Carlton ‘Haystack’ Raymond York

Born November 22, 1957, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was the son of Peggy Ann Rose Starback York of Gwinn, MI and the late Ovid Volney York.

He is preceded in death by his baby brother, Carl Ovid York on September 24, 1954.

In addition to his mother and his wife, Sheila, of 12 wonderful years, he is survived by his sister; Suzanne Mary York of Gwinn, MI, 4 step children, three grandchildren, two nieces and three grand-nieces and nephew and three God sons. Expressions of sympathy, send to UPAWS.

Carl “Haystack” was deeply loved as a caring soul and an inspiration to independent artists offering encouragement and steadfast support. His interests and experiences influencing his multifaceted talents and journeys around the world began before his family moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Treasured family experiences such as rock collecting on the agate pebble beaches of Lake Superior, bottle hunting in old lumber camps, camping and touring national parks often passing the time in the car singing all the way; to chumming with the Nordeen family who introduced Carl to the Avatar Meher Baba.

After completing several semesters in music and voice at Northern Michigan University, Carl continued his performing career along with his other main talent of a master carpenter remodeling and building structures of artistic beauty throughout many places in the USA, Jamaica and Hawaii. His love of Baba led him to the Carolinas, making Chapel Hill, NC his home, for several decades. In the mid 1980’s, Carl became an accomplished juggler which gave him immense happiness. He became a founding member of Belly Acres in Hawaii’s Seaview Estates; an intentional community of like minded international vaudeville performers. From European tours to living aside the volcanoes and tropical sun and surf, songwriter, performer, and accomplished builder and developer of the raw volcano land, Carl’s passion was often bigger than grandeur. He was a big man with a bigger heart often amplified with a roller coaster of events attracting sincere assistance by many who loved him. He sincerely sends his gratitude to all with a compassionate hug.

On New Years 2001, Carl met his soul mate and partner in life, Sheila Ann Bochicchio, DC. In 2008, they married and Carl became a grandfather to Violet Ann Bochicchio and loving step-father to Carmen Bochicchio. His Bochicchio women gave him overflowing joy and happiness. His last twenty years expounded upon his talents where he joined “Kenny The Clown” Cowden taking their act to many art and music festivals throughout the Southeast, leaving old haunts such as summers in Burlington, Vermont and winters in Jamaica.

If Haystack wasn’t mesmerizing audiences with a set of vintage R&B songs, juggling fire, gigantic cow bones or sharp machetes and steel balls, he was making apple champagne and beer, hula pepper sauce and dilly beans, from the family garden, polishing and wiring agates into beautiful jewelry or building tree swings for Violet. Carlton York left a mark for sure and a huge space in the hearts of many.

May you remain a Really Important Person and be in the loving presence of God forever more.