Memories
This collection of memories, stories, and condolences from friends and family is a small example of the countless lives Clay touched during his life. As you reflect on and remember Clay, take comfort in reading the recollections from others who knew and loved him. You can also read the eulogy and homily shared at Clay’s funeral, written and shared by Catherine Laden and Fr. Larry J. Hemmelgarn respectively as well as a statement that became part of congressional record on November 15th, 2023.
I never knew Clay personally, but I was given the opportunity to intern at Cymi while attending the University of Dayton my junior and senior years in 2006-2008. I was lucky enough to work for some amazing, talented leaders who knew what an honor it was to work at Cymi. Oddly enough, that internship helped me make connections to my first job in public accounting. It also lead me to my 2nd job at the columbus airport because the Director of Finance, Paul Streitenberger, was once the Controller at Cymi. While I never knew Clay, I knew the wonderful, gracious, and kind leaders he had on his team and those leaders have been so impactful to my career. He helped to indirectly shape my career and the way I view life as a working mom all due to the culture and people that surrounded him. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked at Cymi and know the way the family took care of the Dayton community. May God Bless you!
My heartfelt condolences to Mary and the entire Mathile family. I always thought of Clay as the kind man whom I met through family friends. His generosity and graciousness in extending an internship to a young college student changed my life. I am so proud to have been an employee and built a career at the Iams Company and to have been a part of the CCPP culture. I admired and respected Clay as an astute businessman and dedicated leader. But I equally admired him for the family man that he was and the man of God that he was. Clay treated everyone at Iams as an extension of his own family, and I will be forever grateful to have been a part of that special group. I think of my time at The Iams Company often and know that I was truly blessed to be a part of it. Simply put, Clay positively impacted millions of people and pets around the world and will forever be respected, remembered and loved. Dream no little dreams…
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.
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.
While I only met Clay one time when I was invited to speak at a Board meeting, the spirit of his generosity has surrounded my life for more than 30 years. Every nonprofit organization I served was directly impacted by Clay, including young mothers, aspiring student artists, high school students and their families, and entire communities. The opportunity to grow in my servant leadership skills is a direct result of Clay's deep belief that nonprofits deserve strategic direction, guidance, and mentors to support them. I wish I would have written him a note to share these thoughts and gratitude. What an amazing blessing and example of giving back....philanthropy....the love of humankind, Mr. Mathile. May all who knew you be a part of carrying on your legacy with grace and humility.
I remember when we first stared up the Leipsic Iams plant and talking with Clay. He had a story about high school basketball. Clay talked about the playing against the mean sob from McComb. His name was Joe Collingwood. Me, being from McComb know Joe and his family, I later shared this story with Joe and the discussion went on for an hour. Thanks Clay for all you've done for the team at Leipsic and personally for what you provided for my family and myself. RIP Clay
First, my sincerest condolences to the Mathile Family. May Christ provide peace that surpasses understanding.
I am profoundly grateful for the transformative influence Clay's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship has had on my life, my organizations, and countless families seeking renewed purpose. Before I founded Victory Project, I dedicated 18 months to in-depth research and development, studying not just non-profits but also successful businesses. This journey led me to the doorstep of Aileron. During my initial visit, I had the privilege to consult with two senior executives. Rather than merely validating my plans, they generously offered invaluable insights into real-world challenges that could have thwarted our mission. Reflecting on the past 15 years, the guidance I received that day—and on many subsequent occasions—has been instrumental in uplifting hundreds of young men from the depths of poverty.
The University of Dayton has quantified the impact, estimating that our alumni have saved society over $250 million by breaking the cycle of poverty. This incredible Social Return On Investment has been accomplished without government aid, solely through the grace of Christ, whose love and protection have been unyielding.
I firmly believe God works through his children—people like Clay—to manifest His love and kindness in the world. The legacy Clay has left behind serves as a shining testament to his faithfulness to Jesus, not for his own glory, but for the One he served so ardently.
It is my earnest prayer that sharing this story fills you with peace, joy, and comfort. Thank you for allowing me to share how profoundly Clay's life has impacted my own.
I had the incredible honor to work with Clay and to lead the members of the Senior Staff in composing the annual Strategic Plan. Clay was a charismatic leader who involved every member of the Planning Team and the entire organization. Clay believed Strategic Planning was key to Iams success.
Clay insisted that every member of the Iams Team participated in the Planning Process through an annual survey of every single member of the Iams Team. The results of the survey were rigorously reviewed by the senior planning team.
Clay was the originator of the Iams Way, a road map setting the standards for Iams and Eukanuba products worldwide. I was fortunate enough to travel to work with Iams Distributors worldwide.
A lasting tribute to Clay is the Mathile family. Clay and Mary raised an awesome family, some of whom participated in Company Management. Clay's legacy continues with an amazing family who represent Clay and Mary's love and values.
I would like to end by remembering Clay's favorite quote : "Dream no little dreams, they have no power to move men's souls".
Rest in Peace Clay!
My deepest sympathies go out to the Mathile family.
I was introduced to the Iams company by Mike Parks in 1996. Mike’s goal was to send each of our management staff members to the Iams Institute for training. I had the opportunity to attend the Iams training in 1998. On the last day of class, it was a special treat as Clay walked into our class, accompanied by a dog to give a talk on business and Dayton, Ohio.
On behalf of the YMCA of Greater Dayton I want to thank Clay for his generosity but more importantly for his knowledge that he has spread across our great city.
I am lifelong Daytonian and had the pleasure of being a staff member of the YMCA of Greater Dayton since 1992. I am firm believer if the YMCA didn’t attend the Iams Institute we wouldn’t have learned about strategic planning. The YMCA growth in Dayton is attributed to strategic planning and focus on the on the next project.
I would like to thank Clay, and the Mathile family for being so supportive of nonprofits in our great community.
There are no words to describe how I feel about Clay. He gave me the opportunity to see the lives of so many children be transformed in my country, Guatemala. He gave the children the best gift of all, the opportunity for a better life. He really believed that this was possible and gave all that we needed to make this happen. He trusted us and inspired us. Clay has forever changed my life.
Clay left an indelible mark on every corner of our city, and yet you will rarely see his name. Many will never know how far and wide his influence and support stretched because he worked humbly behind the scenes, pulling together those who could bring big ideas to life. He and his wife, Mary, believed they were doing God’s work through philanthropy. They gave generously and quietly, sometimes even anonymously. That spirit continues with their family foundation, passionately committed to making our community a better place by serving those most in need. The pain we feel at his passing shows us how great an impact he had on our hearts. His legacy will live on, ever present in our daily lives, silently supporting our community for generations with perennial gifts from his joyful heart, authentic spirit and curious mind. Dayton is a better, smarter and more beautiful place today because of Clay Mathile.
I only met Clay two times. His life, his focus, all the things he found fascinating and good are things I thought about every day. God, being the center of hard work, making life the best it can be for all people. The Mathile Family foundation, your family, and your family staff are people I think about every day. Your focus on children receiving the best education they can and giving them the best experiences, we can, is part of our daily mission and the topic of discussion. Synonymous with Clay, Mary Ann, Jen, FAMILY. I say thank you with a sadden heart, for the great example you’ve given me, and someone to live up to. Thank you, thank you, Thank you!
It was indeed an honor and a privilege to know Clay. His and Mary's philanthropy was awesome. Through the foundation and Aileron his positive impact will continue for years to come. He will be greatly missed and I send my condolences to to the family.
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of Clay, may God continue to bless the Mathile family. My wife and I founded our business in 1999. Although our company had good growth, around 2008, it wasn’t fun going to work anymore. In 2009, I scheduled a group tour of Aileron with an association where I served as programs chair, and all I can remember from that tour was the video of Clay; it was like he was speaking directly to me. I attended the Course for Presidents (CFP), and we dove deeply into Aileron’s training and applied the DOC model to all aspects of our businesses. We built our first advisory board in 2014 and have added Aileron courses to our onboarding plan for all new employees. Clay’s vision of Aileron has made life-changing improvements in our lives and business.
Chris and I were blessed to serve Clay’s alma mater, and one of our greatest blessings was becoming friends with Clay and Mary. We share our grief with so many because Clay’s life had such a profound impact on his family, friends, and associates in business, at universities, and the communities he loved. His personal values, especially those of faith, family, learning, generosity, and humility, set Clay apart from others who achieved the kind of success he did. That we shared a passion for baseball was a bonus.
I valued my time with Clay and learned so much from him. He and Mary supported Ohio Northern University in transformational ways, and perhaps their greatest gift is the privilege to permit the Mathile name on their ONU philanthropy. An example I will always cherish is the Mathile Scholars Program.
Clay and Mary established the Mathile Scholars Program to inspire excellence, supporting a renewable, full tuition scholarship for two meritorious recipients in each new student class. The Mathiles not only made a financial commitment to the program, they made a personal commitment to the student Scholars as well.
Each fall, Chris and I would host a dinner at the President’s House for Clay and Mary and the Mathile Scholars. It was always a memorable evening and a special time for the students and Clay and Mary to connect in an up close and personal way. Clay would close the dinner by offering remarks to the Scholars, encouraging them to do well academically and professionally and to do good in their communities. He always ended his remarks with a clear and powerful message, that Mathile Scholars are expected “to change the world.” Not surprisingly, they are.
Clay’s death saddens us all. The way he let his life speak will continue to inspire us as we find comfort in remembering.
In his collection of poems, entitled Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman helps us appreciate the comforting power of remembering in these poetic lines:
Memories
How sweet the silent backward tracings!
The wanderings as in dreams –
The meditations of old times remembered –
Their loves, joys, person, and voyages
May our memories of Clay comfort our hearts and may he rest in peace with God.
To Clay’s Family – My name is Becky Edgren and I am Rudy and Mary Dudon’s daughter. I know you all know my brothers, Dave and Tony, as well as many of my nieces and nephews. And while I have met many of you, there was never any reason for us to connect so it is doubtful you have any recollection of me; however, I wanted to let you know your father did so much for me that I’m sure he was never aware of.
Years ago, when I was just starting my professional career, I worked for our family business, Mutual Tool & Die. I attended several training sessions Clay sponsored, most of them in affiliation with what was then the DTMA. This was long before Aileron, and I took every chance I had to listen to Clay and his infinite wisdom. Clay was such an inspiration to me…he sincerely cared and wanted to help everyone reach their potential and their dreams. When I would see him at various events, he always remembered me and had a kind, encouraging word. I currently own a small family business (we are now 15 years old) that my daughters are a part of and so much of our culture, and success, is due to the knowledge your father shared with me years ago. It was an honor to know him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Much love for the Mathile family! This family means so much to me and they have made me a better human being.
Young in my career I called Clay, I was nervous and even more scared when he picked up the phone. I explained my reason for calling and he said he didn’t manage that part of his business. Looking back I am pretty sure he knew more about what I trying to do than I knew myself.
He directed me to the person in charge and I began to hang up. What happened next I will never forget. He stopped me and said, “before you go, Scott (he remembered my name) Scott, hold on, keep working hard and things will work out fine for you, good luck son”
I couldn’t believe it! I ran to my dads office and told him what just hapoened. Those years of my life I was consumed with being successful. Reflecting back I was arrogant, self centered and afraid. Deep down I was still a little boy with no confidence. That day he gave me confidence when I had none, he gave me dignity in such a selfless way, he gave me a reputation to live up to.
10 years later I was hired as a consultant for The Iams Company. It was the greatest day of my career and a pivotal point for McGohan Brabender.
Often I will pickup random phone calls and speak to someone just like me back in the day, simply trying to earn a living. People will ask me why I waste my time talking to sales people on the phone. I love telling them the story of Clay Mathile who took a call from a scared little boy and gave him the gift of confidence.
The Mathile family has given me more than I could ever give back, but what I can do is give away what he gave me unselfishly, confidence and encouragement.
I am so blessed to have been touched by him and grateful for this beautiful family!
God Bless
Few people are larger than life, Clay was. Unpretentious and brilliant, kind and driven. His legacy is filled with entrepreneurs that owe their success to him and his role model of servant leadership. His impact in my life continues to this day.
Please accept my heart-felt sympathy for the passing of such a great man – Clay Mathile.
Through my work at Dayton Children’s, the hospital’s foundation has benefited from Clay’s hard-earned success. He certainly didn’t have to give away his money, but he set the tone for what it means to be a philanthropist in our community. There are so many nonprofits that benefited from his generosity. He and Mary did so anonymously, without fanfare – something I’ve always admired. Despite the millions of dollars that the family has given over the years, there’s not one area named for the Mathile family at the hospital.
About 17 years ago, the Mathile family made their first seven figure gift to Dayton Children’s. Clay’s son Mike spoke at one of our events regarding the challenge grant from the family. You could tell by Mike’s comments that Clay instilled in his kids what a great responsibility they have to award money. I admire that is something Clay and Mary have passed down to their kids and grandkids.
I’ve always respected that Clay stayed local. While he spent time in FL, he could have easily left Dayton and moved full time to a place with better views and more sunshine. But he showed his commitment to Dayton – the town that supported him with his growing company. The town that eventually benefitted directly from his hard-earned success.
Clay’s passing is such a loss to the Dayton community. He’s truly one of a kind; he created Aileron, helped entrepreneurs launch their business and raised the bar for philanthropic giving in Dayton. He will be greatly missed.
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband and our friend, Clay.
Thank you and Clay for an unparalleled relationship. Thank you for meeting Vanessa and I in a dark Church library and lighting the first candle of hope with a monetary gift for a fledgling After School program. Then you gave a greater gift, you encouraged us to apply to other foundations and to keep serving our community.
You and Clay have lit so many candles throughout our community. Thank you for finding us and showing us the path and saying, “walk this way.”
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories, stories, or condolences. Those seeking other ways to contribute can support Clay’s philanthropic legacies, Aileron or The Mathile Institute, at the link below.
