Alan Clayson, 86 of Stamford, VT died on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Berkshire Medial Center- North Adams.

He was born in Pittsfield, MA on March 7, 1938 a son of the late George P. Clayson & Anna M. Davis Clayson.

Alan graduated from Brown University and Trinity College with a Master's Degree. He taught for several years at Berkshire School as a Latin/Greek Teacher. He also taught at Taft School. He owned and operated Berkshire Sports Wear with his longtime partner, Michelle Shafto. He also worked at Eaton Paper as an Art Director and for the Institute in Sheffield. Alan was involved in his community and served as a volunteer with Broadband Committee.

Survivors include his partner, Michelle Shafto whom he resided with; son Frederick Clayson (Susan Clayson); granddaughter Lindsay Clayson and his two sisters, Mary Kneisel and Nancy Anne Forster (Alan). He was predeceased by his son, Alan Stillman Clayson and brothers, George Clayson and Davis Barr Clayson.

FUNERAL NOTICE: At the request of the family, services for Alan Clayson are private and at the discretion of the family. Donations may be made directly to the funeral home. Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes - 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247 is entrusted with arrangements.

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Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jan. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Clayson

Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.

7 Entries

Geoffrey Clifford

February 19, 2025

Although I hadn't seen Alan Clayson since the 1970's, I was upset about his passing because I was never able to once again thank him for being a great role model to me at a young age. He was an older cousin to my best friend in Pittsfield during the 1950's. I knew him from exciting Dart competitions at the family farm in Lee, Ma. He was a James Dean character at an age half way between us kids and the older, more conservative adults in the room.

He then showed up at Berkshire School as my Latin teacher. Although I had known him as Alan, suddenly he was Mr. Clayson. He was a great teacher and soon impressed me as an intellectual being. Certainly smart enough to avoid
the senseless American War in S.E. Asia.

Since he moved to Vermont, I never got to see him again. And I am sorry for that. I never met anyone who didn't like Alan Clayson at Berkshire School.
A great, and very 'cool' man.

Peter Grudin

January 15, 2025

Alan Clayson, who died last week, was a key member of this community, almost as talented as he was generous. Those who knew him knew him as a key member of The Southern Vermont Broadband Cooperative. Without his efforts and those of a few others, this town would have had next to no internet until about a year ago. He did this without pay and largely without recognition.
What Al did for the town he did quietly, never expecting a word of thanks while devoting thousands of hours to making life better and richer for the residents of Stamford. He might have spent his time in ways more satisfying for him or more profitable, however, because he was a man of great talent, talents both broad and profound. He had been an athlete, playing football at Brown. Shortly after he graduated, he built a house pretty much single-handed. He taught Latin and Greek at secondary schools. He was a fine jazz musician. He was a mechanic who could keep just about any car on the road. He was a great lover of one lovely woman, Michelle Shafto.
And he was a great lover of cats. His house swarmed with them. All sizes and colors, well-fed and happy.
He had an easy, charming manner, a great sense of humor. He was a loyal, companionable, and trustworthy friend to Dana and to me. He left us quietly, without fanfare, and almost without notice. So I am trying, here, to give him some of the notice he so richly deserved.

Sandy Cummings

January 13, 2025

Michelle,
So sorry to hear of Ali's passing.
Jeanne and I recalled the awesome memories we shared working at Artimas. You and All were great to work with and for.
We certainly had many laughs.
Al was a good boss and friend.
Please know my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Take care of yourself

David Saldo

January 11, 2025

Michelle,

Thank you for allowing me to have a final chat with Alan when he was not feeling so well. Alan represented what a good neighbor and dedicated to the town through his unselfish work on Broadband co=op for so many years basically for no pay. I had the honor of working with Alan and Chris with the start up by helping to provide money we earned from back taxes for over 20 years from Alpenwald and the subsequent auctioning off properties giving us a windfall over 100,000 dollars after all the back taxes were paid back. first. I am proud to say we contributed a total of 20,000 over two years to get it going and Alan, Chris, Bill, Leo, Bob who were but a few volunteers that did all the work forming the co-op and getting us started. The 20 plus years created the path for cable tv and highspeed internet to come to Stamford which would have been years away without the Co=op blazing a path for this to happen, Alan and the rest of the team spent countless hours free of charge setting up and maintaining the broadband system. Alan was at my house several times and from that we became very good friends. He took the time to understand me and realized how to utilize what I had to offer, When I went out for my back operation Alan and Ron Plock were the first people to come and see me steering me back into the house as I walked aimlessly outside on medications my mind had difficult handling. I enjoyed the many conversations I had with Alan at the recycling center as he was and honest smart individual that never bragged about what he had accomplished in life leaving me quite surprised when I saw his credentials. Alan just never talked about that. I guess we were so busy doing computer stuff that our personal lives were kept at bay to handle the duties of what needed to be done. My part was very small compared to what all the other people did to make it happen. That group of people should be applauded for what they accomplished but were often criticised when things like the weather caused disruption in service. People never really understand the selfless magnitude it takes to do what these gentleman have done. I will greatly miss Alan in this world, and as I spoke to him for last time said : Dont worry Alan I am ready to take the cosmic motorcycle ride anytime, you will know its me coming. We both had a good chuckle and I am so very glad and fortunate you allowed me to speak with him. I send my most heartfelt condolences and want you to know I am here to help you in way you deem necessary. It is but a small commitment compared to the commitment Alan Clayson demonstrated to his town unselfishly for so many years. Thank you Alan Clayson for who you were and what you did. I will never forget you

Sincerely

Dave Saldo

Francis J Lipari

January 11, 2025

My sincere condolences to his Family.
Alan was a classmate at Pittsfield High School, 1956

Tim Casey

January 11, 2025

So sorry for your loss Michelle. RIP Alan.

Rocco and Margot Bianchi

January 11, 2025

Margot and I lived in the Berkshires back in the 70's. Margot worked at Eaton Paper Co. in Pittsfield with Alan. We lived next door to Joe and Betsey Holtzinger in Lenox. Joe also worked at Eaton's. Margot and I, Alan and Bunny and Joe and Betsey spent many a night at the Lion's Den in Stockbridge. We all spent a week in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in a house rented from the local FBI agent there. We had the use of a Volkswagon Bug that was fine going downhill but had to be pushed back up and was a snug fit for six people. We still have a photo of three moons over Honeymoon Bay which cannot be shown for decency reasons. We had a few memorable dinners at Alan and Bunny's house in Lee, MA., and a few memorable days at the Clayson Farm where Alan would pound out some ragtime tunes on the piano there. Alan will never be forgotten.

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