H. Clay "Gramps" Gorton

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Brigham Young University

H. Gorton Obituary

H. Clay Gorton Gramps 1923 ~ 2008 H. Clay Gorton, born March 7, 1923 to Rees Dubois Gorton and Sarah Dorleska Sterrett, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 20, 2008 after his third battle with cancer.His marriage to Edna Foot was solemnized in the Logan Temple on April 7, 1949. They had five children, David, D. Lynn, Stephen, Rebecca, and Elizabeth (deceased); 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Clay devoted his life in service to his Savior. He fulfilled six missions, including mission president in Argentina and president of the MTC in Santiago, Chile. He also served as stake president, bishop, welfare services region agent, counselor to four stake presidents, and as a member of three high councils. His final calling was a sealer in the Bountiful Utah Temple. Clay obtained an MA degree in physics and mathematics at BYU. After graduation, he conducted research at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, and later joined the staff of TRW in Redondo Beach, California. He obtained his pilot's license at age 69 and enjoyed aerobatic flying. He served as the editor for the Salt Lake City chapter of the EAA and as the editor of the Starduster Magazine. He authored seven books and has written papers on religion, philosophy, health and aviation. His last years were spent serving as "Gramps" on "askgramps.org", where he adopted thousands of people worldwide as his "grand-children", assisting them through his wit, wisdom and sound advice. His exemplary life has influenced many people the world over and he will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held Tues., June 24, at 2 p.m. at the Bountiful 31st Ward 600 N. Center Street Bountiful, Utah. Viewing will be held Mon., evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Deseret Memorial Mortuary 36 E. 700 S. in Salt Lake City and from 12:45-1:45 p.m. at the church. Interment at Lakeview Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.memorialutah.com. Funeral Directors, Lakeview Memorial Mortuary.

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Published by Deseret News on Jun. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for H. Gorton

9 Entries

Charles (Chas) Foot

July 16, 2008

My deepest sympathies go to Clay's family, especially his wife, my Aunt Podge, and his children, my cousins, David, Debbie, Becky and Steve. In recent years I had little contact with him, but heard a lot about his amazing feats of flying prowess and was awed by his courage in fighting illness. He would not take sickness lying down. I do remember the hospitality he bestowed upon me when I was doing military service in Córdoba, Argentina, and the trip he took me on to Salta (la Linda). He even allowed me to drive his drunken AMC wagon! His departure to his heaven will leave a gaping hole in the lives of all that loved him.

Greg Spencer

June 29, 2008

Presidente Gorton:

Thanks for being my mission president during my last few months of service in Argentina in 1969. Your wit and wisdom will live on in your writings and in your posterity.

Ralph (for Mary Kay and myself) Henricks

June 26, 2008

Our lives have been enriched by knowing H. Clay. His service to the Columbus, Ohio area in the early days of the stakes here as stake president and confidant to us in "the Ohio" is still greatly appreciated by many. He was a great assistance with photos and text during the preparation of the updated history of the Church in central Ohio, "Heritage and Legacy of the Saints." We join all who know him as "Ask Gramps" as well in extending our heartfelt condolences.

Clark Mackay

June 23, 2008

I am honored to have know such a great man. He was my mission president for the first month of my mission. I enjoyed listening to him during our 40th anniversary reunion. Thank you for sharing him with me for a short time.

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Marti (Missy) Mortensen Dudgeon

June 23, 2008

Dear Podge and family,
Words cannot express the thoughts I have for you and your family at this time. Our family has been blessed by knowing yours for decades. The memories that Bro. Gorton shared with us about serving with my Dad (James L. Mortensen) in the Stake Presidency in Columbus, OH in the early 1960's is priceless. He and I were email pals, and I so appreciated his strength and wisdom.
The last time I saw him was in Columbus, OH gathered in my Mom's living room, along with my brothers, the weekend the temple in Columbus, OH was dedicated. We were blessed to have him come for Sunday dinner, bare his testimony during the neighborhood sacrament meeting, and visit for a while. Your family has taken such good care of our for years. Thank you.
I know that his reunion with friends and loved ones have been wonderful. How blessed we are to have the knowledge of eternal families.
May you find peace and comfort, and know that prayers are sent heavenward on your behalf.

Angel, RN

June 23, 2008

Clay was an amazing man and will be deeply missed. I am thankful for the time I got to spend with him.

Bryce Bodily

June 22, 2008

Thanks for sharing him with us. I served in Argentina from 1970-1972.

Barbara Clouner Miller

June 22, 2008

Brother Gorton was a sweet man and always a great influence. I remember the Gorton family seemed huge to me as a new member when I was baptized in Columbus, Ohio. Then I went on to even more children than they. (:>)
It was nice to view the gramps website. He answered a question for me from that site.
Concolences to the whole family.

Bob and Carol West

June 22, 2008

Our deepest condolences to Podge and her family.
What an honor it was to sit across the desk from Clay for four years as he continued his Christlike service, in so many positions throughout his life. We honor his
great life that he lead right up to the end.
Clay's books, and advice and counsel through "Ask Gramps," were an inspiration to us and many thousands of others.
With Love,

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