Clayton Ronald Gabbert

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Dr Clayton Ronald Gabbert

Dad passed away of heart and kidney failure on July 22, 2011 surrounded by his family and in the loving arms of his wife who was singing "their songs" to him.

Dad was born on August 28, 1933 in Ogden, Utah to Helene Nielson and Clay Gabbert.

He graduated from Ogden High, earned his associate degree at Weber State College, his bachelor and medical degrees at University of Utah. He completed his internship at Dee Hospital and his residency in orthopedic surgery at Mayo Clinic. He was given the honor of being offered a permanent position at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN but chose to return to Ogden, opening his practice in his hometown. He completed a distinguished professional career in 1998 when he retired, embracing this phase of his life to its fullest.

Dad was tenacious, to the point of being stubborn, constantly optimistic, and excelled at everything he did. We have many cherished memories of traveling as a family throughout the west to dad''s trap-shooting tournaments and recall with special fondess our annual trips to Jackson Hole, WY. As a trap-shooting enthusiast, he won numerous tropheries and awards, among which was a new jeep. As successful as his trap-shooting career was, the prize he valued most was the love of his life Kayla whom he referred to for almost 56 years as his "trophy wife." Mom and dad were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 16, 1955. They have been best friends ever since. She will miss her hiking companion, traveling pal, bridge partner, and best buddy.

Dad loved to travel with his family and we had a vacation every year as long as his health would allow. Among his favorite destinations were Lake Powell, Depoe Bay, OR., and anywhere there was a golf course.

He took up golf after his retirement and participated avidly in this hobby. He had a standing golf date every week with his grandsons who not only learned to golf, but how to become honorable men through grandpa''s example. On the golf course, he was quick to joke, his face lighting up each time a great shot was made by anyone in the group. A birdie got the senior citizen high five.

He is survived by his wife Kayla Kerr Gabbert, daughters Wendy Gabbert, Lolly (Herschall) Rose, Nancy (Rick) Bingham, and son Ron Gabbert (April Hatfield). He had 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Claytons''s life was a celebrated success by the highest standards, as he brought joy to the lives of all those around him. He had a strong sense of honor and was always concerned with others more than himself-the kind of man who could be depended upon in all circumstances. He will be missed by all those who knew him but his light and lessons will remain in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary 3408 Washington.

Family will meet with friends on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary and on Wednesday prior to the services from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.

Interment, Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com