Franklin Begay

Franklin Begay
Our noble Navajo brother Frank Begay passed away quietly July 12, 2008 in Gallop, New Mexico. Frank was born April 20, 1954 to Ross and Rachell Begay in Fort Defiance, Arizona. He was one of eighteen children. At 8 years old he joined the Marion Clark family as a foster son and attended Wasatch Elementary School, Farrer Junior High School and Provo High School. Frank served a mission for the LDS church to the British Isles and was the first Native American to serve in his assigned mission. He had a special relationship with President Spencer W. Kimball while he served his mission. After his mission Frank attended Brigham Young University.
Frank was a devoted leader in the Crystal Branch on the Navajo Reservation. He held many leadership positions during his service in the church. His favorite calling was on the High Council where he could travel the reservation and speak in the wards and branches. Frank's testimony was unwavering even under severe trials in his life. To the end, Frank stood faithful to his church and his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Frank loved life. He was always happy and smiling. He had a little chuckle and "sheepish" smile we all loved. He was a good skier and loved Sundance on Saturday. He loved fishing, hunting and playing basketball with his brothers. He loved his sheep and horses and seemed to communicate with them in a special way. Whenever he had a choice between being a "cowboy or Indian" while playing kids games he always picked the "cowboy." We loved Frank and will miss him greatly but know he is in a better place.
In December 2, 1988 Frank married Sharon Begay in the American Fork Temple. He was the stepfather to three sons Lydell, Lyndol and Lee.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents, his son Lyndol, his brother Toledo, his sisters Regina, Diana and Rebeca. He leaves behind his wife Sharon, six sisters Teresa, Betty, Patricia, Rose, Sharon, and Sharlouif and seven brothers Kedialty, John, Ross Jr. Michael, Daryl, Richard and Robert. His foster family include his mother Marion Clark (Nelson) and brothers and sisters, Steve (Cindy) Clark, Chriss Clark (Louis Pope), Tom (Gwen) Clark, Dr. Jim (Judy) Clark, Liz Clark ( Craig Van Buren), David (Lisa) Clark, Dr. Jeff (Carol) Clark, Cindy Clark ( Norm Nemrow).
The funeral will be held July 16, 2008 at 10:00 am in the Crystal Branch meetinghouse, Crystal New Mexico. Comments and condolences can be emailed to cindysueclark@yahoo.com.