Clark Burgner Naylor

Clark Burgner Naylor returned to his Heavenly Father August 24, 2023. He passed peacefully in his sleep after battling dementia for several years, which was especially severe the past two years of his 84 years on this earth.

Clark was a passionate, devoted husband and best friend to his wife Patty. He was a dedicated father, who taught with love, example, expectations, encouragement, and praise. He was an amazing loving friend to many, served his community selflessly, and was an accomplished businessman. 

Clark’s life was full of hard work, a love of learning, achievements, service and commitments: to God, family, friends, his employment, his country and his community—in that order!

He especially loved “wild country.” He spent his teenage summers in the mountains of Colorado wrangling cattle with a real old-time cowboy whom he considered a second Father. He grew to love God’s country. After moving to Draper, the Lone Peak Wilderness became a passion, and he, Pat, a couple friends and eventually their kids spent untold hours opening old pioneer trails on Mt Jordan. As Draper moved from rural to suburban, Clark was a leader in preserving open space among the development, assuring that developers leave access to and allow land for recreational trails. Much of the trail system in Draper can be attributed to his selfless efforts.

Clark also loved serving in his church callings. He especially enjoyed working with the youth and the scouting program. He always went “the extra mile” and left a lasting impact in many lives. For example, he helped ten great young men advance to Eagle Scout rank in two years and took the entire ward on a horse packing trip into the Uintahs for the weekend!

Probably his greatest strength was his love of people! Clark always said, “No one is all good or all bad, take the good and leave the bad.” He especially had a love for the downtrodden and disadvantaged, and after spending just a short period of time with anyone, they would leave knowing their own self worth and feeling so much the better about themselves!

Our family is so grateful for the many things he has taught us and the love he has given to us; we will miss the happiness and encouragement he always gave each of us deeply.

Clark is the essence of hard work, an inquiring mind, true charity, sincere love, real integrity, and great faith. Truthfully, he was a reflection of the Light of Christ.

Clark is preceded in death by his parents and sister: Arthur Dale Clark Naylor, Ila Maude Naylor, Dixie Lee Naylor, and granddaughter Sarah Naylor.

Clark is survived by his eternal wife: Patricia Naylor; children and spouses: Lance & Sue, Lisa & Steve, Brandon & Wendy, Justin & Nicole; foster children who became his own: Juanita & Herman, Eve; grandchildren and spouses: Juan Pedro, Lorenzo & Kelsey, Paula & Paul, Alex & Genevieve, Jordan, Vivian & Shawn, Taylor & Brynne, Lydia & Daniel, McKell & Jesse, Eric & Marissa, Braeden & Aedan, Megan & Fin, Erin, Ali, Adi, Ainsley; and 15 great grandchildren.

The family wants to extend a special thanks to all those caregivers who lovingly cared for him and Pat.

They, too, became like family.

A viewing will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 6-8 pm and Friday, September 1, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward building at 15040 S. Mountainside Drive, Bluffdale, Utah. The funeral will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 at 11:00 am at the same location. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah.

Floral deliveries are accepted between 9:00-3:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Riverton, Utah. In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to the Corner Canyon Trails Foundation. (However, Clark would say take that money and go out to dinner with someone you love or give to someone in need.)

Thoughts or memories can be shared at [email protected].