Henry Clarke

Joseph Henry Clarke passed away January 4th, 2026 at the age of 95. He was born on July 19th, 1930 in Salt Lake City Utah. There, in a modest home on North 9th West he grew up the only son in a family of four children. Growing up in Utah he developed a love of the wilderness and nature. He especially found joy in the solitude of the mountains. His favorite vacation was camping as far away from other humans as possible. Building a fire with only one match was expected. Henry relished life and mastering challenges.

He came from a devout LDS family and from childhood he was an active member of the Church. He frequently spoke and taught at church meetings as he was growing up. A love for learning and teaching and storytelling grew and became a cornerstone of his life. The church teachings and his church family remained close to his heart throughout his life.

In 1950, at the age of 20, he embarked on his LDS Church Mission. He served in England for two years. This was a particularly meaningful location for him to serve because his father had immigrated from that country.

Then from 1953 to 1955 he served in the US Army (during the Korean War). There he was employed as a Dental Assistant and that's where he began to seriously consider dentistry as a career. In 1953 he also met and married Linda Maxfield. They were married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple and began their life journey together.

Henry earned a BS degree in Science, and an MS degree in Education and Human Behavior from PSU. He continued his education and earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1960 from what was then called the University of Oregon Dental School (now known as the Oregon Health Sciences University). His love of learning never stopped. He once said that doing dentistry was the most fun he'd ever had!

He conducted a private dental practice for ten years but missed teaching (which was his greatest love). In 1969 he reaffirmed his passion and started lecturing at the Dental School. He was soon a full-time faculty member (while still maintaining a part time private practice). Eventually he became the Department Head of Behavioral Sciences at the Dental School. He was known as an authority on dental history, and hypnosis used for dentistry, and also taught such classes as dental anatomy, and local anesthesia, and conducted research. He earned his Professor Emeritus of Dentistry status and received national and international acclaim in his areas of expertise. He was a pioneer in many ways in the area of pain and anxiety management for patients. His passion for teaching touched many of his students deeply and is highly respected in his field.

Henry lost his wife Linda in 2010. They shared 57 years of marriage and three daughters. In 2012 he married Darleane Lemley and they enjoyed 7 happy years together before she passed in 2018.

Proceeding Henry in death was his daughter Candice Smith in 2025. Henry is survived by his daughters Linda Hunt and Susan Clarke, Grandchildren Alex Smith, Erica Smith, Ben Smith, Garrett Smith, Audrey Hillier and Jensen Clarke, Great grandchildren Paxton Mallard, Esme Smith, Sophia Smith, Isla Smith, Autumn Hillier, Henry Clarke, Evelyn Clarke and Lincoln Clarke.

Henry touched many lives in many ways. His storytelling will live on in the hearts of his family and others forever. We are all grateful for the example, guidance and love that he has given us. He will be greatly missed.