one of my trusted mentors. He recalled to me one day his first job working with Ford in Windsor as a teenager. Ford was in the process of building their engine plant and the contractor was in the process of pouring the concrete floors. Clayt had to put on rubber boots and walk around in the newly poured concrete to help get the air out of the stuff. He went on to become a messenger, delivering mail directly to the Henry Ford estate in Dearborn MI. He worked his way up the ladder through various executive positions and he eventually became a partner in a Ford Dealership in Goderich.

His career was interrupted by WWII and he served as a Lieutenant with the 4th Dorset Regiment from 1942-1945 and as a Can-Loan Officer with the British Army. He also served time as a POW following the invasion of Normandy. His brother Peter had been captured a few years earlier and surprisingly they were able to exchange letters between camps. Even in these dire days, Clayt's organizing skills were put to use. According to his war journal, he managed to document the make-up of the prisoner population,their divisions by rank, nationality and marital status along with a chart showing the time and place of their capture and info on the daily rations. Apparently Officers were treated by the enemy slightly better than the rank and file. He made drawings and maps of the prison camps and put together a glossary of German words and phrases. He drew up a legal document establishing "The Syndicate" - a group of six fellow prisoners who agreed to work together to ensure their survival. The most important dimension of the agreement dealt with the group's acquisition and distribution of tobacco products. HIs journal even included the signature, address and phone number  of the very first US soldier to bust through the gates of his prison camp in 1945.

Clayt loved his golf (refused to use a cart right to his last 9 holes in the Spring ) loved bridge, his cars ( especially the red Jag and the restored Model A Ford) and his dogs.  He was a gentle generous man cherished for his wit, wisdom and laughter. As one of my mentors in life I always referred to him affectionately as 'Captain'. At his retirement party from Motor Wheel in April 1984 I wrote him a song and the first verse went like this.

" We are gathered together to wish you the best

As a true Motor Wheeler you've passed all the tests

Through the years we can say that you carried the freight

And went out of your way - You're a fine Captain Clayt!"

My friends, I ask you to raise a glass and toast this Man who dedicated a lifetime to serving his fellow Canadians. 

Tuck

Warwick, James Henry: 05/19/1946 - 12/20/2009
Warwick, James Henry Peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side at the age of 63 yrs on December 20, 2009. Loving husband to Veronica "Nickie" (nee Lavigne) Beloved son of Ruth Warwick of Nova Scotia and the late Wilmot. Dear father to Jeff and wife Carol Warwick - St. Catharines; Sheri Warwick and husband Dave Hurley - Windsor; Mark Marion - Windsor; and Christine and husband Grady Potts - Michigan Dear grandfather of Joshua, Ashley, Brayden, De Andre, and Dominique. Dear brother to John and Wife Vivian Warwick; Bill and wife Sandra Warwick, and Dickson Warwick, all of Nova Scotia. Dear brother in law of Carl and wife Georgina Lavigne - Belle River, and Linda Lavigne and Debra French - Windsor. Jim will be sadly missed by his many friends in the Windsor area from his early days working for Byers Truck & Trailer, at Dana Canada - Beamsville ON, most recently at Parker Hannifin - Milton ON, and by his many loyal business associates and friends Canada wide.