Remembering Clay: Messages from Family and Friends

If you didn't know Clay, no words can describe him... If you did know Clay, no words are needed. Clay, I cannot thank you enough for being so kind and generous with your time, and friendship to a nobody like me. Requiescat in pace

~ Greg Knox

I had met Mr Mathile initially during our 50th Anniversary at the Dayton Urban League when I served as Willie Walker’s Executive Secretary (15 years) and Jeannine Hufford was Clay’s Executive Secretary. Later Jeannine introduced me to an opportunity to serve Parents Advancing Choice in Education/PACE. Each Monday (most Mondays) we would (Marylynn, TJ, Angie and I) have our morning huddle where we’d discuss our weekend and what the upcoming week might entail! And be asked do we need anything else to help make our assignment easier because working with people is hard work. Clay believed in taking good care of those doing the work to build a better community. A few times Clay would be present at the morning huddles and he would share powerful insights on how you should nurture and develop the people you want to make a difference in the community. “If you have a popcorn stand you should have an advisory board,” was a statement I once heard him say but didn’t understand its meaning until almost twenty years later. Mary and I served together on The Glen project and she was a gracious queen- always authentic and supportive. I can’t imagine the pain the family must be feeling during this season of grief but I pray God’s grace and mercy strengthens each and every one of you. Because I care I share!

~ Daria Dillard Stone

I joined The Iams Company in 1984 and retired in 1998. I was blessed to know Clay and Mary and the family during my time at Iams. Clay and Mary were a wonderful, caring couple. I knew Clay well and was always impressed with his wisdom and dedication to his causes. Dayton and the world has lost a great benefactor.

~ Les Pitstick

I remember the first time I met Clay, when he accompanied Dallas to an appointment. It was obvious he loved and cared for his brother. Meeting with him the next day with Mark Gilbert, he took time and provided support for research that has impacted so many lives. He was incredibly kind, insightful, and showed me how good someone could be. It was an honor to work in CERN Foundation, to experience his leadership and training, but most the importance of integrity, care and family. I am sorry for the loss all have experienced-especially the family. His and your legacy will continue to touch lives.

~ Terri S. Armstrong

39 years ago, I met Clay when he visited my office during my first year as principal at Chaminade-Julienne High School. During our three-hour session, he provided what became the first of MANY opportunities for me to learn about vision, mission, values, planning, culture, and leadership. At one point, I noticed that he had taken his shoes off...as if to say...relax over there young fella, we are just getting started. At the end of the meeting, he offered to send me to a Presidents' Association weeklong business management training that he claimed was quite pivotal for him after his first year at Iams. The conference included 18 CEOs and me. When I told Clay about the roster just before I left, he kindly said, don't worry they will get as much from you (about education) as you will from them re: running an organization. I am grateful for the many projects our partnership produced...at CJ--the National School of Excellence, teacher endowment, annual fund, campus plan, and the fact that in 39 years, CJ has only had three leaders, in large part because Lorcan, Dan and I all received extensive tutelage from Clay and support from the Mathile Family. Beyond CJ, our partnership created Parents Advancing Choice in Education, The Center for Catholic Education at UD, the Lalanne teacher program, Black Alliance for Educational Options, extensive support to area Catholic schools and families, college scholarships and so much more. Upon hearing the news of his death, I was at first in disbelief that our community and this world could be without Clay. But thanks to the fact that there are so many people who have learned from Clay how to dream big, to plan practically, and to care about the right things in seeking success, his influence has actually just begun. So rest in peace with the Lord, Clay....and Mary, I know that your deep and abiding faith will temper your grief until you are reunited with Clay for eternity. Meantime, good health and lots of great family time for you. To Cate, Tim, Mike, Tina, Jen, and your spouses and families, I wish you all the best in your Family United Forever quest to continue writing your own chapters of influence in helping others to dream no little dreams...

~ Theodore TJ Wallace

Our sincere condolences and prayers to the Mathile Family and Friends. May God comfort, keep and strengthen you all.

~ Sunlight Village

Clay truly did see the potential in others. I joined Iams in 1979 as the controller. First controller hired for the company. That year the company did almost $8 million in sales. We were very lean, Clay was busy on many projects, so I just stepped in to help. Working on distribution issues, internal personnel issues, etc. Within my first year, Clay came to me and said he felt like I had potential to do more and asked me to hire an assistant controller. I did. And I was fortunate to then work in distribution, sales, marketing, senior management of the company. Frankly, if it hadn't been for Clay I think I would probably never have stepped out of the accounting world. Clay truly was my mentor, coach, cheerleader, friend. I have lots of memories I could share but I thought my beginnings with the company were life changing for me. All thanks to Clay.

~ Marty Walker

I join the Dayton region in mourning the loss of Clay Mathile.

A model of community leadership, Clay could easily have easily relocated and shifted his focus to somewhere where people of means tend to congregate, forgetful of those who inspired, supported, and motivated them. But that wasn’t him. And isn’t MaryAnn.

Clay took enormous pride in the Dayton Region and its people. And he invested mightily in both, including causes that served those of lesser means. With characteristic thoughtfulness, and his partner, MaryAnn, he built a foundation which not only provided philanthropic support, but also, though the exceptional mission-centered staff, lent essential expertise and strategic partnering. I experienced this many times at the organizations in which I was involved. This was particularly crucial for St. Joseph Children’s Center. People associated with the Mathile Family Foundation were always pitching in and first rate in every way.

Like countless others, I personally benefited from the instruction provided by the Center for Entrepreneurial Education. I still remember lessons from the classes I took from Dave Sullivan decades ago. And it was a special treat to have Clay himself lead one of the sessions, and with characteristic self-effacing candor, engage in a discussion with the group. He was masterful.

Clay lived an admirable life—a generous man of faith and curiosity, successful but modest, striving to improve all in which he was involved, and encouraging others to do the same. He was devoted to giving back to the community that is home to the company he built, one that treated employees like family. There are not many who have such a positive, wide-ranging, and lasting impact.

I am sorry for the Family’s, Foundation’s, Aileron’s, and Dayton community’s loss.

~ Fred Pestello

I can still remember watching Clay and Mary walking past the front of our house on Kimmel Rd as they took their stroll into the village. Our daughter (Amanda) was their papergirl for a number of years and she was sad to hear his Clay's passing. Our prayers are for him and with the family. May Our Blessed Mother take perfect care as returns home. Mike & Shirley Schubert

~ Michael Schubert

My deepest sympathy to Mary and the Mathile family on the loss of Clay; he was a wonderful man, and I am thankful that I had the chance to know him. I worked for the Iams Company many years ago, and even though it was only temporary, I was always treated as if I was a regular employee, and not just a temp. That is a testament to the type of man Clay was, and the company culture he created. I would not be where I am today without the experience I gained at Iams, and I am forever grateful for my time there.

~ Lisa Priolisi

I did not know Mr. Mathile personally, but knew of the great positive impact he had on so many people, particularly in this region. I also greatly admired the modesty with which he carried out his good works. I want to share my sympathy with the Mathile family as well as Mr. Mathile's friends and associates.

~ Tom Traynor

Clay Mathile was an incredible role model and impacted me both personally and professionally. Nearly two decades ago, he provided the support for an international research program for a rare cancer that not only changed our understanding of this disease and developed new treatments, but it changed to approach to rare cancers. His mentoring and support was so generous and the lessons in leadership that I learned have proven invaluable as I have navigated my career from our first meeting nearly 17 years ago. I know that I am not alone in feeling that Clay had the highest level of integrity and as a role model and mentor, one could not do any better. He will be missed.

~ Mark Gilbert

In the wake of the sad news about the passing of the Honorable Clay Mathile, I am compelled to reach out and offer our deepest condolences. When I was informed of this somber news, I couldn't help but reflect on the remarkable legacy Mr. Mathile leaves behind. His leadership was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark not only on the business world but on the lives of countless individuals through his remarkable philanthropic endeavors. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and unwavering support during this immeasurably difficult time

~ Shams Karim

To Mary, Cate, Tim, Mike, Jen, and Tina – Claire and I send our deepest condolences to you and your families at this time. We hope you find some consolation in knowing the positive impact that Clay had on all those fortunate enough to have worked with him and learn from him. I worked for Clay at Iams during the early and formative part of my career. I learned so much from him, and I have far too many memories to share here. But underlying all those memories were his genuine interest in each person he encountered and his commitment to always doing the right thing – for our customers, our employees, our suppliers, and the community. He was open and sincere in both belief and action that every employee was important to the success of the company, and he reminded us that “The wisdom of the decision has nothing to do with the power of the position.” And he walked that talk in everything he did. Words on paper can’t do justice to the impact he’s had on my career and my life; I know that I have been blessed to know him, work with him, and learn from him.

~ Phil Chick

Please accept our condolences on the loss of your father to your whole family. Madelyn has many fond memories visiting his house with Jenna. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure you and your siblings will carry on his legacy with pride.

~ Mary Skinner

I never got the chance to meet Clay personally but I first knew of him as Cathy’s father while at we were at ONU together. Those were fantastic times and as I got older I recognized just how significant his impact was on my alma mater. My deepest condolences to the entire Mathile family and we have lost a true legend. Thank you for all that you did!

~ Scott Holdsworth

I was the IBM account assigned to Iams. Clay was negotiating a deal with me on a new computer system well over $1M. We were close and haggling over $40K. Clay reaches into his desk draw and pulls out a baseball card of Mike pitching for the Harrisburg Senators signed by Mike. Clay told me this card would be worth $40K someday. I told him, I would keep the card for him and when it was worth $40K I would sell it and give him the money. He told me I could keep the card and we struck a deal on the computer system. Some time later my son Chad Cramer played baseball for CJ where Mike Mathile was the head baseball coach. At the meet the team night with the coach, I presented that baseball card to Mike. I will always keep that baseball card because it reminds me of the great times with Clay and Mike.

~ Fred Cramer

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mathile, but his contributions to eradicate malnutrition in Guatemala have been a cornerstone to the work that my organization, Ancora Ministries, does.

~ Trey Williams

I had both the honor and pleasure to work for this very special man, who dreamed no little dreams for himself and all those he touched. He was unbelievably inspiring, genuinely caring and always value driven. I fondly recall the many times I heard Clays soothing voice asking myself and others .....how can I help? The unique and surprising thing is that Clay always remembered and followed up. He truly walked the talk as a leader, a father and a human being. Clay was a beacon of light that shared his amazing brightness to help countless others not only dream but find their way.

~ Jim Schedler

I was saddened to hear of the loss of Clay, and my sincere condolences go to all the Mathile family. I consider myself very lucky to have started with The Iams Company in 1993, working for the European organisation. They were great days, with many friendships and memories enduring the passage of time. Clay was a visionary, and was always a calming influence, possessing an abundance of leadership skills that helped guide the European business to great heights. It always amazed me, that with so many employees around the world, he would remember your name, and then talk to you in a very personal and individual way. Clay will be sadly missed, but his legacy will live on for all those who were part of a wonderful team at Iams.

~ David Morgan