Blaine S. Clements

Blaine Snow Clements is our father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He departed this life on May 21, 2017, beloved by his wife and family. His life began humbly on August 9, 1925, in the obscure mining town of Park City, Utah. He was the third child of loving parents, Anna Snow and Thomas Earl Clements, the local dentist. Along with his two sisters and older brother, Howard, Blaine lived a near idyllic childhood, full of adventure and memorable mischief in the backdrop of colorful community characters. In that close, diverse community, Blaine’s natural talents and abilities grew and flourished. He and his younger sister, Betty Lou, tap danced at community gatherings. Blaine and his siblings played instruments in the Park City High School marching band under the inspirational direction of the local “Music Man”, Byron Jones. Blaine was captain of the basketball team and was an all-state quarterback on the football team, president of the senior class, lead in the school musical (“Words and Music”) and was the valedictorian of the class of 1943.

After serving in the military during World War II and then graduating from the University of Utah, he met and fell in love with the beautiful young woman who would be his life-long love and eternal companion, Jacquelyn Woodruff. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 20, 1948. Blaine graduated as valedictorian of his dental school class at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco, and obtained his orthodontic degree at the University of Washington. Through talent and hard work, he became a distinguished orthodontist -- technically exacting, innovative in his approach to difficult cases, and with an artistic eye that set him apart in a growing, competitive profession.

He and Jackie created a loving, peaceful home in Atherton, CA where they welcomed two sons and two daughters, and gave them every opportunity for education and the space, time, and resources, to develop their talents and abilities. Blaine found time to play golf with his sons and dear friend, Keith Anderson, beautify his expansive yard, hone his photography skills, enjoy his extensive music library, serve in church assignments, and socialize with friends and work associates. Through all of the achievement and business of living, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was woven into the fabric of Blaine and Jackie’s lives. Though not outwardly preached, the gospel principles were exemplified in daily acts of kindness and service, providing a solid foundation for a happy home. One of Blaine’s quiet but important life accomplishments was his love and support for Jackie’s single mother, Evelyn Ballif Woodruff, who lived near their home in California for decades.

In Blaine’s retirement, he continued his involvement with professional organizations, served on the U of U Alumni board, engaged in genealogical work, tended to his petunias and impatiens gardens, began oil painting at the age of 75, and supported and encouraged his grandchildren in their pursuits. His life-long motto, ”Always do your best”, was passed on to his posterity. He published for family distribution a book of his paintings, and, as Blaine’s health began to decline, he completed his life history, “A Life Well Lived”, with the technical help of his devoted caregiver, Linda Timothy. This beautiful volume is a treasure to all of Blaine’s posterity. In his last years and days, the pace of Blaine’s life slowed and eventually narrowed to his bed and those who cared for him. But as his body failed him, the essential elements of Blaine’s spirit remained -- his gentleness and innate kindness, his sense of humor, his gratitude, his love for family and for Heavenly Father, all came through a smile, a twinkle in his eyes, a squeeze of the hand, a kiss on the cheek. We who love Blaine, Dad, Popa, feel privileged to have been part of his “Well Lived Life.” He leaves his loving wife, Jacquelyn, and children Michael (Rogene) Clements, Sharie (Michael) Johnson, Jordan (Julie) Clements, and Joni (Clay) Henderson, his sister Betty Lou Clements Lassetter, and 18 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Earl and Anna Snow Clements; his brothers, E. Howard and Roger Clements; and his sister, Jean Clements Calvert. The family wishes to express profound gratitude to his numerous, kind and loving caregivers at Canyon Hospice and Cottonwood Place.

The funeral service will be held on May 31, 2017 at 11:00 am at the LDS Church located at 8170 Short Hills Drive, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A viewing will be held on May 30, 2017, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary located at 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and on the morning of the funeral service from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the Short Hills Drive building. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the LDS Humanitarian Fund.