Bob was born January 21, 1944, to Billie Maurice and Irma Olsen Clark in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the third of four children – unique, due to his bright blue eyes. He adored his parents. His mother passed away from cancer when he was nine, and this had a major impact on his life. His father remarried not long after which created a blended family – giving Bob two more siblings through marriage and then an additional three from that union. Bob remained close to each of them throughout his life.
Bob exceled in sports, especially basketball. He played in high school and after graduating from Granger High, went on to play basketball at Snow College. After his first year at Snow, he accepted a call to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Glasgow, Scotland. Bob loved his time there teaching and serving the people. He made many cherished friends during his mission and held dear the time he was able to spend in Scotland.
Upon returning home, he met and married the love of his life, Jeannette (Jan) Van Ry on the 3rd of December -- the birthday of his mother, Irma. Their marriage was a true love affair from the moment that they met. Jan was his everything, and his blue eyes sparkled whenever she was near. Together they had 6 children, 28 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and counting. Bob loved his family and was so immensely proud of his posterity. Being a husband and father was a sacred role to him, and he was committed to helping each member of his family grow, succeed, and feel valued.
Dad enjoyed singing and could be heard doing so from morning to night. Whether it was singing in the ward choir, to the radio in the car, along with a Tabernacle Choir broadcast, in the morning to wake his children, or lately, to a great-grandchild to help sooth them, he loved to sing.
Dad graduated from the University of Utah in business. He held various jobs throughout his life and finished his career with over 28 years working for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Manager of the Vehicle Fleet. This job would take him all over the world and allow him to create life-long friendships. He revered all those with whom he worked.
Dad was completely devoted and deeply committed to his Heavenly Father. He was “all in.” He had a strong testimony of the gospel and deep relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a steadfast and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many leadership positions including a Bishopric, Young Men’s Organization, and Sunday School Organization. He truly loved those with whom he had the pleasure to work and learned so much from them. Dad savored the opportunity to teach and expound on the scriptures. Being able to study and share the doctrines of the gospel with family, friends, and ward members was a tremendous honor for him and something he enjoyed.
Dad loved his family. Dad beamed when he spoke of any one of them. He welcomed any opportunity to visit with or talk on the phone to his family members. He often reminded all of us that family is forever, and we were to be each other’s best friends.
Dad gave the best advice and freely dispensed of the wisdom he had gained throughout his life. He taught us the 5 P’s: “Present privileges are predicated on past performance.” This would be a mantra that he would live by, raise his family by, and freely share with friends and co-workers alike. He knew the meaning of hard work, being true to your word, always doing your best, and serving others.
Dad was a man of integrity and honor. He lived what he believed, what he taught, and what he promised. He shared his opinions freely and honestly and always taught with love. He wasn’t always one for small talk but loved to listen and support where possible.
Dad gave the best big bear hugs. When you were enveloped in his arms, you knew you were safe and protected.
He was our honored father, best friend, fearless protector, devoted coach and mentor, thoughtful teacher, caring counselor, courageous leader, but above all our incredibly loving dad. Words can’t express how much we will miss him, but we are content in the knowledge that he is reunited with our mother in heaven. Smiling through our tears, we are comforted to know it was only a short 11 months that our father had to wait to rejoin our sweet mom. Their forever starts now with no more pauses.
Bob is survived by his children Julie (Michael) Lundberg, Cari Hart, Robert C. (Mary) Clark, Michael W. (Cher) Clark, Steven M. Clark, and Ross V. (Amy) Clark. Bob had a glorious and joyful reunion with his wife, Jan, his parents, and his sweet sister DeAnna.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 15, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at the Cottonwood Heights Stake Center, 6890 South Whitmore Way, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at the same location and on Friday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 A.M.
