It’s with deep sadness that we relate the news that Hazel Creek legend Steve Claxton passed away last weekend. Steve was a lifelong resident of Bryson City, North Carolina and often referred to as the mayor of Hazel Creek. He was the linch pin to the success of our camps there. We got to be pretty close with Steve, so the news of his passing has given us pause to remember all the great times we had with him.
What we think of as the classic image of Steve Claxton; rolling out buttermilk biscuits from scratch on Hazel Creek.
I remember one evening by the campfire one camper asked me how much time I’d spent on Hazel Creek. I did the number in my head and said I figured I’d spent between two and three months of my life camping and fishing on Hazel Creek. I could see Steve grinning from across the fire and invited him to tell us how much time he’d spent there since it had to be significantly more than my mine. His number of nights on Hazel Creek went well into the years, probably a tally unmatched since the days of Horace Kephart. Furthermore, I always found it fascinating that when he was a child Steve would listen to none other than Granville Calhoun tell stories of Hazel Creek in Bryson City. He truly had a connection to the old days before Fontana Lake was impounded and the park was in existence.
Steve with a Hazel Creek brown trout
Steve was always known as a prankster and I remember all the laughs. One of my favorites was when he gave the camp orientation to one of our groups who had just arrived. He showed them their tents, where the drinks were kept, and the designated area to be used as a bathroom. He then went on to show them the best leaves to wipe with. He even made it a point to show them what poison ivy looked like since a guy the previous week made that mistake. You should have seen the wide eyes! I couldn’t hold back the laughter and showed the crew our very ample supply of toilet paper.
Steve was well known for living life to the fullest. He bicycled from the coast of Oregon to Bryson City some years ago. We were honored when he made it a point to drop by our house here in Townsend before pedaling on over the Smokies to a homecoming parade in Bryson City. He used the ride to raise money for a scholarship fund for Swain County students to go on to a career in education. More recently Steve fulfilled a lifelong dream to hike the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine.
Steve with his signature smile at the end of the Appalachian Trail
In spite of recent health issues we saw that Steve was shuttling hikers and running folks across Fontana Lake to Hazel Creek less than a week before his death. That’s just the way Steve was. He never knew anything about slowing down and always found a way to do just one more thing.
John Lankford says
Ian I am so glad you wrote this. We found out about Steve’s passing last weekend. My boys and I have been in mourning ever since. We began fishing with him 18 years ago and he taught all of my children to fly fish. Our 29 year old Austin used to be on the face of Bryson City’s website smiling ear to ear with Steve (I think Austin was 11). Last year, 6 months prior to his June stroke, he drove to Birmingham, AL just to meet my father who was a legendary craftsman and boat builder. He shared Steve’s commitment to a place and a passion. My dad was sick with cancer and that afternoon with Steve was his last day of real cognitive attention and I will always remember that commitment by Steve to drive 5.5 hours to see my dad and be with my two boys. There will never be a spirit of Hazel Creek that permeates the fall air and the spring showers like the spirit of the Mayor of Hazel Creek. We will always remember our friend. Thank you for taking the time to note his passing.
Ian says
That’s a great story and is another great example of what a wonderful person he was. Thanks so much for sharing.
Lee Howell says
When you went to Hazel Creek with Steve, you felt like he had invited you into his home. And that was because he had.
Eric says
On my last Hazel Creek weekend with Steve everyone was sitting around the fire the 1st evening. There were loud fart noises coming from somewhere that clearly was in my vicinity. I knew it wasn’t me so I assumed it was the man sitting next to my right. Apparently he thought it was I who had too many beans for dinner. After this went on for a while, Steve could no longer keep a straight face. He had placed a remote control fart noise machine under my chair and had been pressing the button all night long. I was honored that he had chosen me as his victim.
A week or so after I had gotten home, Steve sent me my very own fart machine.
Ian says
Classic! I remembered that but didn’t want to go too long, so I’m so glad you contributed, Eric. I didn’t know he sent you a remote control fart maker of your own.
Awesome….
JOHN COLEY says
I spent 2 weekends – two different years – at Hazel Creek with Steve via R&R’s trips. He was a tireless, joyful host that thought of everything. My first impression was when we landed across the lake. He loaded everything up in one of those buggies and I wondered, “is he going to try and pull that himself?” Not only did he pull it, he outpaced everybody in our group as we strolled with no luggage. Later that trip, I never will forget sitting at the fire with my feet up and having Steve walk over to me and serve me supper as if I were at a restaurant. I was blown away. The trip after that, a buddy of mine had one of his wading boots drop a sole. Steve had a spare in his boat but it didn’t fit. So the next day he drove the boat back to the landing, got in his truck and went to “town” and found another pair of boots for my friend to borrow. I calculated it was at least a 2.5 hour round trip and he was not phased in the least. The sheer joy he displayed in serving others was impactful. He was in a place he’d been a million times, answering the same questions, in all kinds of conditions, and doing it like it was new. It really made me think about how I can be more joyful and servant hearted in my own business.
Ian says
Amen! Well said, John.
Joel Miller says
I spent several weekends on Hazel with Steve. What a wonderful weekend he put on for folks like me! I knew Hazel so well that I always said he could wade it at night! He told great stories, provided superb food, and became a true friend even if you only knew him for a weekend.
RIP, Steve
David Selph says
Only spent 1 weekend with Steve but it was a memorable one. I will never forget the Saturday night sitting around the campfire at Hazel Creek Hilton with a group of great people and one guest who just insisted on being cantankerous the entire weekend. That guest went to bed early complaining of no internet access. I remember Steve remarking that we had not had a bear in the camp all weekend but maybe it was time we had one as he was strategically pouring the oil used to cook the trout for dinner that night around the cantankerous ones’ tent. Great memories of a great time made special by Steve’s fantastic engaging manner. Hazel Creek will never quite be the same.
Ian says
Ah, yes indeed…. I remember that one. No bears came around, but that’s the only time I can remember him having a tough time dealing with ANYONE. If memory serves, I also remember you Dave, looking at me and telling me to add an extra $50 gratuity on your tab for Steve just for that incident.
John Switow says
Never met Steve, after reading this, wish I had. A prayer for Peace and Strength for his family.
Gordon Vanderpool says
I had the pleasure of meeting Steve one time years ago. This is a big loss for the fishing community here in the mountains. I will make sure I catch one for you next time I fish those waters. Prayers to your family and friends for strength!
Greg says
Steve was the first guide I ever fished with more than 20 years ago. I fished with him several times, rode the boat to Hazel Creek with him and enjoyed his stories and his sense of humor. A true character.
Jeff says
This is what chasing wild trout in wild streams is all about. Each stream has a trophy for that stream, each fisherman has a tail about the big one they caught there or the one that got away in that stream but along the way if we are lucky, truly lucky we will make a friend on those streams. I didn’t know you personally Steve, but yet I do know you. Tight lines in a stream full of nothing but trophies my friend.
Ian says
Well said!