[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E651-E652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF CLAYTON EDWARD FRANCIS DERDERIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2021

  Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Clayton 
Edward Francis Derderian, who passed away at his home on May 16, 2021, 
at the very young age of 15, having fought a long battle against a 
devastating form of brain and spinal cancer for 12 years of his much-
too-short life.
  Clay was known to family and friends as Clay-Bear, Chili Bean, Mr. 
Dunderfuss, and Busby. He was an aspiring chef, inventor, and 
entrepreneur. He was a braille reader but always preferred to be read 
to, ideally ``in character''. At mealtime he often announced: ``I am 
not hungry, what's for dessert?'' He loved a good joke or a good story 
and despite his disease, somehow managed to love life and especially 
the people around him.
  Clay leaves his mother, Mary Bannon, father, JD Derderian, sister 
Grace Derderian and grandmothers Rainette Bannon and Inez Derderian, as 
well as loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
  The tributes paid to Clay by those who knew him well say he was wise 
beyond his years, that he could make a whole room smile with just a few 
words, and that he was welcoming and always smiling. He was an 
amazingly funny person with a great sense of

[[Page E652]]

humor and brought joy and sweetness to every interaction.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me 
in expressing our deepest condolences to Clay's family on their 
profound loss. May they take solace from knowing that their beloved son 
was given the best care possible and that he was loved deeply. I 
believe he is now with the angels, making them laugh and brightening 
heaven, just as he did during his life with us on earth.

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