Kent Taylor Gilyard, founder of Gilyard’s Antique Lumber & Antiques, died June 11, at age 68.
Kent was born June 27, 1940, in Waterbury, Conn., the son of Richard and Elizabeth Gilyard. He attended Hopeville Elementary School and graduated from Crosby High School; he later attended Post College from 1967 to 1968, where he majored in liberal arts. He married Yvonne Hacquet on May 18, 1968, in Wolcott.
Pursuing his lifelong passion for Eighteenth Century architecture and furnishings, he began his career as an independent business owner, founding Gilyard’s Antique Lumber & Antiques in 1969.
The couple moved to Bantam in 1979 and opened an antiques store on Route 202 there. In 1984 they bought and restored a 1755 home on Route 202, at 1062 Bantam Road, that had been “Victorianized.” After two years of restorations to bring it back to its Eighteenth Century condition, in 1986 they moved the antique store to this location, and named it Gilyard’s Antique’s.
Temporarily closed in 1995 while Kent was waiting for his heart transplant, the Gilyards continued to sell and purchase antiques privately during this time. When Kent recovered, the antiques store reopened as Litchfield Antiques in the same location. Gilyard’s Antique Lumber, The Merritt-Clarke’s Clothing Store and Litchfield Antiques are all still in operation today.
Kent really loved Eighteenth Century architecture and furnishings. He thoroughly enjoyed the hunt and equally enjoyed placing his find in the hands of those who also loved antiques. He was a lifelong collector.
Kent was a Vietnam War veteran who served in the United States Army from June 28, 1959, to June 18, 1967. He served in France from January 1962 through June 1963 and in Vietnam from August 1965 through June 1967. His last assignment was with Headquarters Company of the 54th Signal Battalion; he was discharged with the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Moving to Bantam in 1979, he joined Tyler-Seward-Kubish Post 44 American Legion in 1984, immediately became an active member, and was elected post finance officer and treasurer of the All Wars Memorial Committee, positions he still held at the time of his death.
He became active in local community affairs because civic endeavors were always a major part of his life. His interest in Bantam Community government led to his election as Borough Warden from 1982 to 1986. He served as chairman of the Bantam Planning and Zoning Commission for many years, after which he remained a prominent force as a regular commission member. He more recently served as a member of the Litchfield High School and Intermediate School Renovation Committee, a member whose voice and opinions were heard.
Kent was a doer. Many viewed him as a feisty Banty rooster who was always hustling and always networking to get things done. Behind that hard crusted exterior, however, was a man whose heart was always larger than the body that bore it. Kent was always there, whether it was a hot dinner, a bowl of soup, plowing snow, shoveling the sidewalk or just being friendly.
If there is one word that aptly describes Kent Gilyard, that word is “Courage,” an unusual brand of courage that he exhibited for a number of years when he suffered from a deteriorating heart. In September 1995, his prayers were answered and he underwent a heart transplant.
It was an up and down experience for Kent that eventually leveled off. But through all those years Kent did not relinquish any of his civic duties and responsibilities, nor did he change his attitude of personal concern for the well-being of his friends, neighbors and community.
He exhibited the same courage in recent years when other health problems persisted. No matter how difficult life got, he was always thinking of responsibilities and other people. He was the manifestation of strength, a source of compassion and inspiration and the symbol of generosity and empathy.
Kent is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Yvonne (Hacquet) Gilyard of Bantam; his mother and stepfather, Elizabeth Gilyard Draper and Dr Andrew Draper of Ocala, Fla.; a sister, Diane “Dee-Dee” Gilyard Hopper of Coventry, Conn.; a brother, Anthony “Tony” French Gilyard and his wife, Sue, of Williston, Fla.; and a sister-in-law, Lynn Klemesrud and her husband, Bruce, of Ohio. He is remembered with love and respect by many nieces, nephews and their families.
On June 28 a celebration of Kent’s life will be held at Gilyard Farm, 1083 Bantam Road, Bantam, with a ceremony starting at noon. A potluck picnic will follow. Please bring a dish and a memory to share.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bantam Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 456, Bantam CT 06750; to All Wars Memorial, PO Box 441, Bantam CT 06750; or to Bantam Historical Society, PO Box 436, Bantam CT 06750.
