J. Clair Whiteley

“I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless hall of air.” It’s no surprise that Clair’s favorite poem was “High Flight,” for his greatest passion was flying. As a gifted pilot he logged in thousands of flight hours and conducted countless flight tests during his 24 year flying career. Chasing the winds in the lofty sunlit silence was not the only thing that received his attention, however: he was lovingly devoted to his three children and his eternal sweetheart, Georgia, who has been waiting 11 years for him to join her in paradise. The celebration of his life begins with this long awaited reunion. In 1921, Clair’s inaugural arrival came on a wintery day in February to Ira J. Whiteley and Verna Stone (Oborn). The consequences of making his earthly entry on that chilly day resulted in a warm heart which augmented an already affable nature. He loved being with friends and family, and was ever ready to break out his guitar to get the party started. Boating, waterskiing, family picnics and houseboat trips on Lake Powell made his list of favorites. Another enjoyable pastime was singing. There are those who alleged his youthful velvety smooth voice rivaled that of a young Sinatra. After graduating from Ogden High School, Clair was eager to continue his education by enrolling in Weber College. While there, he met sweet Georgia Brown, a psychology major, who changed his life for the better, forever. They were married in a civil service in 1941 and were later sealed for time and eternity in the Ogden LDS Temple. Shortly after graduating from Weber in 1941, Clair earned his private pilot certificate, thereafter graduating from USAF Advanced Flying School and then from West Coast Training Command. During WWII and in the USAF Reserves Clair served as a pilot and flight instructor, later retiring as a major and command pilot. In 1945, Clair altered his skyward focus by working as sales manager for the family’s Brown’s Ice Cream Company, but flying remained in his blood. Ten years later he succumbed to the call of the wild blue yonder as manager of Southwestern Skyways. But what turned out to be his favorite airborne career came after Southwestern, landing him at Thiokol Corporation as chief corporate pilot until his retirement in 1986. That career formulated some of his fondest memories of teaming up with his wife when she was invited to act as stewardess for the corporate executives during especially long flights. Clair lived a life of honor, sacrifice, and commitment. He had a deep and loyal love for his family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he gladly and enthusiastically served in various capacities. It was during his “golden years” that he experienced his most cherished memory of service by completing a mission to the Mesa Arizona Temple with his sweet companion and wife of 60 years. Clair leaves behind a grateful posterity, including children Michael Ann Brown Fonnesbeck (Bruce), Diane Cassity (Lee), David Whitely (JoAnn), sister Kay Hadley (Robert), brother Doug Whiteley (Diana), ten grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. We wish to express our deepest appreciation for the genuine kindness, earnest devotion and expert care given to our dad by the staff of Apple Tree Assisted Living, Maple Springs Senior Living, and Box Elder Integrity Hospice. A special thank you to Nicole, Joanna, Debbie, Jacquie, Mike, Lorin, Brooklyn, and all the additional nurses and CNAs who not only befriended Dad, but willingly devoted themselves to making his final days pleasurable, comfortable and fun. Bless you! Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 3rd at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. The family will meet with friends Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, we think Dad would be very pleased if those wishing to honor his memory did so by giving a contribution to a charity of their choice in his name.