White River Junction, VT – Clayton S. Rice Jr., 91, died peacefully, Wednesday evening, May 3, 2023, at Valley Terrace in White River Junction Jct., VT.

He was born at home June 2, 1931, in Hartford, VT, the son of Clayton S. Rice, Sr. and Lila Jenny Mills. Growing up, Clayton attended the Hartford school system, graduating with the Class of '49. He continued his education at a Business School in Northampton, MA.

Clayton developed his love of music playing trumpet in the Hartford High School Band. During his high school years, Elisa, his future wife, was invited to join the trumpet section of the band alongside Clayton. He often recalled seeing her for the first time as "love at first sight." They kept in touch while he was away at college. Upon his graduation, they were married on March 4, 1951, in Windsor, VT. Throughout their 71 years of marriage, music continued to be an integral part of their lives together.

Clayton and Elisa owned and operated Vermont Cut Flower, a family business. Together they grew and developed it into a household name in the Upper Valley and surrounding areas. His business acumen, attention to detail, and his strong work ethic helped make Vermont Cut Flower the success it was. He was part of every facet of the business from bookkeeping, floral inventory, delivery, and any and all types of floral designs.

Clayton and Elisa sold the business and retired in 1999 to spend more time with family, friends, and their abundant interests. Summers were filled with music, spending time on Mascoma Lake, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. But their summers were mainly devoted to playing in many concerts and parades throughout the Northeast, including concerts at Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA and Lake Placid, NY.

He was a distinguished member of United Brethren Lodge #21 in White River Junction, following his father's footsteps. He enjoyed working the various programs and, in particular, the camaraderie of his fellow Masons. He made many lifelong friends through his association with the organization, both at his home lodge and around the world. During his many years as a Mason, he fulfilled his wish to become a Scottish Rite, Thirty Second Degree Mason.

His love of music never wavered, as he and his wife worked with other musicians to revitalize the Upper Valley Community Band. With the successful reorganization completed in 1977, the band saw great recognition and was cherished as a community band. Clayton enjoyed playing his trumpet and later a baritone until 2020 when the Covid 19 lockdown was mandated. His bandmates meant so much to both him and Elisa, and they all continued to be friends for life. So much so, the band came to play a concert specifically for Clayton while he was at Valley Terrace towards the end of his final days.

One of his greatest passions in life was cars and driving. That led him to the Toyota Garage in White River Junction. When the dealership needed a vehicle transferred to fulfill an order, he ferried cars to and from dealerships around New England. He enjoyed antique and high-end cars and was able to attend several Barrett-Jackson Car Auctions in Arizona. He was thrilled to go into the dealership, being greeted with open arms and sharing a laugh with everyone.

Clayton also devoted his spare time to being a volunteer firefighter for twenty-plus years with the White River Fire Department. Later in life, Clayton volunteered for many other organizations including Central Supply at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, NH, and Meals on Wheels in White River Junction Jct. He truly was a man of his community.

Some of his hobbies included golfing with his son and friends, fishing, cards and board games, going to antique auctions with Elisa, and reading historical information. He also loved animals, particularly dogs. Many rescue dogs found a loving home with the family. Their barn was always filled with many different rescue animals.

He was a wonderful grandfather to his three grandchildren. From spending every holiday together, to attending big events and performances, Clayton loved being an integral part of their lives. Summers were full of quality time spent with his grandchildren at their camp house on Mascoma Lake.

The family wants to express their gratitude and thanks to Valley Terrace and all his wonderful caregivers. Special thanks to Cindy West and Sheila McCoy for their loving friendship and care of Clayton throughout his life.

Clayton aged with grace and dignity. His unquenchable good humor and quick wit were enjoyed by all who knew him. It sustained him through the remaining year of his life despite the devastating loss of his beloved wife less than a year ago.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol Maxfield and her husband, Lowell, of Cave Creek, AZ, his son, Philip Rice and his wife, Beth of Plymouth, MA; grandchildren, Alexa, and her husband, James Mosel, Daniel and his wife, Michelle, and Madeleine.

A graveside service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, July 15th, 2023, in the Christian Street Cemetery on Route 5 in Hartford, VT.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made to his family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com