Amasa L. Clark

With the death the past weekend of Amasa Lyman Clark at 102, Utah has lost one of its most remarkable and useful citizens.

Remarkable because, despite advancing years, he maintained a zestful, youthful spirit that would have been a credit to men many years his junior.

Useful because he believed in service to others as the key to tranquility, because he set a personal example of the value of wholesome living, and because his community and his state are better for his having lived and worked here.

Here was a man who, until he was 100, regularly rode a bicycle to work and later walked to his office at Davis County Bank in Farmington where he was president for 22 years.

Here was a man who served his community not only as a banker but also as mayor, city treasurer, school board treasurer, scouter, and civic leader, and who served his Church as missionary, bishop, and stake Sunday School superintendent.

Beloved, dedicated, and vigorous, Amasa L. Clark was well known for his contributions to youngsters and often said "I wouldn't know what to do if I couldn't help persons in need."

During his lifetime he witnessed many technological changes from driving an ox team to riding in a jet. The biggest improvement in the world, he believed, was the advancement in education. As the last surviving member of the first Primary class ever held, he had greeted and shaken hands with every Church president except the Prophet Joseph Smith.

With the death of Amasa L. Clark, Utah has lost a link with its rich historical heritage as well as an inspiring example that one need never be too old or too young to live vigorously or to keep learning.

To his family, friends, and associates, the Deseret News expresses its condolences at his passing together with gratitude for his many services and fine personal example.