Wm. Dee Clark
1942 ~ 2007
Dee Clark loving husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother and Beloved friend passed away at age 65, Nov. 10, 2007. Dee went peacefully surrounded by his family when he lost his valiant fight with emphysema. Dee was born January 13, 1942 in Altonah, Utah to William Emmett and Maxine Anderson Clark. He married Donna Dee Turner September 20, 1963 in Hunter, Ut. Dee and Donna became much more than husband and wife, they were life-long best friends and companions. Dee grew up on the farm in Altonah, Ut. always working from sun up to sun down, milking cows, hauling hay, driving tractors, etc. Dee relentlessly instilled his work ethic in his four daughters as they learned to work side by side with "Dad". Dee was Student Body President of Altamont High School 1959-1960. He graduated as valedictorian in 1960.
After graduation Dee moved to Salt Lake where he was intent upon owning his own business as an electrical contractor. Dee and Donna moved 11 times in seven years as Dee took positions out of town to advance as an electrician. In 1970 Dee built his house in South Jordan by himself with help from his brother Cliff and wife Donna. In 1972 Dee and Donna re-mortgaged their house and with the $7,000.00 they received they started into the electrical contracting business. Arco Electric was one of Dee's greatest enjoyments in life, he loved the business and the electrical trade. Dee had a total understanding of all aspects of building and would often give advice and training on electrical and construction to anyone who asked: apprentices, electricians, contractors, engineers and even to the competition. In 1992 Dee drew the plans and built the building where Arco Electric, Inc. is today. Dee loved building things, a cabin, barns, house additions and was in the middle of a remodel of his home when he became too ill to continue.
Dee retired from Arco Electric in 2000 due to his health and limited mobility.
Dee and Donna were able to do a lot of traveling during the last seven years in their motor home equipped with all the health aides for Dee and Donna's unwavering care and love. They traveled from the Calgary Stampede Rodeo in Canada to Old Tucson; from California to the heart of NASCAR in North Carolina. Dee also loved his sports, every kind from the Iditarod to rodeo to football and baseball. Dee shared his love of sports with all his grandkids. Football Sundays were special days shared with Grandpa Dee. In 2007 the IEC of Utah, (Independent Electrical Contractors) created an award called the Dee Clark Industry Leadership Award. This award is to be given to those who individuals who display leadership, integrity and give back to the electrical industry. Dee Clark was the first recipient of this most prestigious award.
Dee is survived by his wife and life-long love, Donna; four daughters, Leesa Clark (Jim Millerberg), Lea Dawn Clark, Janet Clark and Carolyn (Kevin) Wayman; grandchildren, Kacey Wayman, Nickolai Winger, Leander Winger, Colton Wayman, Selena Clark and Wyatt Wayman; sister Delores (Bill) Jones; sister-in-law, Shirly Turner; brother-in-law, Fred (Linda) Riding; sister-in-law Sharon Clark; brother-in-law, David (LaVon) Turner; extended family, Michelle Furse, "Cousin" Mark Tyson, Tony and Debbie Passino, James and Roxann Grant. Preceded in death by his Mom and Dad; brother, Cliff and sister, Cleo; father and mother-in-law, Mayo and Daryl Turner; brother-in-law, Jerry Turner. Special thanks to the family and friends for the prayers that kept him going.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 16th, 11 a.m. at The LDS Chapel, 10860 So. 3200 W, South Jordan. A viewing will be held Thursday evening at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Interment, Redwood Memorial Cemetery.