Clayton Matthew Romain, known to everyone as Clay, passed away on June 14, 2026, in Richland, Washington, just one day before his 73rd birthday. He had been battling cancer with the same quiet strength that defined his entire life.

Clay was born on June 15, 1953, in Fort Benton, Montana. He spent his childhood years between the family wheat ranch and Flathead Lake. He is survived by one sister, Rachel Khafi, and three brothers, Arveen, Britt, and Monte. His older sister, Debi, preceded him in death. He was a tall, handsome, and quiet man. He let his actions speak louder than words ever could. He married Linda in Bigfork, Montana, 47 years ago, and together they built a life that was full of adventure, love, and partnership.

Clay’s career took him to places most people only read about, from Alaska to Iowa, Washington to Afghanistan. He had a gift for solving construction problems, often designing and building solutions with his own hands. That same ingenuity carried over into everything he did. He was always tinkering with his boat, always had a home project in the works, and was always willing to lend a hand to a friend. When the job was done, he was just as happy to sit back and share a cold beer.

He was an avid reader who loved westerns and espionage stories, but his true happy place was out on the water, pulling his kids and grandkids on water skis and upending them on the inner tube.

In recent years, Clay and Linda embarked on what was meant to be a three-and-a-half-year journey around the world. They traveled through Asia, along the eastern shore of South America, through the Caribbean, Central and North America, East Africa, and across the Indian Ocean before his illness cut the trip short. The adventures they shared together were nothing short of extraordinary.

Clay was simply the best husband and father any family could ask for. He didn’t need to say much to make you feel valued, supported, and loved.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Romain; his daughter, Jane Majerus; his son, Joshua Romain; and his daughter, Juliann Romain.

Clay’s family will hold a celebration of life ceremony in Montana at a future date. Details will be shared with family and friends as plans are finalized. Those who knew Clay are encouraged to raise a cold one in his honor and remember a good man who made the world better just by being in it.

Please send gift donations to the Tri-cities Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler Street, Richland, WA. for the wonderful care they provide grieving families.