Clayton Ivan Ek
May 2, 1925 - March 20, 2013
Clayton Ivan Ek
“Clay” husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all, died Wednesday, March 20, 2013 of natural causes. He was born May 2, 1925 in Murray, Utah to John and Ivy Nielson Ek. His mother passed away in childbirth and he was lovingly raised by his aunt and uncle, John and Hannah Coon, along with their 6 children.
Clay was proud to say that he grew up in Magna where he attended school and graduated from Cyprus High School in 1943. Following graduation from high school he joined the Merchant Marines. One of his most memorable trips was being part of a convoy crossing the Atlantic during a terrible storm. Ships were lost because they broke apart or were torpedoed by German submarines. In 1945 he served in the Marine Corps. Following his service to his country during WWII he attended the University of Utah and graduated from Westminster College.
He spent his career at Kennecott Copper Company, starting on the track gang and working up to a manager in finance. Following that he did volunteer work for a number of organizations including Salt Lake County Aging Services helping a countless number of people.
Clay led a very active life which included playing basketball, skiing, golfing and traveling the world. He was selfless, accepting and loved people. He had a unique gift for numbers, If he got your birthday and phone number, you could count on a call from him.
A confirmed bachelor until he was 49 years old, he met Dee Angell through friends and the rest was history: he helped raise Dee’s three sons, Vaughn, Mark and Kelly.
Clay kept active even in his senior years by working out and learning every day. He was an avid reader and kept abreast of current events, sports and the stock market on his computer
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Clara Dee Ek; step children Mark Angell (Liz) Gig of Harbor, WA and Kelly Angell (Sue) of West Jordan; daughter in law Claresa Angell (Cory Bakke) of Salt Lake City; grandchildren Kelly Alexander, Lauryn, Ethan and Emily Angell and Libby, Chelsey and Jake Olsen.
He was preceded in death by his stepson Vaughn Angell; siblings Ruth, Floyd, Florence, Bertha, Donna and Delbert, and siblings Emma Ek Breeze and Inez Ek Moon.
A celebration of life and visitation will be held on Monday, March 25 from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, 26 at 1 PM also at Starks Funeral Parlor with a visitation one hour prior. Interment to follow at Murray City Cemetery, 5490 South Vine Street.
In lieu of flowers, please provide contributions to the Alliance House, alliancehouse.org/ or Utah Food Bank, utahfoodbank.org/.
In Loving Memory
Dear Dee & Family, What a wonderful obituary you created to honor Clay! I know you will all miss him greatly. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. As an important person in my life from birth,Clay attended every celebration, wedding and funeral in my family's life. He always showed genuine interest and concern for each person in my family. I so appreciated the calls he made on my birthday after my father died. May you all be surrounded by love as you mourn his passing. Love, Ginny
Ginny Eggen
Holladay, UT
Dear Dee, I never met your husband and I am sorry for that, since we were both in St. George when you told me about his hospitalization. I certainly did not expect this at this time. But please know that my love and friendship is with you. Hope you will still come back to St. George in the winter again and again.
Marietta Barton
Holladay, UT
Dear family, I'm the eldest child /daughter of Dell Everett Johnson. Dell is the son of Florence Nielsen. My daughter named my granddaughter Hannah. My Dad has told us stories and has kept his family history in our hearts. I'm sending my condolences from my heart and I pray God's comfort wraps you in his arms. Sincerely, Terrie Johnson Blackwell P.O.Box 783 Ringling, OK
Terrie Johnson Blackwell
Ringling, Ok
I have many fond memories of Clay, he was a role model when we were growing up. I enjoyed him very much during my years in Magna. Love and Blessings to the entire family. Dell and Deanna Johnson
Dell & Deanna Johnson
Ringling, OK
Dear Dee and Kelly. I am so sorry to hear about Clay's passing. I am out of town and send my sincere condolences. I will contsct you when I a bacl. Love you both, Claudia
Claudia E;;ett
824 oakmont Ave., ut
Dear Dee & Family, I always considered Clayton to be one of my favorite uncles. I enjoyed seeing him at the family reunions. I have many pleasant memories of the time I spent with him when I was young. I am deeply sorry for his passing and your loss. I hope the Lord will bless and comfort you at this time. Love, John & family.
John Coon
Kamas, Ut
WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OD CLAYS' PASSING. THE OBITUARY COMPLETELY CAPTURES CLAYS' CHARACTER. WE ARE BETTER PEOPLE FOR HAVING KNOWN CLAY. WE ARE IN ST. GEORGE AND WILL BE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE SERVICE.
DEAN & BARBARA MARTIN
SALT LAKE/ST. GEORGE, UT
Dee, I was very sorry to hear of Clay's passing. I pray that you will find peace in your memories and continue to live with all the gusto that the two of you exhibited throughout your life together.
John Hewes
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Dee, It was so good to see you Tuesday. Jim and I were so shocked to see Clay's obit in the newspaper. I am very sorry for your loss as you had such a great life together. Clay was such a great fellow. My Mom loved being neighbors with you, and I am so honored to have gotten to know you both. I know you will do just fine as you have gone through many difficulties in your life. Many blessing and love to you and your family. Shari
Shari Bennett
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dee, We both recognize the man by the words you wrote for him. We both recall the wonderful times we had with Lavere and Bob and the Eks. You were the top rung of the Magna Mafia social world and we have missed you for the last several years as time and age dictated the divergence of our lives. It is so great to recall Clays' deep and very warm friendly voice. Big regret: We missed his services as we were traveling at the time so please accept our continued love and respect for you and the memory of Clayton. Carol and Al Martin, Saint George, UT
Dr.+ Mrs. Albert F Martin
Saint George, Ut
Gah, I love it! And I really wanna read your story in here, too! I need to make sure this issue doesn't slip thrgouh my fingers.Have I told you how much I love your Typography!? :D
Marina
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