Clayton Lamoni Carr

Son, brother, uncle, and friend, poet and songsmith, artist and chef — beautiful mind, body, and soul, gone from this world much too soon.

Of mixed Peruvian and American descent, Clayton was adopted at a few days old by Stephen L. and Ruth F. Carr, becoming the little brother to Bryan and Allison, youngest sibling of a trio that has loved each other over time and distance through many upheavals, and always will.

He leaves behind his mother Ruth, his sister Allison, his brother Bryan and sister-in-law Amanda Klein, his partner Tiffany Blamires; seven nieces and nephews: Jessica Carr, Caitlin Carr, Courtney Olsen, Jennifer Olsen, Addison Obray, Dillon Obray, and Gabriel Klein; and an enormous circle of friends, admirers, and fellow-artists from all eras of his life.

Clayton graduated from Olympus High School and studied music at the University of Utah. Even before his teens, Clayton discovered a joy in melody and harmony at the family piano, and began to hone the remarkable prowess and sensitivity as a performer, songwriter, and singer which he never stopped developing. He learned keyboard, guitar, and drum machine, and became an accomplished studio producer and live DJ. He co-founded Salt Lake's first rap and hip-hop label. He wrote, composed, and produced hundreds of songs across the spectrum of genre and style, continually learning and expanding his circle of collaborators. 

In his late 20's Clayton discovered a new career as a sushi chef and became an accomplished craftsman in food. He was fascinated by the subtlety and art that could go into a simple and beautiful dish; he loved preparing food for family and friends and would sometimes surprise visitors with generous helpings of his delectable work. 

He loved the outdoors and travel; pool and pinball; conversation and art. His gentle and unflinching curiosity, intelligent integrity, fiercely held values, and gorgeous smile are irreplaceable.

Strongly loyal to his loved ones and indefatigably supportive, Clayton was also ever open to new friends, and to those he might never meet but whom he could help. His awareness of his own hurt made him deeply empathetic and interested in others. He would offer his apartment to store a stranger's bicycle. He was a loved instructor for Youth City (a local government program for young people), teaching music software in after-school programs. After his death, his family discovered that, despite usually living hand to mouth, he had contributed without fanfare to global charities.

Clayton was boundlessly generous in praise and support, always there for his family in joy (his brother's wedding) or struggle (his sister's illness). He adored his nieces and nephews, whether related by marriage, blood, or choice. His own wounds were sometimes hidden, and his loved ones may never know what made him leave us now the way he did, but we will treasure his legacy, the memories and music he leaves behind.