Clarence (Clare) R Bishop

Clarence R (Clare) Bishop 86, passed away May 11, 2017 in his home surrounded by family and loved ones. He was most reluctant to leave his wife Ila of 60 years, his children and other family members, however he was ready for the experiences coming in the next phase of his life. 

He has four sons. Brad (Celia) of Draper, Scott of Layton, Bruce (Cristin) of Kaysville, and Mark (Marianne) of Bountiful. He has three foster daughters, Lillie Pooley (Raymond) of  NM, Kara Lena Atine of Albuquerque NM, and Hanna Abeita (deceased).  He is a proud grandfather of 27 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, his brothers Jay and Lars, and his sisters Arlene and Helen.  

Clare was born in Hinkley UT, September 6th, 1930 in the family home of Heber G. and Vera Swensen Bishop. He was the 6th of 10 children which gave him plenty of opportunities to learn many lessons early on in his life. 

His early years were filled with family fun and responsibilities. There were always weeds in the garden, a yard to rake and keep clean, animals to care for, snow to shovel and other responsibilities. With 10 children coming and going there was always fun things for him to do. On cold winter nights there were card games, board games, or his dad turning nail bags upside down for basketball in the combined living and dining room. 

As he grew the sport of his choice was basketball. As it was stated in his father's year book, Clare would rather play basketball than eat. 

After graduating from Hinkley High School, where he was voted "Most Outstanding Athlete", he headed for Snow College. That year was also filled with basketball as he was asked to help coach the Ephraim High School basketball team, where he would scrimmage against the team that he was coaching. 

After a year at Snow he went to Fontana California to live with his older brother Jay and his family while attending Chaffey College. There his friends talked him into scrimmaging against the college team. The coach invited him to try out for the team where he played on the first team.  

He graduated from Chaffey College and went home to work during the summer. The next two years he attended Utah State University. After graduating he was drafted into the United States Army.  He was trained in artillery, and served  along the 38th parallel. He played on the all-army volleyball team, and they assigned him to serve as the artillery mail clerk. 

After his year in Korea, he went home and attended Brigham Young University where he earned his Masters' Degree in Educational Administration. He also earned a Masters' of Social Work at the University of Utah. 

In October of his first year at BYU, he met Ila Claire Schofield on a blind date. He decided then that she would be his wife and mother of his children, After dating, they were engaged, and planning their wedding, he had an opportunity to serve  a two year mission. Ila agreed that he should go, so he went. He was called to serve in the Southwest Indian Mission. He served his first 6 months with the Hopi's and the remainder of his mission in Navajo Country. There he served as district President over both missionaries and members.  

Upon returning home, he and Ila were married on March 15th, 1957. About a month later Clare received a call from Elder Mark E. Peterson which led to his employment in the Indian Student Placement Program. Shortly after his employment he was asked to serve as the Director of the program. He worked there until March 1973 when he was called to Mission President of the Rapid City, South Dakota Mission. He, Ila, and their 4 sons moved to Rapid City, South Dakota for the next three years.  

Clare was called to be the Stake President in the Val Verda Stake from the years 1977 until 1987.  

After returning Clare worked for the Church in the Welfare Department. Here he trained Mission Presidents, Couples and Sister missionaries assigned to Welfare Services the principles and practices of becoming self-reliant so that they could teach these to the people in their assigned areas. After serving 5 years in this assignment, he was called to be the Assistant Commissioner of Welfare Services worldwide. 

After retiring from church employment on April 1st, 1993, he and his wife went to South Africa for two years to serve as Welfare Services missionaries. During that time they taught Gospel Principals and self-reliance in 16 countries.  

After returning home, Clare and Ila served as directors in Martin's Cove, located in Wyoming. This is a sacred place as it provided protection to the handcart companies traveling West to Salt Lake City. 

Upon returning home from this assignment Clare and Ila accepted another church assignment traveling all over Africa creating the infrastructure that helped establish adoption centers throughout the continent.  

Clare has been awarded the Silver Beaver for his service to the Boy Scouts of America. 

Clare has spent a lifetime in service to people and the Lord. He was a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a brother and a friend to everyone.  

His viewing will be held at Russon Brother's Mortuary, 295 North Main Street in Bountiful, UT, Friday, May 19th from 6-8 PM. An additional viewing will be held at the Val Verda Stake Center, 2651 S 500 West Bountiful, Utah on Saturday, May 20th from 9:00 until 9:45. The funeral will follow from 10:00-11:30. Interment will be at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery. 

Ila has requested, If  you would like to send flowers for Clare's funeral, please contact his daughter-in-law Marrianne at 801-268-8243