Hurricane, Utah – Clair Foster Oliphant, 81, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025. He was born on September 11, 1943, in San Diego, California. He built his mansion in Heaven through his life of love and service to others.

Dad married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Jean Leavitt in November 1962 and they were sealed in the St. George Temple. Shortly after, they built their first home in Ivins, Utah, where many hours were spent working late at night with mom keeping him company and cheering him on. Dad always did his best work with someone by his side. It was there that they raised their eight children. Their home was always open to visitors and ones who needed help. Many extended family members spent many weeks and months in their home with them. They made many wonderful memories and lifetime friends while living there. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saits and served in various callings.

Some of our favorite memories were made on camping trips to Pine Valley, many fun family reunions, which were always a favorite, and short road trips. Money was always tight, but we didn't know it. Family time was meaningful but fun, and we learned through his example of love, hard work and giving. One of dad's greatest attributes was being a peacemaker.

He spent his life in construction and woodwork. Dad loved working with his hands. In 1980, the family moved to Hurricane where he started working for himself building cabinets. He owned his business for several years and took great pride in every cabinet he made and was a perfectionist! After retiring from building, he picked up a new hobby of wood carving. He made many walking sticks and chains. He also set out making children's tables and chairs, a set for each of his many grandchildren.

Dad and Mom loved being together. They loved to dance; he taught his daughters how to dance with us standing on his feet. Many tanks of gas were spent going on rides together. But most of all they loved being with their family. Their love for us knew no bounds.

After almost 50 years of making happy memories together, Mom's health declined to the point Dad had to take care of her full time. He did this with love, tenderness and endless patience for many years until her passing in April 2011.

In 2014 dad met and married AnnaMae Moss. At this time, he gained seven more children, and many more grandchildren whom he loved. The two of them were very happy together. They enjoyed their time traveling to different places, visiting their families, and staying busy together. Later in their marriage after a serious fall dad used his gift of loving service once again while tending his wife's needs.

After AnnaMae's passing in August, Dad has had several months to be pampered and doted on by his family. Dad loved nothing more than to have a baby in his arms and had many opportunities at family gatherings during this time. He always felt his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was so proud of each one of his children and grandchildren and took every opportunity he could to let them know.

We will forever cherish Dad's life as a testament of love and service. With each new baby welcomed, every family reunion, and each moment of joy or struggle we face we will try to honor his memory in the way we live. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in our hearts and memories.

He is survived by his eight children: Karri Johnston, Kellie (Merlin) Spendlove, Jackie (Pat) Stone, Stephanie (Chai) Sanders, Tracey (John) James, Melanie (Troy) Barlow, Mickelle (Ray) Westfall, Chad (Terra) Oliphant; 39 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; four sisters; and one brother. He is preceded in death by two sons-in-law: Gordon Jeppson and Kenneth Johnston; a great granddaughter;  parents, Thelma Cottam, Harry Kinder & Clare Oliphant; three sisters; and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hurricane LDS Chapel, 677 South 700 West, Hurricane, Utah. A visitation will be held on Saturday, prior to services, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Church. Interment will be in the Toquerville Cemetery, 119 North Toquer Blvd., Toquerville, Utah.

Clair Oliphant Funeral Service Program