Clair Mack Smith

Clair Mack Smith, age 51, passed away on May 4th, 2024 at his home in Goblin Valley State Park. Clair was born on June 21, 1972 to Don Mack and Pamela Jane Johansen Smith, in Murray, Utah. Clair was a beautiful baby with red curly hair, even smiling in his first baby picture. Clair wore that big smile throughout his life. Before Clair was born, his mom prayed to have a curly red-headed boy. Her next prayer was to have a red-headed girl. The only two red-heads of the ten children became especially close, sharing a special bond throughout their lives. Clair became extremely sick at a very young age. He had most of his intestines removed at just nine months old and nearly passed away on the operating table. As a result, Clair experienced related health issues throughout his life. Clair‘s family moved to Highland, Utah when he was about three years old. He spent his childhood playing in the fields, milking and chasing cows, climbing trees, and finding all sorts of adventures with his many siblings. He was inseparable from his little sister Jodi. Later in life, Clair became especially close with his sisters Lezlie and Amber and enjoyed teasing Jodi that they were his favorite sisters. Clair loved his entire family and wore the title of “Uncle Clair” proudly. Clair attended American Fork High School and went on to pick Pineapples in Hawaii where he met many lifelong friends. When Clair returned from Hawaii, he became a skilled artist and brick mason alongside his dad whom he idolized. Just like his dad, Clair had a deep love for Southern Utah. Clair’s favorite place on earth was at his family’s property in Monticello, Utah where he loved spending time with family and friends. Clair enjoyed hunting with his brothers and friends. Clair was especially talented at arrowhead hunting, which, lucky for him, was always in season. Clair had a sweet tooth. If you ever made a trip with Clair to Monticello, you probably know about the cookie rule. For every hill, you had to eat a cookie. Clair gave himself stomach aches, but that never stopped the fun. Of all of the treats out there, Clair’s favorite was the E-clair! According to Clair, there is only one right way to eat the beloved Eclair. Clair was a diehard NASCAR fan, becoming the infamous “Uncle Clair” and using the line we all love to repeat: “Rotate, Rotate, Rotate”. Clair was the life of every party with his big booming voice. He was a kind, gentle soul who loved his family and friends fiercely and was extremely loyal to everyone within his circle. Clair was one of the most generous souls most of us will ever know. An amazing storyteller, Clair was always very animated. Clair was hardworking and had an incredible work ethic throughout his life. He worked many skilled labor jobs including: brick mason, locksmith, long haul trucker, heavy equipment operator, and handyman. During the last three years of his life, Clair was living his best life in Southern Utah among the red rock he loved so much. He found great joy as he worked with the Utah Department of Natural Resources at Goblin Valley State Park. A park visitor called him the “Grizzly Goblin”, a name he proudly boasted of for the rest of his life. He loved every minute of caring for the grounds at Goblin Valley where his life came to a sudden and unexpected end. We are all in disbelief at the loss of our dear son, brother, friend, and most cherished, Uncle Clair. Clair is survived by his mom Pam, nine siblings, Lezlie (Jim) Ferguson, Clint (Diane), Clay (Genene), Dawn (Lane) Hansen, Jodi (Dan) Lund, Cal (Christy), Amber (Dan) Ferkovich, Chet (Shonnie), Paige Peine, 46 nieces and nephews, and many more great nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and his beloved cat Smore’s. Clair is preceded in death by his grandparent’s Herman and Doris Smith, James and Ruth Johansen, his dad Don Smith, as well as the love of his life Nonalee Evans, nephew Peter Smith, nephew Austin Hunter, great nephew Leo Hunter, and beloved dogs Shaq and MaKenna. A Viewing and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday May 10th, 2024 from 9:30-11:30 am, at 5335 W 11200 N Highland, Utah (LDS meeting house). Clair’s final resting place will be in Monticello, Utah. A special thank you to the Goblin Valley State Park Rangers and staff for loving our beloved Uncle Clair and for being like a second family to him, watching out for him during his last days.

Clair Mack Smith

June 21, 1972 - May 4, 2024