Laurie Claytor-Denton 1959-2007

from the Garden Island

Laurie Claytor-Denton, born Jan. 23, 1959, in Wailuku, Maui, died Dec. 2, 2007, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital.

She is survived by husband Kennie Denton, daughter Lauren, son Makana, mother Lorraine Claytor of Maui, sister Leslie Claytor-True of California and brother Gary Claytor of California.

Laurie attended Kaua‘i High School and graduated from Mid-Pac in O‘ahu. She attended Hamlin University in Minnesota and in 1998 graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in creative writing. Laurie taught preschool, volunteered at grade school, coached soccer, was an avid photographer and writer.

Laurie swam competitively at Mid-Pac, Hamlin University, and in open ocean swims; 2007 was a highly successful year in swimming even while battling cancer. She dreamed of an island-wide swim program for the youth of Kaua‘i and volunteered with Swim Kaua‘i for youth and master swimmers.

Laurie was introduced to outrigger paddling while at Mid-Pac. She began paddling on Kaua‘i in 1980 with the Koloa Canoe Club and has paddled recreationally and competitively ever since. She joined the Kaiola Canoe Club in the early ‘90s. During these years, she completed many Moloka‘i crossings and countless other races. She consistently brought new techniques for training, nutrition, and equipment to the groups and was a vocal spokesperson for paddling, always on the forefront of the sport. Laurie has been involved with individual craft racing of canoes and kayaks since the early days here in Hawai‘i, contributing to its growth and development, having many successful channel crossings.

Services will be announced later. Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted her family with arrangements.


Photo by Makana

Posted by keizo on Tue, 12/11/2007 - 12:24pm

5 comments

In many of my earliest races on an oc1, Laurie was always the one I was chasing. Memories I won't ever forget. She was always cheerful and I will miss seeing her at all of the Kaua'i races.


#1 Tue, 12/11/2007 - 12:31pm


Laurie was an inspiration to me both in team OC-6 and OC-1 paddling. She encouraged me every step of the way, always convincing me I could do it. She was the strongest little person I have ever known. I will miss her so very much at every race and paddling event.

Aloha,
Fran
808-635-0165


#2 Wed, 12/12/2007 - 11:39am


One of my happiest memories of the past season was participating in the Kauai World Challenge with some of my best girl friends. After the race on the beach at Salt Pond, the Southern California contingent of paddlers (perhaps in our own minds) brought the house down with Kennie & Laurie Denton... dancing and just having a blast after the award ceremony. My heart goes out to the family & friends of the Laurie, as well as Kauai's outrigger community. It truly is a tragic loss.


#3 Sun, 12/16/2007 - 7:59pm


Aloha,

My heart goes out to Ken and his famiily. I am very happy to have the memories I have shared with them, but the time I will remember the most was doing the Liberty Cup in New York, the July after 9/11. It was a very special race for New York and for us to represent Hawaii and win the masters division with Laurie as our steersperson. Mahalo Nui Loa

Ronona Della Cioppa
Big Island


#4 Thu, 01/03/2008 - 1:16pm


aloha,

I always liked the disjikan your content. very interesting, and adds inspiration for my surfing

Thanks

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#5 Mon, 12/05/2016 - 9:43pm


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