Please join us on Saturday, April 8th from 2-4 PM as we celebrate the life of our father, Clayton “Biff” Sebastian, at the Vantage Glen Mobil Home Clubhouse located at 18100 107th Place SE, Renton, WA.
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A life well lived…. Clayton “Biff ” Sebastian, passed away at the ripe old age of 101 years old. He died on what would have been his 77th wedding anniversary with his wife, Patricia. She passed away in 1996 and we believe she guided him to the other side to celebrate their special day together.
Clayton Sebastian was born on December 18, 1921 and lived his early life in Bellevue, WA. He was raised during the Great Depression, but said they never lacked for food since they had a farm with animals and a garden. His mom, Mabel Sebastian, was called the “Berry Lady” because she used to sell her raspberries and boysenberries at a fruit stand in front of her house. Clayton graduated from Bellevue High School in 1940 and joined the Army Air Corps that same year.
Shortly after that, the United States joined in World War II and he was sent throughout Europe and Africa as an airplane and engine mechanic.
He always wanted to fly the planes, but his superiors said he was too valuable on the ground. He earned many distinguished medals of service and good conduct.
During his time in WWII, he was blessed by the Pope and gave the Queen of England a tour the planes used during the war. He left the service after almost 5 years as a Master Sergeant and returned home to Bellevue.
He met Patricia Sebastian and they fell in love and were married on February 9, 1946, leading to 50 years of rich friendship, affirming love, and four daughters: Shirley, Wendi, Carol, and Sandy. He originally worked for Boeing, but tired of being laid off so he started his own small construction business, Sebastian Construction Company. He moved the family to Issaquah and continued working until well into his 60’s. He loved to ride his bike and rode until he was 99 years old.
Clayton (Biff) was a kind, humble man with an extremely strong work ethic and wonderful sense of humor. He was always there to help family or friends in need. He was never sick until he was diagnosed with final stage of congestive heart failure in September 2022.
His daughters and son-in-law (Tim Heffron) lovingly cared for him until the end. At his side was his amazing caregiver, Joseph Kihio, who cared for him daily and made sure he was comfortable. He had a very determined will to live and was walking up until a few days before his death.
He is survived by his four daughters: Shirley Sebastian, Wendi Heffron, Carol Janssen, and Sandy Bechtel. He was also reunited with a daughter that was given up for adoption, Donna Taylor. He has five grandchildren: Tracie Fenton, Kristi Heffron, Brian Christian, Rebecca Barnhart, and Matthew Barnhart. He is also survived by several great grandchildren. We will all love and miss him, but know he’s at peace now. We want to thank the staff at Visiting Angels of Kirkland and Kaiser Hospice for their help and support.
