Vallarta Celebrates the Life and Mourns the Passing of Stephen David Clay PhillyBurbs
go to original July 23, 2013

Steve and Neil manning the Vallarta Botanical Gardens Booth at the May 5 Altruism Festival (Photo: PVAngels)

Stephen David Clay died suddenly on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was 48.

Stephen was born Feb. 4, 1965 and grew up in Southampton, Pa. He moved to New York and then spent about 20 years in Los Angeles, Calif. before settling in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Stephen was the son of Elaine Emenheiser Clay of Southampton, Pa. and the late Samuel A. Clay Jr. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sisters, Cynthia Clay Begley (Michael) of Abington, Pa. and Christine Clay Sauers (Brian) of Warrington, Pa.; five nieces and nephews, Melissa and Kimberly Begley and Colin, Jake and Allison Sauers; an aunt, Carolyn Clay Myers (William, deceased); and two cousins, William Myers (Kari) and Barbara Myers Hennessey (Edward).

Stephen was a 1983 graduate of William Tennent High School, Warminster, Pa., and a 1987 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, Pa. with a degree in Hotel/Resort Management.

He pursued his first passion for a few years, and then a career opportunity took him to New York to take theater classes and to work in the field. When he moved to Los Angeles, he opened his own children's entertainment business, Fairy Tale Productions, successfully creating happy and joyful experiences for children up and down the west coast.

Stephen's most important and loved creation was 'Binky the Elf.' For over a decade, Stephen, as 'Binky the Elf,' entertained thousands of children with self-created interactive skits and music during the holiday season at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, Calif.

As he grew older, his desire to teach became more obvious to him, and he earned his Master's degree to fulfill this desire. As a result he added teaching English, English as a Second Language, and Theater Arts to his already busy schedule.

His final two years were spent in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, teaching, working in sales and as the Event/Program Coordinator and board member at the Botanical Gardens.

Friends and family will always remember Stephen's great sense of humor, his ability to make others laugh, and his warm smile. Stephen's energy and his pursuit of the next opportunity were inspiring to those who knew him. When he was not working, Stephen enjoyed watching movies, playing with his dogs Luke and Lucky (now deceased), maintaining a strict physical fitness program, writing prose, poetry and song lyrics, singing with various groups, and recording his own songs, including one especially for his mother.

Although his life ended early, Stephen pursued a lot of dreams in a short period of time. His love of entertaining and of children was a theme throughout most of his adult life. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to any children's organization or children's hospital. All notifications of contributions can be sent to Elaine Clay, 1326 Whitney Rd., Southampton, PA 18966.

Interment will be private in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

A 'Celebration of Life' will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8 in Pennsylvania.

Team Angels was lucky to know and work together with Steve in all his great acts of kindness and we'll miss his laughter, fun sense of humor and all his wonderful contributions to our city of Puerto Vallarta. We send sincere condolences to Steve's friends and family.

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