Clifford Jack Newton

Clifford Jack Newton passed peacefully from this world and entered his Heavenly Father’s arms on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. He was right where he wanted to be – in his home surrounded by his loving family. Cliff’s life was defined by his love for others: his spouse, his children, his family, his friends, and all those with whom he interacted. For over seven years, Cliff fought valiantly against cancer – a disease that would never define him or stop him from loving and living life to the fullest.

Cliff was born on December 27, 1960 in Salt Lake City to Sylvia Ruth Clark and Jack Winston Newton. Cliff enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in Bountiful with his five siblings. He graduated from Bountiful High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Arvonne Palmer, who became the love of his life. Cliff and Arvonne were married and sealed on September 16, 1982 in the Jordan River Temple for time and all eternity.

Cliff served a two-year mission in Rome, Italy for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His love for the people and culture of Italy was immediate and only grew stronger as the years went by. He returned to visit Italy many times after his mission, keeping in contact with lifelong friends and looking forward to every return trip with the same excitement and anticipation as the first. 

Cliff graduated from Utah State University in Information Systems. He dedicated much of his work career to the LDS Church where, as an Engineering Manager, he led development of software for various church-wide initiatives benefitting the lives of many throughout the globe. He loved the opportunity to work through important business challenges, but his true passion was people and helping those around him develop and achieve their own aspirations. It was that desire that set the foundation not only for his own success, but also the career and life success of the many business associates and friends he interacted with throughout his career.

While growing their family, Cliff and Arvonne enjoyed several years in both Michigan and Colorado before returning to Utah. Every stage of life was precious to them, specifically because of the lifelong friends they made along the way. The two of them together created an unbreakable force. Cliff had an undeniable ability to love and accept everyone for who they were.  He loved unconditionally and made everyone better simply by their association with him. He loved and was loved deeply by all who knew him.  

Cliff’s love for his family was boundless and unwavering. No matter how hectic life was, Cliff always put his family first. His greatest desire was to see his wife and children succeed and find happiness in this life. Creating memories with them was ALWAYS at his forefront. He was a big Broncos fan, he loved to golf, travel, ski, and to go to the mountains to cruise through the trees on his UTV. He loved to play piano. His favorite callings in his church were playing piano for the Primary and working with the youth.

Cliff was a silent teacher whose actions often taught as much or more than his spoken words. That was not only how he lived his day-to-day life but also how he lived throughout his cancer journey. He was the truest of friends, a beloved father, and a loving husband. He emulated that it was all worth fighting for. His cancer motto was Go, Fight, Win. He went, he fought, and he won!

Cliff is survived by his wife Arvonne, their children Mikell (Rich) Baughman, Eric Clifford Newton (Tiffani Charles), Lauren (Nate) Smith, and their seven grandchildren (with another on the way). He is also survived by his mother Sylvia, his mother-in-law Rosemary Smith, and his six siblings: Greg, Bill, Clay, Diane, Leslie, and Lori. Cliff was preceded in death by his beloved father Jack and his father-in-law Reldon Palmer.

There are only two ways to live your life: one is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.

-Einstein

A viewing will be held Thursday, May 11, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N Main Street, Farmington, Utah.

An additional viewing will be held Friday, May 12, from 9:45-10:45 am, followed by a funeral service from 11:00-12:00 pm. Both services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building at 2680 E Cherry Lane, Layton, Utah. Cliff will be interred in Kaysville cemetery following the funeral service.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.