It is with great sadness to inform our community of the passing of Professor Chris Clayton on the 2nd July 2026.
Professor Clayton was the British Geotechnical Association 50th Rankine Lecturer (2010) and awarded the Skempton Medal in 2025.
After Graduating as a Civil Engineer Chris chose to specialise in Geotechnical Engineering as his profession. In his early years he worked on construction sites rather than in lecture theatres. Later he completed his Masters degree with distinction at Imperial College followed by a PhD which marked the beginning of his academic career. Throughout his career he produced more than 200 papers and wrote many books, some of which became the standard reference for engineers around the world. He sat on many prestigious committees/groups and was the Chairman of British Geotechnical Society (now BGA) from 1990 to 1993.
In recent years, Chris faced perhaps his greatest challenge. Parkinson’s disease gradually took away his mobility and, in time, often concealed the remarkable intellect that had inspired so many throughout his career. Yet those of us who knew him well also recognised that the Chris we had always known was still there. From time to time, there would be a familiar spark—a perceptive comment, a knowing smile, or a glimpse of the wit and wisdom that had never truly left him.
Throughout this difficult journey, Chris was surrounded by the love and devotion of his family. His beloved wife, Mary, and his children, Thomas and Eleanore, were a constant source of strength, comfort and support. Their care and dedication reflected the love that Chris had given so generously throughout his own life.
Chris died peacefully on Thursday, 2nd July, at Claremont Court Care Home.
The muchloved.com link below allows people to donate to Parkinsons UK as well as upload memories and photos of Chris.
The details of Chris’s funeral and the live stream can be found at profchristopherclayton.muchloved.com where it says:
There will be a Service of Thanksgiving for Chris’s life at Guildford Crematorium on Tuesday 4th August 2026 at 3pm followed by a reception at the Tithe Barn, Loseley Park
We ask that people come dressed appropriately, though there is no need for black
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed and can be viewed using these details:
Website: https://watch.obitus.com
Username: line2179
Password: 555955
Within 48 hours of the service it will be available to watch for a further 28 days, using the same details.
Wishing Mary and her family our very best wishes in these very sad times and as a light in our engineering community let us celebrate the very special life and achievements of Professor C.R.I.Clayton. Rest In Peace.