Clayton Kane MacLagan, 21 of Chesterton, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024. He was born September 30, 2002, in Harvey, IL, the son of Allison (Blatchford) MacLagan and Scott MacLagan. Clay’s positive and caring nature played out throughout his life – during his first 20 years – and just as beautifully in his final year while fighting cancer. A 2021 graduate of Valparaiso High School, Clayton was attending Goshen College on a basketball scholarship. In high school, he played one year of football and all four years of basketball, receiving the mental attitude award for basketball his senior year. His biggest attribute was his positive attitude and the way he always supported the underdog and those less fortunate. This thrusted his desire to play unified flag football and track and field, helping win a unified track and field state title in 2021. Spending time with friends and family, especially his sisters and dearest friends, was near and dear to Clayton’s heart. This was evident through his grace and strength along with his steady and natural way of loving.
Clayton is survived by his devoted mother, Allison MacLagan; devoted father, Scott (Dawn Ochman) MacLagan; twin-sister, Brooklynn; little sister, Campbell; Colin, Chloe, and Cain Ochman; paternal grandparents, Karol and Butch Johnston and Janet MacLagan; aunts and uncles, Lane and Kathy Blatchford, Scot Blatchford, Debbie MacLagan and Christie McElfresh, and Pam Pivaronas and Bill Shanklin; cousin, Kirk (Olivia) Blatchford and their children, Reece and Theo; cousins, Kent Blatchford, Kelsey Blatchford, Tara Zufan, Peyton Zufan, Hannah Pivaronas, and Kayla Pivaronas; great uncle, Norman and Karen Kane and their children, Norman (Annie), Christopher (Bridget), and Jeremy (Sara); 2nd cousins, Natalie (Blatchford) and Bob Ratz and their sons, Jack and Joe, James Allison, Sunday Allison, Jennifer (Seth) Whitson and their children, Aaron (Audrey), Malcolm and Vivienne Whitson, and Sara Whitson, Scean Blatchford, Jeff (Mary) MacLagan and children, Dylan and Madison, and Brett (Nicola) MacLagan. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Laurence Blatchford and Jean (Blatchford) and Jim McDonald; paternal grandfather, Donald MacLagan; uncle, Todd Blatchford.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on March 15, 2024, from 3:00-7:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Celebration of Life Service on March 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for testis cancer research. Please make checks payable to: IUSCCC/Testis Cancer Research and mail to IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center; PO Box 7072; Indianapolis, IN 46207. Indicate “In memory of Clayton MacLagan” on the memo line.
GUESTBOOK
John and I are so very sorry for your loss. May God hold Clay in his arms forever. -John and DeeDee Radinsky
We were devastated to hear of the loss of Clay. We are remembering him from way back when he played Pop Warner and Valpo American with Ty. Clay was always an upstanding kid with a great heart. We are praying the God holds all of you close to help you through this very difficult time. -The Gill Family
Clay was just a light, and we will miss him dearly. Praying for your whole family. -Jeremie, Elise, and Kiana Oelling
My Dears - my heart breaks with all of yours. Day blurs into night and we wait for the sun to shine again. Clay you are with me for all that I do evermore. Sweet soul, I see and feel you in all the earths beauty - in the dimension you have chosen. Rest and breath easy Angel - love Aunt -Pam MacLagan Pivaronas
Sorry for your loss. Clayton was a really nice young man. We're happy to have known him. I enjoyed the year he played with Xavier on the Indiana Dawgz. It was definitely a fun time and great memories. Praying for you guys. Sincerely, -The Aponte's
We were so devastated to hear of Clayton’s passing. I had all the MacLagan children at TJMS and they were all wonderful students. Clay will always have a special place in our hearts, since he was a member of the Unified track team with our son Nik. Nik followed Clay like a puppy and Clay was so kind and looked out for Nik. He was a very special young man. Clayton’s life was too short but his kindness will live on in so many lives that he touched. Your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers. -The Samardzija Family
We did not know your son, but we read of the impact he made in your family and your community. What a fine young man you raised. We grieve with you as mothers ourselves and offer our deepest sympathies. We pray with you, and we hope our words of comfort will lift you up in your time of need. We went to school with Allison and have known her from elementary ages. Please know that we haven’t forgotten you and have always remembered you fondly. Again our deepest condolences, sending love and prayer. -Rachelle Renee, Regina Keltner
I love you more than you will ever know Clay. I can’t wait to reunite with you again brother. And to your family I will do anything and everything I can for them. I love you and miss you so much. -Breece Walls
We are so sorry to hear of Clay's passing. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I feel so lucky to have met you and your family when we did. I will treasure your friendship always. Rest in peace Clay. -Laura, Tyler and Jamie Callahan
Clay was blessed to be part of such a loving family . I remember him as a young boy when he lived in our neighborhood ; he always had a smile on his face and kindness to offer . I pray that during this time of loss you have hope in knowing that you will see Clay again and that he is with our Heavenly Father where there is no pain or sadness . He has touched so many people during his short time in this world and will always remain in our hearts. -Dave and Nadine Brown
Allison and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. What a nice, strong, and brave young man you raised. I am so glad I got to meet him. My heart is broken. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May he Rest in Peace. God Bless. -Cathy Fejer
Darren and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to your family. We are praying for all of you. -Marnie Demaree
