William Clark Ford

“Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered everyday. No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you’re always there.” – Author Unknown

Our dear husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor went home to the greener fields of heaven on the morning of May 11, 2018.

Clark came into this life on January 25th, 1931, as the only son of William Dewey and Merle Sabey Ford.

He married Belva Marie Pyper on May 31st, 1952. Together they faced and triumphed life’s challenges from living in tents and sheep camps while herding cows to hotel rooms and apartments in whichever town his work took them. Eventually they returned to their forever home in Wallsburg. Clark and Belva raised their own amazing children and had a hand in raising many grand and great grandchildren in their home. His family was his proudest accomplishment and he wouldn’t hesitate to tell you just how proud he was.

Clark learned the value of hard work and the worth of an honest man at a very young age. He took those noble traits every where life took him sharing his wisdom, lessons learned and opinions with anyone that needed them. You didn’t even have to ask sometimes. He would tell you anyway. He honorably served our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1949 to 1953 Upon returning home, he began his career as an ironworker, traveling all over the country building bridges and skyscrapers with Mountain States Steel and other local steel companies. After retirement, he perfected his alfalfa and barley crops, raised the best beef a guy could ever eat and grew his gardens always making sure there was enough for everyone. He shared his wisdom and thoughts right through the very end. There was a lesson to be learned in every story he told, most, if not all of them, he had learned in the school of hard knocks.

Throughout his life he broke many horses, some even breaking him, trained them and competed in horse shows, cutter races and supported the local rodeo associations with his kids, grandkids and anyone else that needed him. He was instrumental in starting the Utah High School Rodeo Association many years ago. His horsemanship skills can still be seen in his kids and grandkids.

Clark was preceded in death by his dear parents, his in-laws, his sister Gwendolyn (Gary-deceased) Williams, and many dear friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his sweetheart of almost 66 years, Belva, of Wallsburg, his daughters Brenda (Grant) Christensen of Payson, Debbie (Steve ) Jaques of Wallsburg, Karla (Allan)Probst of Salmon, Idaho and his son Lee (Bobbi) of Stone, Idaho; his sisters Leone (Merlin “Square” – deceased) Clark of Pleasant Grove and Mavis (Frank) Hortin of Wallsburg. His legacy lives on through his 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, the 6 great-great-grandchildren and those yet to come.

Services for Clark will be held on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 at the Probst Barn, 2020 West Main Canyon Road, Wallsburg, Utah. A viewing and visitation will begin at 10:30 am, followed by a graveside service at the Wallsburg Cemetery. We will then meet back at the barn to share our memories and honor Clark. Clark will be in his boots and jeans and you are welcome to wear yours too.

In lieu of flowers, please slow down, love your families, choose to forgive, help a neighbor and take in and enjoy all that this wonderful life has to give, Clark could always find something to be grateful for and we wish the same for each of you.