Betty Clay 16th April 1917 - 24th April 2004
Gone home: Baden-Powell's last child Betty Clay
United Kingdom - "It is with deep regret that I announce the death of our Vice President, the Hon Mrs Betty Clay, CBE, and youngest daughter of our Founder. She died peacefully in her sleep in a nursing home alongside her home in Somerset, on Saturday morning 24th April 2004, just a few days after she and her husband Gervas had celebrated their joint birthday - her 87th and his 97th.
"In mourning her passing we give thanks for a life lived to the full, committed to the ideals of Scouting and Guiding and the vision of her parents. She was and will remain an inspiration to the youth and Leaders of today's Movements."
Derek Twine
Chief Executive
The Scout Association, UK
On the world level, Mrs. Clay was awarded the Bronze Wolf in 1999. It is the only award of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and it is given in recognition of outstanding service by an individual to the World Scout Movement. She was a member of the World Baden-Powell Fellowship, as is her husband.
Her funeral was a small family event. The Scout and Guide Organizations in the United Kingdom are organizing a memorial service on Monday 12 July. As it is likely that a significant number of people will want to attend, tickets are required. Contact: scout.association@scout.org.uk
Audio: Listen to the inspiring message Betty Clay recorded for the 23,000 Scouts attending the 20th World Scout Jamboree in Thailand in January 2003. (3 minutes, 2.7 mb, mpeg format)
Download PDF version of this page
