Clarence Byfield

Clarence McKenzie Byfield was born on July 28, 1928 to Vera and Ezekiel Byfield in St. Mary, Jamaica. He was one of eleven children. As a teenager he moved to Kingston to learn the trade of carpentry. There he fell in love and married Barbara Bailey. Together they had seven children: Beverly, Valerie, Winston, Michael, Courtney, Sheryl and Leighton.

In 1969, he migrated to the U.S.; there the Byfield's made their home in Ossining, New York. They were first among a group of Jamaicans to settle there. Clarence was extremely enterprising, working as an independent contractor, while holding a position at North American Phillips Laboratories for 30 years before he retired.

His passion for politics was legendary. On a Friday night, he could be found discussing politics over a game of dominoes. His closest friends nicknamed him Bygo and many others felt comfortable calling him "Daddy." He took great pride in this particular name, especially when spoken by his family.

On June 24, 2017, Clarence McKenzie Byfield died peacefully with his children, Valerie and Winston, at his side. He has finally reunited with his beloved wife Barbara, sisters Faye, Daphne, Gwennie and brothers, Fred, Clinton and Vincent Byfield. He is survived by seven children: Beverly, Valerie (Polly), Winston, Michael, Courtney, Sheryl and Leighton. Twenty grandchildren: Janice, Nina, Garvey, Christine, Owen, Ashley, Latoya, Marlon, Lekan, Tanisha, Lanice, Aisha, Omari, Howard, Andrew, Kaydia, Courtney Jr., Malika, Leighton Jr., Jade and many great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law: Hyacinth Morgan and Esther Iverem; sons-in-law: Owen McKenzie and Angelo Hunt; and siblings: Percival, Glenn, Palmie and Lloyd.