Tributes to Colin Clayton who helped repair thousands of windows and was a stock car racer

TRIBUTES have been paid to a window repair man from Bolton, who has unexpectedly died.

Colin Derek Clayton passed away on August 1, and was well-known for working at Steamy Windows Ltd, helping thousands of people across the area with their installations and repairs.

The 62-year-old had a ‘big personality and was softly spoken and always wanted to help other people before himself’, said one tribute.

Son Ian Clayton said: “Stock car racing was his passion and he raced twice in 1980-81 and then another time in 1989.

“He always followed the sport even if he was not racing.

“He loved motorsport whether it was Formula One or rallying and it all started when he visited the Belle Vue Stadium as a teenager, and he loved the noise of the racing and the fumes from the cars.

“We started the family business Steamy Windows in 2001 with me and my older brother Paul.

“We worked as a family together right up until he died. He must have done windows for thousands of people in that time.”

Sport played a big role in his life, supporting family members playing football or rugby.

Colin had moved from Middleton to Bolton in the 1980s.

He was the devoted father of Ian, Paul, Nichola and Stacey, and beloved grandad of Zane, Aiden, Jayden, Oliver, George, Elijah, Evelyn and William.

He was also the much-loved partner of Christine and brother to Diane.

The funeral service is to take place at Overdale Crematorium today at noon.

The family say Colin was a friend to many people, and they have been comforted by the messages of support especially from workmates from Staybright Windows, where he was a marketing manager.

Ian said: “We have had messages from people who he used to work with or people he used to help and we did not know them.

“But it shows the impact he had on their lives and would do things for people and we did not know about it.”

Ian added that he loved to socialise.

“He would go for a drink at the local pubs in Bolton working his way down from Blackburn Road into Bolton and socialise in town.

“The Banktop Tap was a regular place for him. He also loved to go travel the world going to places such as Gambia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Israel.

“He loved to go camping and was one for making memories for the kids.

“He never did presents and would rather get something that would give you memories.”

Donations to R.N.L.I. All Enquiries: birtwistles.bolton@dignityfunerals.co.uk.

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