Clair T. Kilts

Clair Theodore Kilts passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 9th, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 13, 1930 to William Theodore and Alice Elnora Simpson Kilts in Ogden, Utah.

He married Liliane Lucie Burgat April 29, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He was a loving and devoted husband, serving and caring for Liliane until her passing in June of this year. They cherished 57 years together.

Clair loved learning, and had a passion for history. He received an Associates degree from Weber State. He furthered his education at Brigham Young University, earning both a Bachelors and a Master of Arts degree.

He was proud to call Hooper his home. His parents owned Kilts Cash & Carry Grocery in Hooper. As a boy, Clair learned to work hard and butcher meat working for the family business. He served his community well. The Hooper Water Improvement District awarded him an outstanding service award for 20 years of distinguished service.

He served his country with pride. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Clair spent most of his time serving in the intelligence branch in Berlin (1954-1956). He taught history at Mount Ogden Middle/Junior High School for 31 years. During that time he served as President of the Ogden Education Association for three terms. Clair''s teaching was recognized by the Freedom Foundation with the Liberty Bell Award for Outstanding Service and Activities That Promote Better Understanding of Government, Law and The Constitution. Mr. Kilts was loved by many and it always brought a smile to his face when he heard from former students.

Scouting was an integral part of Clair''s life. He was approaching his 60th year of involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. He loved scouting and was totally dedicated to it throughout his life. He was the first Eagle Scout in Hooper, Utah and dedicated countless hours to help hundreds of other young men receive the award. He attended Wood Badge and was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.

Clair was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As a young man, he served in the Swiss Austria Mission (1950-1953). He was later privileged to return to Switzerland to serve a mission with Liliane in the Swiss Temple (1997-1998). Clair has served as a branch president, and a counselor in two bishoprics. He also served in the Hooper Stake High Council.

He had a deep love for genealogy and family history research. He enjoyed toy trains, growing vegetables, and traveling. He was fortunate to return to his wife''s native land of Switzerland many times, most recently in September of this year. Clair is survived by his children: Jeff (Katie) of South Ogden, Tim (Tammy) of Hooper, Mark (Leann) of Plain City, Becky (Ron) Romero of Bountiful, Matt (Hope) of Hooper; 19 grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother and three sisters: Gary Kilts of Joseph, Oregon, Carol Taylor of Clinton, Roseanne Bates of Hooper, and Jerilyn Green of Mountain Green.

The family would like to express their thanks to Harmony Healthcare and Tara Wentland for their compassionate care. They would also like to thank Dr. Grant Holland and Dr. Gary Christensen.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 15th at 11 a.m. at the Hooper Stake Center Chapel, 5375 South 5900 West.

The family will meet with friends on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center.

Interment, Hooper Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Perpetual Education Fund and General Missionary Fund in honor of Clair''s dedication and love for education and missionary work.