Dennis Leon Clark

Dennis Leon Clark, 84, of Boise, Idaho, returned to his Heavenly Father on January 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was born June 4, 1941, in Logan, Utah, to Veldon Ray Clark and Eva Christensen. He grew up in Clarkston, Utah, where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood filled with baseball games, backyard adventures, and working alongside his father Veldon and grandfather Eli. At age 14, Dennis faced the profound trial of losing both his father and grandfather in an accident, stepping forward as the man of the house with quiet courage and faith.

Dennis graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond, Utah, where he played football and basketball. He attended Utah State University, earning a degree in landscape architecture, which later evolved into a career as an environmental planner. His true passion, however, was creating—whether sketching designs, building projects with his signature hot glue and duct tape ingenuity, or painting scenery for church roadshows.

He married his eternal companion, Judy Jardine on June 8, 1967, in the Logan Utah Temple, after meeting at a young adult social where they bonded over making scenery together. Their 57-year partnership was built on faith, service, and devotion to family.

Dennis served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life, including as bishop, high councilor, counselor in the stake presidency, and temple worker for 10 years at the Boise Idaho Temple alongside Judy. He served a mission in the Western States Mission, opening the Moab branch. His testimony of the Book of Mormon and the principle of tithing remained unwavering throughout his life.

As a father, Dennis was playful, supportive, and endlessly creative. Sunday afternoons often meant dumpster-diving adventures downtown, teaching his children to find treasure in unexpected places. He built legendary backyard attractions—a giant sand pile and waterski rope swing—and taught his children the value of hard work, how to care for a car, landscape a yard, and shoot a basket. His greatest joy came from watching his children make good decisions.

Dennis was known for his dry, subtle humor, his kind heart, and his ability to fix anything with minimal resources. He loved a good Pepsi with peanuts from the gas station, a pot roast with potatoes and carrots, and chocolate ice cream. He found peace in simple moments—napping on Sunday afternoons and watching TV from the foot of the bed.

In his final years, Dennis exemplified faith and determination, doing everything in his power to maintain his independence and care for himself. He approached life's challenges with his characteristic advice: "Give it a day."

Dennis is survived by his wife Judy; his children Tyler (Sara) Clark, Trena (Adam) Pishl, Deann (Corey) Clark Plumb, and Mandy (Ryan) Cowgill; 13 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

His legacy is found not in grand gestures but in the little things—digging a hole, a trip to the dollar store, a kind word, faithful service. 

A viewing will be held Monday, January 26 from 6:00-8:00 at 2680 Hill Road Boise Idaho. There will also be a viewing Tuesday January 27th from 10:00-10:45 at the same location. Funeral services will follow at 11:00. Interment will be at Dry Creek Cemetery.