Obituary (from Watertown Daily Times of 2 Nov. 1986): CLAYTON---John Alden Garnsey, 53, Tallahassee, Fla., formerly of Clayton, a former candidate for mayor of Clayton, died suddenly Oct. 28 in Balboa, Panama where he was employed as a tug
boat pilot.Mr. Garnsey ran unsuccessfully for mayor as an Independent Republican in 1976 and worked in the Clayton area as a pilot for the American Boat Line during the 1970s.
The funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Clayton United Methodist Church with Rev. Dale Austin officiating. Burial will be on Grindstone Island.
Calling hours are Sunday 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cummings Funeral Home, Clayton.
Mr. Garnsey is survived by his wife, Elsie, Tallahassee, Fla.; a son John W., Tallahassee; a daughter, Jeannine Garnsey, Tallahassee; a brother, Lawrence E. Garnsey, Theresa; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A sister, Winifred Garnsey, died previously.
He was born Aug. 31, 1933 in Parishville, the son of Lawrence C. and Lois (Maude) Wright Garnsey. He attended Clayton area schools and married the former Elsie Desai on March 4, 1960 at the Rodman Naval Station, Panama.
He was employed as a tug boat pilot for the Panama Canal Commission. Mr. Garnsey retired as a chief warrant officer after 22 years of service with the Army and served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.
He was life member of the Clayton American Legion, the Elks Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Columbus, Miss., the Abou Saad Temple in Panama, the Masonic Lodge in Panama, the Shriners, and a member of the International Order of Master
Mates and Pilots.