BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec — It is with heartfelt sadness that Uni-Select informs you that Clay E. Buzzard passed away on Feb. 7 at the age of 87. He was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Middle Atlantic Warehouse Distributor Inc (MAWDI) from 1963 until 2004 when Uni-Select purchased the company. After the sale, Mr. Buzzard served on the Uni-Select Inc. Board until May 2012. He remained very active in the business during his time on the Board and contributed significantly to Uni-Select’s success. He maintained a close relationship with the employees, customers and industry leaders during his entire career.
Not only did Clay Buzzard love the Automotive Aftermarket, he was also a true pioneer and leader in the industry. His mark on the industry is deep and will never be forgotten. He was a kind, passionate, hardworking, and charismatic person who brought people together and gave them the opportunity to succeed in business and in life.
Mr. Buzzard was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clarit Realty Ltd and the Chairman of AWDA University Foundation. He received many honors during his career, being recognized the Leader of the Year by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association in 1996, awarded the Hall of Fame by the New York State Automotive Aftermarket Association in 2000 and the Automotive Aftermarket Education Award by the Northwood University in 2003.
Less than a month ago, Clay Buzzard, along with 17 of his fellow veterans, was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal. The French Legion of Honor Medal is given to U.S. veterans who helped in the liberation of France during World War II. This Medal was created to celebrate extraordinary contributions to the country, and is France’s highest distinction.
Mr. Buzzard’s brilliant spirit resonated in the business he loved and was felt by every employee who worked with him. He made a difference in all the lives he touched and the people he spent time with.
Mr. Buzzard lived an extraordinary and exciting life. After serving in the US Army during Second World War, he married his beloved wife Rita and shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with her.
He was blessed with a loving family of six children, sixteen grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren who loved him with all their hearts. The entire team of Uni-Select offers them its deepest condolences and prayers during this difficult time.
Mr. Buzzard’s services will be held in Buffalo, NY.
Visitation will be on Friday February 15th from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at:
Amigone Funeral Home
5200 Sheridan Drive, Amherst NY 14221
www.amigonefuneralhome.com
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 16th at 9:00 AM at:
St. Gregory the Great R. C. Church
200 St. Gregory Ct., Williamsville, NY 14221
www.stgregs.org
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Clay to one of these two charities:
Disabled American Veterans Memorial Program
PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
www.dav.org
Wounded Warrior Project
PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
