James Clayton "Clay" Bohlman, a cherished soul known for his eclectic spirit and compassionate heart, passed away on July 13, 2024, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Ron and Sandy Bohlman on October 16, 1968, Clay was a beacon of ingenuity and kindness throughout his 55 years.
Clay's early life in Oregon and Montana laid a strong foundation for a man deeply connected to his roots. He graduated from Tigard High School in 1987 and went on to earn a college degree from Western Montana University. He wanted to see what life in the U.S. had to offer, so he put his passion of art and teaching on the back burner, and dove into the trucking industry. It was the platform he needed to tell his stories of the wonderful experiences he encountered throughout his trucking career.
Clay's hobbies were a reflection of the outdoors of beautiful Montana, whether it was on the river fishing with Dad, tending to his horses, working on his outdoor projects, hunting, picking blackberries so Mom could make blackberry pie, or simply spending the day on the Blackfoot River with the family. Clay's agenda was outside from sun up to sun down. Along with that, his talent for art was impressive. He spent hours on the easel during his indoor time. His paintings of his visions of Montana life growing up were special.
Thinking outside the box was an understatement with Clay. His hearty laugh was comical, his sense of humor was legendary and the ability to teach his nieces how to horseback ride with patience and joy was unparalleled. Clay marched to the beat of his own drum, but there was one constant. He loved the entire Bohlman and Heaston family.
Clay was survived by his mother Sandy Bohlman, and his nieces, Alex, Lulu, and Andi Bohlman. His memory will be honored and kept alive by his brothers Tom and Lance Bohlman.
Clay's life was a testament to being comfortable in your own skin, and having a passion for life and family. Clay, you don't know how much I will miss watching you having the family in tears with your sense of humor, floating the Blackfoot River, watching you dump your kayak multiple times and listening to your banter with Mom and Dad at the dinner table. Thank you for the lifelong memories, older brother.
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