Clair B. Sylvester II

Mars Hill, Maine – Clair B. Sylvester, 90, passed from this life to his heavenly home on October 22, 2025 at Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital in Presque Isle, Maine. He was born March 22, 1935 to Edgar B. and Carol M. (Westgate) Sylvester. Clair spent his early years in Portland and later moved to Mars Hill, where he raised his family with his wife, Joyce. Clair graduated from Aroostook Central Institute in 1953 where he was a member of the basketball team. Clair also was an Eagle Scout earning that rank when he was only 16 years of age. Clair attended the East Ridge Union Church in Mars Hill.
In 1958 Clair married Joyce Carvell. They made their home on Boynton Street in Mars Hill, later moving to Silver Street and then building a home in Blaine in 1967. It was there where they raised their two children, C.B. & Sally-Jo. Clair worked several jobs over the years including working at Top Value Stamps and Sears Roebuck. In the 60's he was a member of the Mars Hill Police Department and later managed the Plymouth Hotel in Fort Fairfield in the 70's. Following that, he became the manager of operations at Smith Truck Stop in Blaine and worked as a potato field boss for Herschel Smith during harvest. He then worked at Dead River Oil Company in Mars Hill. When he left there, he worked for a brief time in the deli department at Mars Hill IGA and ended his working career at age 87 at Freshies in Mars Hill.
Clair enjoyed woodworking, fishing and spending time with his family. One of the things he enjoyed the most was his annual fishing weekends down at Baskahegan Lake with his son, C.B., and grandson, Michael. After many years of enjoying the sport and finally hanging up the fishing gear, it was dug back out this past year as Clair and "the boys" went back to Baskahegan one last time and brought along the new, young fisherman of the family - his great-grandson, Harrison. (Four generations of prideful fishermen.) Those trips held such wonderful memories for Clair, and he treasured them with all of his heart.
Clair was a true inspiration to his grandson, Michael, who was so much like his grandfather in many ways. Michael also became an Eagle Scout at the same age as his grandfather (16). Clair was so proud of both of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were his grandfather's pride and joy.
Clair was predeceased by both his parents, Edgar B. & Carol M. (Westgate) Sylvester; his wife, Joyce Sylvester, as well as an infant son, Allen Lee Sylvester, and a dear friend, Alfred (Big Al) Shaw. Remaining on this Earth to celebrate his memory are his children, son Clair (C.B.) Sylvester III and his wife, Tracy, of Brunswick and daughter, Sally-Jo Shaw of Weare, NH, two grandchildren, Michael Shaw and his wife Sarah Ahern of Concord, NH and Monica Shaw of Weare, NH, along with two great-grandchildren, Evelyn Clair Ahern Shaw and Harrison Rhys Shaw as well as friends John Gebhart of Pennsylvania and Gary Zettergren (and Lena) of Bridgewater.
A special thank you to the Gary Zettergren of Bridgewater, who helped our dad tremendously throughout his dealing with cancer last fall and winter. To Darren and Wendy Grass of Mars Hill for everything that they have done and did for both our parents as well as to the entire congregation at East Ridge Union Church for their love, prayers and support not only to our parents but to the entire family over the past years.
Arrangements made by Duncan Graves Funeral Home, 8 Main Street, Mars Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Ridge Union Church, PO Box 45, Mars Hill, ME 04758.
At Clair's request, there will be no services.