Clayton Baker was a man who left an indelible mark on the lives of those around him. Born on July 19, 1968, and passing away on September 19, 2020, after a courageous battle with sarcoma, Clayton was known for his sharp sense of humor, his love for adventure, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. His warm spirit, leadership, and devotion to his family were the hallmarks of a life lived with integrity and purpose.
Clayton’s professional journey took him from a small financial advisory firm to becoming the Consulting Managing Partner for Americas Financial Services at EY. In every role, he exemplified leadership, inspiring and mentoring countless colleagues along the way. His authenticity, team-building skills, and ability to draw people in left a lasting legacy in the financial world.
Outside of work, Clayton found joy in the simple pleasures—boating, deep-sea fishing, and spending time with his family. His cherished view of the Atlantic Ocean from his home in Hampstead, NC, was his refuge. Even in the midst of his battle with sarcoma, Clayton’s resilience shined through, supported by his beloved wife of 28 years, Deirdre, and their son, Gavin.
In Clayton’s final months, he expressed a deep desire to see advancements in sarcoma research, especially in early prevention and treatment options. It is this passion that has spurred his colleagues and friends at EY to create a lasting tribute in his honor. For the past three years, employees of EY have come together to organize an annual golf tournament, The Clayton, to celebrate his life and raise funds to support sarcoma research. This event has become a testament to Clayton’s impact and continues his fight to find better treatment options—and one day, a cure—for sarcoma.
Over the last two years, The Clayton has contributed more than $300,000 to the Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Clayton’s friends and coworkers, this year’s event brought us close to $500,000 in lifetime donations. These funds are driving critical research that brings us closer to fulfilling Clayton’s vision of a future with more effective treatments for sarcoma patients.
We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of the EY community and all those who participate in The Clayton. Together, they ensure that Clayton Baker’s legacy lives on—not only through the memories of those who loved him but also through the meaningful advancements made in the fight against sarcoma.
