John Clawson

John "Jack" Clawson 1923 ~ 2010 John Neels Clawson ("Jack"), age 86, slipped quietly away on September 2, 2010. Jack was born on November 9th, 1923, in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Neels Clawson and Nora Wiscomb Clawson. He prided himself in his pioneer heritage, being the great grandson of Brigham Young and Clara Decker Young. Jack grew up on 9th and 9th with two older brothers, Spencer (Spence) and Robert (Bob) Clawson, both deceased. His father died when he was four years old and his mother, Nora, raised her three boys alone. As a young man, Jack had a paper route, was a grocery delivery boy and worked wrapping loaves for the Wonder Bread Co., until he was fired for eating too many hot slices. Jack loved to remind everyone that he was Vice President of Roosevelt Junior High. He graduated from East High in 1940 and entered the University of Utah at age 16. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was given the nickname "snake," for his ability to wrap around the pool table and usually end up winning. With his long legs, he also excelled in Track and Field. Jack eared a B.S. Degree in Business and an M.A. in Architecture from the University of Utah, being a member of the first class to graduate in the newly formed School of Architecture. He furthered his studies at Harvard University. Jack served in the U.S. Navy as an officer during World War II. A prominent and prolific architect, Jack headed his own architectural firm. His designs include residential, financial, commercial, educational, recreational, religious, resort and social club buildings. His buildings grace many Salt Lake City streets, neighborhoods and campuses. Architectural projects can also be seen in many western states. His personal favorites include the Aviary in Liberty Park, the IBM Building on South Temple and the School of Nursing at the University of Utah. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and served on the Salt Lake County Planning Commission. Jack called himself "just a little, soft, white-haired boy." He possessed a gentle nature, positive outlook, great sense of humor and concern for others. One on one, he was your instant friend. He was a scholar and avid reader and always curious about life. He never passed up a bookstore and had an extensive library of books with pages underlined and annotated. He loved painting, playing the organ, identifying birds and composing poetry for special family birthdays and anniversaries. Jack had many childhood friends that remained close throughout his life that included Scott Sharp, Bob Thomas, George (Butch) Lund, Walter Beeson. The tennis group with Barney Rosenblatt, Bob Grosbeck and Don Rosenblatt played doubles every Tuesday and Thursday for 40 years. His friend Leonard Lewis introduced Jack to his beloved Teton Valley, Idaho. Jack married Loa Black Mangelson in 1987, a marriage of deep romantic love. Loa was his partner throughout, constantly by his side, loving, caring and supporting him as his Alzheimer's progressed. Jack is also survived by his three children from his first wife, Mary Lou Cassidy: Elyse (Jim Ellis), Carol (Steve Hull) and John (Teri Behm). He has four grandchildren: McKenna Rogers (Mark), Robbie Hull, Jackson and Kate Clawson. To the staff, nurses and caregivers of Silverado Alzheimer's Senior Living and Silverado Hospice who took care of Jack while he was a resident, the family thanks you and will always appreciate the generous love and care you gave to our father, husband and grandfather. There will be a Remembrance Service and celebration of Jack's life on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Log Haven in Millcreek Canyon. Donations may be made to the University of Utah School of Architecture or the Utah Alzheimer's Association

e City, UT.