James Rodney Clark

On November 12, 2023, a beautiful reunion occurred when James Rodney Clark left this earthly existence to reunite with his loved ones on the other side.  We know he was welcomed home by many who love him as we do.  His last days were spent with his family by his side sharing memories and watching USU sports.  He died a happy man!

Rod was born in the beautiful community of Liberty, Utah on May 4, 1941, to Parley and Fern Clark.  He was the youngest of seven children and was very much doted on.  He loved his childhood, working on the farm with his dad, and roaming the hills on his horse.  He could drive a tractor before he could walk and cherished the memories made on the family farm.  He loved to watch the sprinklers, work the farm, and see the hay put away at the end of each season.  Liberty was truly his paradise.  He loved the land, and he loved the people.

Rod attended Valley School and Weber High School where he played football, baseball, and was the Seminary President.  After high school he became a USU Aggie which was a great honor to him.

After a year of college, he served in the Western Canadian Mission where he met a sister missionary named Kirstine.  They were sealed together in December of 1962, in the Idaho Falls Temple and spent 61 memorable years together.  They worked side by side to raise a family.

Rod graduated from USU with a Master's Degree in School Psychology.  He worked briefly as a guidance counselor at Bonneville High School before he was hired at Utah State University.  He worked as the Director of School Relations and Admissions where he helped countless college students over the years. His office was always filled with students who had just stopped by to chat, and he remembered every one of them by name long after they had left USU.  He loved Utah State, he loved his job, but most of all he loved Aggie Sports!

Rod was a spiritual man and respected his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in many capacities over the years, but his favorite was serving as the bishop of the Liberty 2nd Ward.  He loved serving the people of his ward and developing lasting relationships.  It has been said by many that he was their favorite bishop.

Rod Clark was a friend to all.  Friendships were important to him, and he cared deeply about his friends and family.  We are so appreciative of the friends who stayed by his side until the very end taking him to lunch, on rides, helping him with his personal history, or just stopping by to visit.  We also appreciate his hospice nurses who treated him with love and respect.  He considered them part of his friends and family group.

Rod leaves behind his wife, Kirstine, as well as five children and their spouses; Bradley (Robyn), Rhonda (Steve), David (Melanie), Suzanne (Steve), and Matthew (Carla).  He was so proud of and adored his 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Parley and Fern as well as six siblings: Dale, Shirley, Lowell, Don, Betty and Geraldine. He loved his family and missed them.  We are comforted thinking about the reunion that took place.  He was also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Harding and Lenna.

Rod will be missed by many.  He will be remembered for his big smile, generosity, sense of humor, and unconditional love.  We love you Dad!

Services will be Saturday, November 18, 11:00 am, with a viewing prior 9:30-10:30 am at Liberty 1st Ward, 4279 N. 3300 E., Liberty, Utah, and Friday 6-8 pm at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah.

Rod’s service will be livestreamed.  To watch scroll to the bottom of his obituary at www.myers-mortuary.com at the time of service.  If unable to watch at this time his service will remain of the Myers obituary page indefinitely.

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