Clark Gardner

Clark Fairbanks Gardner, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, age 80, passed away on July 15, 2020 at home with his family in Cottonwood Heights, Utah from complications related to a terminal illness.

Born April 13, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Clark Archibald Gardner and Lois Fairbanks Gardner, Clark grew up on Military Drive near the University of Utah.  He attended East High and then went on to attend both the University of Utah and Utah State University.  After many years of studies, his formal education culminated with a PhD in Entomology. He spent his professional career in pathology research at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

On June 28, 1975, Clark was sealed to Naomi Jacob in the Provo Temple. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage and raised 2 children, Danielle and Bret.  Together they loved nature, wildlife and traveling to national parks, especially those in Utah.  Clark and Naomi served two LDS Service Missions in the Salt Lake Valley.

Clark was always quick witted, creative and genius.  He will be remembered for always leaving things more beautiful than he found them.  This was apparent in all that he encountered, both with people and the world around him.  He was a recognized local artist and loved to work in several mediums, especially glazed tile, sculpture and acrylic.  He also loved to hike, photograph nature and write.  He was famous for his rocky road fudge and the giant treehouse he built in the backyard for his children and grandchildren.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife, Naomi Jacob Gardner; children, Bret Jacob Gardner and Danielle Gardner Villagomez (Rami); 2 grandchildren (Eva and Jacob); and 5 brothers and sisters (Mary Good (Jim), Del Gardner (Linda), Joyce Rawson, John Gardner (Mary Lou), Marla Roberts, along with countless friends and neighbors.

The family wishes to thank Aspen Ridge Hospice for their compassionate care, especially Clark’s sweet and loving nurses, Rhonda Brooks and Angie Nelson.

A private graveside service will be held the morning of Tuesday, July 21, 2020.