Johnathan "Johnny" Gerrard Clark

Johnathan (Johnny) Gerrard Clark (43) headed to his heavenly home on Monday January 5, 2026, albeit too early. Born on February 13, 1982, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Ron Clark and Katherine Eyre Niedert, Johnny spent time in Star Valley, Wyoming, and Challis, Idaho, but called Millcreek and Draper, Utah home. Johnny was universally adored, and for good reason. For a man whose canvas was black and white, he filled the world with color, carrying around a pallet of compliments, generosity, and humor to liven up a world of grey. While Johnny was ironically color blind, his life was the embodiment of hue, tone, and dimension. Voted “Mr. Wasatch” at Wasatch Junior High School— a title that captured not just his charisma, but his genuine goodness-- Johnny easily turned strangers into friends his entire life. His uncanny ability to remember faces, spark conversation, and make people feel instantly at ease created genuine friendships and connections near and far. Running into someone Johnny knew was never a surprise; the stories they told though... While at Jordan High School, Johnny became affectionately known as the “Michael Jackson” of the school for his unforgettable dance moves. Whether performing for a packed auditorium or breaking into sick moves in the hallway, Johnny was fearless; a fearlessness he carried his whole life. Indeed, he walked his own path with the courage to be misunderstood. Johnny graduated high school in 2000, where he played on the tennis team. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Bacolod, Philippines (2001–2003). Johnny loved his mission and the Filipino people wholeheartedly. Their culture, language, relationships, and the spirit of his new friends added texture and importance to his life. He attended George Fox University earning a degree in management and organizational leadership in 2010, and an MBA and JD from the University of Denver. A master student, Johnny did not stop his education with a diploma, instead feasting on facts once foreign to him to feed his insatiable curiosity. Johnny had a multi-decade and distinguished career at Fidelity Investments, holding numerous impressive positions. Johnny didn’t just crunch the numbers he was a master of the detail- especially the details in the lives around him. No wonder he was frequently asked to mentor, go to lunch, or attend parties; everybody wanted to be close to Johnny. His impressive career is easily eclipsed by his incredible character and undeniable kindness. Johnny was dynamic. Like the ying-yang he kept as the screensaver on his phone, he embodied the complexities and nuance of light and shadow. He could joyfully fill the room with roaring laughter and at the same time was always willing to sit in the quiet with a friend’s sorrow. He was fierce in his love of and protection for his family and friends, while never raising a hand in anger. He loved a dirty joke and kept a dirty car but loved a clean-cut beard. He showered friends and family with adoration and compliments was simultaneously fearing he stunk such that he would often shower three times a day. His passing will certainly save on the water bill. There was no more color in Johnny’s world than the joy he found in his children. JJ, Jack, Ava, Ivy, Eve- you are his greatest works of art. No museum or gallery will ever be worthy of the goodness captured in the masterpieces of your lives. Never forget how dearly your dad loves you. Find joy in living life to the fullest. Find peace in Creation. Remember, his love will continue to shape you, guide you, and surround you for the rest of your lives. He was the kind of dad who stayed up far too late scrolling memes and laughing until everyone’s sides hurt, who bonded through inside jokes and humor that probably pushed the limits of appropriateness, and who jumped into the pool fully clothed without a second thought. Bedtime was flexible if a story needed finishing, and laughter—especially the sound of his girls giggling—was always worth staying up for. He taught his children how to work hard, show up fully, and believe in themselves. He offered perspective when things felt heavy and encouragement when the road felt uncertain. He showed them that while success matters, joy matters more. A rare gift with children, Johnny met them exactly where they were—joining their worlds, becoming curious about their passions, and seeing life through their eyes. His gentle and protective approach empowered him to listen and laugh and play with reckless abandon. He believed childhood, and adulthood, should be filled with wonder, humor, and connection. Johnny was the spokesman for Bigfoot, a travel agent for numerous aliens and UFOs, and never met a rock he didn’t like. His pockets were constantly full of something (trinkets, rocks, art supplies, etc.). Johnny was the king of both intentional and unintentional detours and side quests, which included stops at Petco, rock shops, antique shops, and basically any place that normal humans would not enter unless dared. He deeply appreciated the beauty and peace that were found outdoors. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson and spending time fishing, camping, and recreating at Lake Powell with family and friends. He loved running and CrossFit, almost as much as he loved taking photos of himself running and doing CrossFit. He was an excellent golfer and an above-average ping-ponger. In fact, Johnny and his brother-in-law Carson played ping pong every other Sunday where Carson usually claimed the victory… except in their final match. After achieving success in other areas of his life, he rekindled his passion for art, and his @johnny.clark.art Instagram feed created a sizeable community to connect the “lost generation of creators”. His charcoal creations influenced and inspired countless admirers, artists, and friends across the globe. His works can still be purchased at www.johnnyclarkart.com. Johnny frequently and passionately shared his three core values: integrity of self, optimism for the future, and a love of life. May those who love him pick up where he left off- creating a world full of childlike laughter, enthusiastic adventure, and bold color. Johnny married Ashley Lauren Hicken twenty-one years ago. They have 5 children: Johnathan (JJ) Talmage (19), Jack Gerrard (17), Ava Collette (15), Ivy Lauren (11), and Eve Charlene (7). Johnny is survived by his wife, and children, his mother and dad, Katherine and Mike Niedert, his father, Ron Clark, and siblings James Clark, Luke Passey, Daryl (Tara) Clark, (his favorite, and only sister) Heather (Carson) Williams, Jesse (Cheyenne) Clark, and Mitchell Niedert. There will be an open house on Friday, January 16, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the LDS meetinghouse at 12101 South, 700 West, Draper, Utah. (Casual dress) The viewing is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM at the same location. A Zoom link to join the celebration is as follows (the link will be opened 30 minutes before the service): Time: Jan 17, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98969066478?pwd=1kRDBs7HreWuMqErFaOTO9TXuTuSst.1 Meeting ID: 989 6906 6478 Passcode: 189738 Flowers may be sent to Serenity Funeral Home at 13863 South 2700 West, Bluffdale, Utah 84065 in memory of Johnny Clark.

Johnathan "Johnny" Gerrard Clark

February 13, 1982 - January 5, 2026