Clair Shelley

Clair LeRoy Shelley, of Salt Lake City, was born on November 14, 1938, to loving parents Jess and Crystal Phoebe Terry Shelley in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Clair was born with cerebral palsy and was not expected to live past the age of 12. Despite his physical limitations, Clair lived to be 85.  He passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023.

Clair participated in the Special Olympics in1974, taking part in the softball throw event.  He won a trophy for Most Outstanding Contestant.  Clair was honored by being asked to carry the torch to light the cauldron at the Special Olympic Ceremony.

Clair loved listening to Elvis and Johnny Cash. He knew every word to every one of their songs and he had a great voice.  Clair also enjoyed being with his sweetheart Ginny, watching movies and eating popcorn.  Clair loved owls since they reminded him of growing up as a child on the farm in Mount Pleasant.  He was an avid Jazz fan and loved going to games or watching them on television. Many of Clair’s nieces and nephews would come to visit him bringing his favorite food and drinks which was typically a hamburger and a Diet Pepsi. This would always bring a smile to his face.

Clair loved everyone at Avion and dearly loved each one of his special caregivers who helped make his life bright and meaningful.

He by nature was a happy person and his smile was a hallmark of his cheerful countenance.  Clair loved his mother and father and each one of his sisters and brother very much. We are comforted by what was certainly a joyful reunion as he was reunited with his family.

We are grateful for the strength of Clair’s spirit. His optimism and love for others taught his family and friends kindness, gentleness, and how to be unselfish.  Our relationship with him inspired us to be kinder, gentler, patient and more loving.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, Utah under the directions of Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary. Everyone who loves Clair is welcome to attend.