Clayton Atkinson

Clayton “Clay” Clark Atkinson 1941 – 2026

Portland, Maine

Clay Atkinson, husband of Ann Packard, left this world peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the age of 85, having fought prostate cancer for the past few years. Clay’s spirit remains an enduring source of inspiration to all who knew him.

Clay was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 2, 1941, the son of Lola and Clayton Atkinson. After growing up in Burbank, California, he had many hilarious stories to tell about growing up around the movie studios. He attended Burroughs High School, where his curiosity, playfulness and zest for life began to flourish.

After attending various California junior colleges and realizing that wasn’t working out so well, Clay joined the army. He was sent to Germany as part of the Finance Corp and loved to talk about the crazy stuff he and his buddies got into.

When he returned, he enrolled at the San Fernando Valley State College where he suddenly became a good student. He continued at the University of California Los Angeles, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees and was named Marketing Student of the Year. He then married Diane Roath and they moved to Minnesota, where they had their son, and then to Massachusetts, where they had their daughter. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a remarkable career with companies that included General Mills in Minneapolis and Parker Brothers in Salem, Massachusetts. Later Clay went out on his own, providing strategic consultancy services across a range of industries.

While in Salem, Clay met his current wife, Ann Packard, and eventually the two of them moved back to Minnesota. They lived there for 25 years, developing incredible lasting friendships, joined the Lake Fellowship Unitarian Universalist Church and spent many wonderful hours sailing on Lake Minnetonka.

Beyond his professional life, Clay was a talented photographer. In 2005 he and Ann moved to Portland, Maine and opened a fine-art photography gallery on Commercial Street. His creative spirit was an integral part of his life, and his photographs captured the beauty, complexity, and wonder of the world around him. He recently published a memoir about his journey through photography.

Clay was a master at bringing people together and creating community wherever he went. Coffee groups, teaching Ollie classes on Emotional Intelligence, men’s groups, elder groups, so many communities within communities. He was an active member of the Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church where he leaves a legacy of involvement, including teaching the kids about photography.

Clay believed in living fully and embracing life’s myriads of experiences. He was active right up until his last few weeks. An avid reader and writer, Clay’s curiosity knew no bounds, and he often engaged in what he loved most—thoughtful, intelligent debate, always infused with his keen sense of humor and caring nature.

Throughout his journey, Clay deeply valued his family and a huge community of friends. His love for his wife, Ann Packard, was a cornerstone of his life, and he cherished his children, Lisa Spradling (Jesse) and Joshua Atkinson. His grandchildren, Sierra Niles (Jake) and Taylor, Julia and Bryn Spradling, were a continual source of pride. He had a special fondness for his niece, Donna Abts (Terry) and a deep love for his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Packard Zerigian and Michael Zerigian.

A celebration of Clay’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 524 Allen Ave., Portland, Maine 04103, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 2pm EST. If you wish to join the service via Zoom, please use the direct link to register: https://forms.gle/Su1cDVp9XpbHv4xG8.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allen Avenue UU Church (https://a2u2.breezechms.com/give/online) or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland.