David “Dave” Clark

David “Dave” Harry Clark, our loving husband, father, and grandfather returned to his Father in Heaven on September 21, 2023, with his wife and family at his side. His path as a brick mason began at a young age. Each night his father would come home and teach his son the art of masonry: Dave was only 7. By the time he was 21, Dave was working as a foreman on a masonry crew. In 1963 at the age of 28 he started his own company, Clark Masonry, and he never looked back. A career spanning over 50 years and 4 states, Dave had established a reputation as an honest, fair, hardworking man of integrity who demanded excellence in himself, those who worked for him, his trade, and the finished buildings he created. Never one to lead from a distance, Dave taught by example, working the walls with his men. He trained and mentored hundreds of young men (including his four sons), instilling in them the desire to build it well or go home. He was a man committed to his trade: a true master journeyman mason. He was a true craftsman. His attention to detail, quality of work, integrity, and breadth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of masonry was unique in the industry. Masonry was not just his career; it was truly his passion. Dave's motto was "Everything looks better with brick on it!"

He built libraries, churches, schools, houses, office buildings, and even worked on the Ogden Tabernacle and the BYU Fine Arts Building. Yet, it was the honor of temple building that Dave was most proud especially since his four sons were part of his crew. His company worked on the creation of the Bountiful LDS Temple, Draper LDS Temple, Timpanogos LDS Temple, and--his favorite--San Diego LDS Temple. In 2015, Dave was humbled and honored to receive the Utah Masonry Council’s Lifetime Masonry Service Award from his masonry colleagues.

On July 29, 1954, Dave married Neva Belgard. During the twelve-year marriage, the couple had five children: Linda (Lee, deceased), David (Jenny), Carrie Ann (Tony), Colleen (Kenny), and Brooks (Amy). 

In 1966 after being injured on a job, he met a nurse who would become his eternal companion, Kathleen Smith. The two were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for eternity on June 29, 1967. Together the couple had three children: Kellie, Tyler (Buffy), and Cody (Sarah). He was grandfather to more than 30 grand- and great grandchildren. Dave taught us love, joy, integrity, grit, strength, patience, and responsibility.

Although Dave often described himself as the “black sheep” of the family, he chose the path of the Gospel. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, the hope for exaltation, and honored his priesthood. He served in building the kingdom of God through a variety of callings. As a scout master, he instilled the joys of the outdoors in the many young men he worked with. He was humbled and honored when called to serve as a Sunday School President. Yet, his favorite calling was the more than twelve years Dave and Kathleen served together at the South Towne Ranch branch. During those years he served as secretary then counselor in five presidencies where he joyfully ministered and was very loved by its members. 

Dave was a patriot who loved our country and enlisted as a reservist with the U.S. Navy. He was a cowboy who loved John Wayne and a good western. He prospected for gold in Mexico and dreamed of fishing in Alaska. He was a loyal Utes fan, a traveler, a hunter, and a fly fisherman who loved to get lost in the Uintah Mountains. Dave listened to Marty Robins and “God Bless America” performed by Kate Smith every morning. He enjoyed eating Swiss cheese thinly sliced off the block with his pocketknife and was known to share this treat with a lucky grandchild. He enjoyed assembling puzzles with his favorite jig-saw-puzzler. Dave loved tomatoes from his garden, brook trout, peanut butter bars, lemon cookies, and making chocolates for his grandchildren every Christmas. 

He is preceded in death by his parents R. Elwin and Daisy Hall Clark, his sister Dorothy, and grandson, Justen. His surviving siblings include Sylvia, Cherry, and Rodney. 

Dave's care is under the direction of Anderson & Goff Mortuary at 11859 South 700 East, Draper, Utah 84020. A viewing will be held at Anderson & Goff Mortuary Friday, September 29, 2023, between 6-8 pm.

Celebration of Life will be held September 30, 2023, from 11-noon at the LDS church, 275 East 10600, Sandy, Utah 84070 with a viewing between 10-10:45 am. Due to family members with severe allergies, please refrain from using perfume, cologne, or scented lotions.

Zoom Link 
https://canyonsdistrict-org.zoom.us/j/85228350449?pwd=SWhGK252T292YitQQWlmUVd2T1htdz09
Meeting ID: 852 2835 0449
Passcode: 760875