Clifford Sadler, Jr.

Clifford Dewey Sadler Jr.

1923-2015

Clifford Dewey Sadler, Jr. passed away Thursday afternoon, December 10, 2015, at his home, in Bountiful, Utah.  He left behind a legacy that no eulogy can adequately express, and no tombstone can convey.  Though his mortal existence will be missed, Clifford’s presence will live on with the endowment he bequeathed to his posterity through an exemplary life lived.

When Clifford was born, on a quiet Wednesday, November 7, 1923, there was no spectacle, beyond the humble gratitude of parents who brought a healthy child into this world.  The first and oldest child of seven, born to Clifford D. Sadler and Zelma L. Nott, Clifford’s life was fraught with personal hardships and disappointments, but punctuated by blessings bestowed by a loving God.

Clifford spent most of his formative years growing up in Salt Lake City, forging relationships with siblings, cousins, and friends throughout the Salt Lake Valley during the years of the Great Depression.  During his youth, he spent as much time in the outdoors as he could, taking in the views of the mountains and the panoramas beyond.   Soon after graduating along with the class of 1942 from West High School, in Salt Lake, Clifford joined the ranks of the US Marine Corp to serve his country during World War II.

By miracles of faith and prayer, Clifford survived the horrors of war.  He spent weeks tromping along the beaches of Oro Bay on the island of New Britain along with officers and troops of the Marine Corp’s First Division.  Unfortunately, while participating in a recovery mission, he was severely wounded by a sniper’s bullet. He was honorably discharged from the Corp the day after the war ended in Europe. Though he would bear his sustained wounds throughout his life, he bore no ill will towards the culture or people whom were considered his enemies at the time.

After returning to Salt Lake, Clifford began attending the University of Utah, and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.   He also met Blanche White.  After a few years of dating, the two were married in the LDS Salt Lake temple on March 18, 1948.  They began a family soon thereafter, and Clifford began employment as an accountant with the US Department of Defense.  After 36 years of service, he retired, and began volunteer work at the Salt Lake temple.  He retired from there after 20 years, and focused the remaining years of his life on family history and genealogy projects.

It is a simple testament to the blessings of honoring parents, that Clifford lived through the foibles of youth to experience the frailties of age for 92 years.  He was preceded into the next life by his parents and many of those he loved, including two of his brothers, Merrill (1949) and Kent (2014) and especially his grand-daughter, Rachelle L. Sadler (2003.)

Clifford always spoke fondly and lovingly of his siblings, and their respective spouses.  Of those surviving him are Lavon Bartlett (Bob-d.), Kaye Sadler (Lois), Shirley Cox (Mel-d.) and Janice Maybe (Lynn.)

His surviving children are M. Colleen Davenport, Clifford M. Sadler (JoAnn), Joel F. Sadler (Jeanette), B. Joy Thatcher (Jonathan), Robert D. Sadler, Angie M. Balling (Scott), Karla J. Allred (Russell), John D. Sadler (Ralean), and Alisa K. Williams (Trent -d.) To Clifford’s posterity, these families have added 44 surviving grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren, the youngest, Tobias, born hours after Clifford passed away, and many nieces and nephews.

Having survived with him, and after him, of course, is Clifford’s loving, eternal companion, Blanche.  For over 67 years they have worked to make sure each member of their posterity is loved and remembered.  Though we all will miss Clifford, until we too part the veil into eternity, Blanche will miss him the most.  She has been a beacon of love and charity, along with Clifford, to all who have had the opportunity to associate with them.

Always evident in his progeny is the twinkle of his eyes and the crook of his smile, but most important to Clifford were, and are, the active traits of love and kindness that his grandchildren exhibit daily.  Though death is the great equalizer for rich and poor alike, Clifford’s legacy of compassion and mercy, while bearing the discomforts of life, are an example of what it means to live rich and die rich, and has earned him a place on the right hand of God.

Funeral services were held on December 22, 2015.  Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com.