Founder of Harvard Town Band

Clayton Guyett. (Courtesy photo)

Clayton L. Guyett, 85, of East Bare Hill Road, died at Life Care Center of Acton June 21, 2009, following a long illness.

He was born in Massena, N.Y., on May 24, 1924, son of the late William and Lotta (Dyke) Guyett. He grew up in Massena and was a graduate of Massena High School in 1943. He attended Columbia University, then served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and later graduated from Clarkson College in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He worked for several firms during his career, including Pogson, Peloubet, & Company in New York; Standard Screw in Connecticut; and W. R. Grace Company in Massachusetts. He worked for Sears before retiring in 1991.

Clayton married in 1955 and lived with his wife, Emily, in Orange and Chatham, N.J. until 1965; in Simsbury, Conn.; and then Harvard, since 1969. He was a musician who formed the Harvard Town Band in 1975 and was its treasurer for several years. He also had his own German band. Additionally, he enjoyed skiing, boating, flying, and citizens’ band radio.

His survivors include his wife of 54 years, Emily (May) Guyett, his daughters, Amanda and her husband, Tuck Amory, of Worcester; and Corinne and her husband, Greg Norris, of Portsmouth, N.H.; and his grandchildren, Mitchell and Nicholas Norris.
Clayton was predeceased by his brothers, Howard Guyett, Charles Guyett, and Lloyd Guyett, and his sister Mary (Guyett) Hartman.

A memorial service will be held at the Harvard Congregational Church, Still River Road,  Saturday July 11, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., 8 West Main St., Groton, MA 01450. Badger Funeral Home in Littleton is in charge of arrangements.