Clark Allen Dowdle

Clark was born in Nampa, Idaho, on October 31, 1943, to W. W. and Manila (White) Dowdle. He was the youngest of seven children. Clark grew up in the country where he got to roam and explore all kinds of places around their family farm in Nampa, Idaho, riding horses, milking Jersey cows and hunting ducks and pheasants. Clark said that the greatest impact in his life was his father, who gave him good advice and then let him make his own mistakes. Clark knew he was loved by his family, and according to him, “that’s all that mattered.”

Clark attended Midway Elementary, West Jr. High, Nampa High School and Brigham Young University. He gave all the credit to his wife Betty for helping him graduate. Clark’s degree was in Scouting, but his heart was in sales and he found success selling photo albums and packages with National Album and Bach Studios. He did carpentry work for a while, but it wasn’t his favorite job. Clark went back to sales with Mutual of New York, where he stayed in the insurance business for over 40 years. Clark loved his work, protecting families with life insurance.

Clark was an athlete. He played football in high school and was on the “hamburger squad.” He held the dummies while people ran into him and knocked him over. He got tired of that pretty quickly. He excelled at the pole vault, tying the Nampa High School record and placing 4th in the state of Idaho. At BYU, he participated in track, and then earned a place on the traveling gymnastics team where he placed 4th in the regional competition for tumbling.

Clark met the love of his life, Betty Adams, when he saw her walking down the street one day. It was love at first sight for him. His charm won her over and they were married on November 8, 1963. Five children filled their home and he was proud of each one of them. Clark said that the happiest days of his life were the days that his children were born. He always wanted to be a father, and his children made that dream into reality. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren were added to the family, filling his life with love and happiness. Family meant everything to Clark, and we will miss him every day.

Clark’s mom and dad taught him faith in Jesus Christ, which he exercised all his life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He dedicated his time and energy to a variety of callings and assignments throughout his lifetime. In his retirement, he loved to work at the Boise Temple. In his service to the church, he found great satisfaction in listening, mentoring, encouraging and helping people improve their lives.

Clark loved a bargain, packing his garage full of all the good deals he found. He loved buttermilk, and especially sharing it with unsuspecting grandchildren. Clark loved people, meeting up for class reunion lunches, and answering spam calls. He enjoyed helping others, giving advice and spending time with friends, especially his walking buddies, who faithfully came over to walk and talk almost every day.

Clark is survived by his wife, Betty; 5 children and their spouses: John & Sherri, Robert & Tia, Nicol & Joel, Roger & Lisa, Ryan & Afton; 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene Bastien and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, W. W. and Manila Dowdle and his siblings: Betty, Sylvia, Jack, Reed and Reta.

Webinar Link: https://zoom.us/j/95307286920 Webinar ID: 953 0728 6920