Clair P. Finlayson

In the early morning hours on Dec. 17th, 2024, Clair P. Finlayson departed peacefully in his sleep from this life to be with his parents and siblings. 

Clair was born March 14, 1948 in Provo, Utah, the 6th child of Earl Taylor and Chloe Pyper Finlayson. While attending school in Provo, he worked at Provo Floral. He spent his summers helping his parents and siblings run the “Finlayson Rides” Carnival. Following his graduation, he joined the Army National Guard being trained at Fort Ord in California. He continued his schooling at BYU and Vocational training in Diesel Mechanics upon his return. He took temporary military leave to serve a L.D.S. Mission in Auckland, New Zealand. Upon his return he transferred to the Engineering Guard Unit in Springville, Utah.

He had a strong testimony of the gospel and served as assistant in the scouting program in California. He served in the Elder Quorum Presidency, High Priest Presidency, Ward Activity Chair, and various other jobs until his health kept him from serving. 

While driving bus for Provo School District, he met and married Michele Ann Jube a BYU Coed from California. They were married in the Manti LDS Temple July 30, 1971; following their marriage they moved to Canoga Park, California, he worked as a security guard, moving on to district manager for Tie Rack. He moved on to work for Gary Solmi at the Topanga Canyon Chevron as a mechanic and manager. During that time, he also served in the Army California Reserve. 

Clair finally found a way to get back to Utah by purchasing a Chevron station on West Center in Provo. Later he acquired another gas station in Provo and purchased a Husky Milk Depot with his family, during this time, he and his wife opened up the Main Street Video in Payson, alongside with the Basement Boutique and a Shirt fabric shop. Clair built all the displays and repaired the VCR. For 3 years he worked as a Small Engine and Auto instructor at Payson High School. 

Clair loved the outdoors from an early age; hunting with his family, snowshoeing in the backcountry and skiing with friends. For a number of years, he guided for out of state Moose hunters in the high Unitas

 Then in 1987 he went through the officer training for Utah Corrections. He began work at the Draper Facility transferring to CUCF in 1990. With the move he bought acreage in Mayfield Canyon where he spent a year with his Uncle building a large family home. He put in 50 fruit trees, while also raising pigs, cows and chickens. He enjoyed his bee hobby which led to him opening Mayfield Hives. The 30 years he was in Mayfield, he always had something going.

Starting in 2000 he began to struggle with numerous health issues ranging from knee replacements, heart issues, multiple back surgeries up to losing his leg in 2013. In early 2023 he started to have kidney failure which forced him to go through dialysis for the last year of his life. Despite these struggles he always plugged through and came back no matter what he was told. In 2020 they sold their land and moved to Nephi close to their youngest son and closer to doctors and medical services. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Carol (Leonard) Larsen and Coleen (Larry) Howard, and brother Barton. He is survived by his wife Michele and six children; Dr. Steven Finlayson (Roseburg, Or), Tammra (Mark) Roberts (Centerfield, Ut), Stephanie (Shaun) Ashby, (Malad City, Id), Michael Finlayson (Aztec, N. M.), John Finlayson (Cami) (Saratoga Springs, Ut), and Timothy (Chelsea) Finlayson (Nephi, Ut). Brothers Richard (Jan), Merrill, Keith (Carolyn) and Dan (Connie), twenty-one Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren. 

Viewing and funeral services will be held at the Nephi North Stake Center on Dec. 27th. There will be a viewing from 10:30 to 11:45 and funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. The stake center is located at 1125 North 400 East in Nephi UT.