Gordon Affleck Clark

Beloved Family man, Friend, and genius July 10, 1957 – August 9, 2025

Gordon Affleck Clark passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 9, 2025 at the age of 68.

Born in 1957, Gordon grew up with insatiable curiosity and a deep appreciation for design and craftsmanship. He grew up in the Sugarhouse area attending Rosslyn Heights Elementary, Hillside Junior High, and Highland High School. He played the French Horn and repeatedly serenaded his parents with the sound of a drowning goose. Gordon was athletic, playing a variety of sports like tennis, track, and basketball. He was industrious. He earned his Eagle scout award, his final project being painting the lines on the basketball court at the church. He spent time with his father, Homer Clark, crafting and tinkering. For example, Homer and Gordon spent time making model airplanes. In 1972, they optimized a light weight elastic powered plane that weighed about 1 gram. Gordon went to the national championship in Chicago, earned a float in the air time of 13.01 minutes, and won 1st place in the Junior division. 

Gordon briefly attended Utah State before earning his undergraduate Bachelors of Accounting from the University of Utah. He went on to earn his Masters degree in Architecture with emphasis in structural engineering from the University of Illinois. After earning his degree in architecture, he began a long and impactful career that culminated in his co-ownership of the firm JRCA Architects in Salt Lake City, Utah, which was acquired by Galloway. Known for his thoughtful approach to design and commitment to sustainable, functional spaces, Gordon left his mark on numerous projects throughout the Intermountain West—schools, civic buildings, places of worship, and public institutions that now quietly bear his influence. Gordon was more than an architect. He was a mentor, a collaborator, and a quiet innovator. His colleagues at JRCA remember him as a steady hand and a creative mind—always ready with a listening ear and an elegant solution. To those fortunate enough to work alongside him, he exemplified integrity, humility, and professionalism.

Gordon served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint from 1976 to 1978 in the England London Mission. He had a deep and soft spoken testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ which was often seen more than it was heard. He held many service positions in the church; from the High Council to Nursery. He served with his heart and always made sure to have fun and spread joy.

Gordon met his eternal love, Lisa Herridge, in 1979 through a mutual friend. Gordon went through the Highland yearbook to seek dating prospects and with a resolute point, selected Lisa. Although his goofy near afro yearbook picture made Andrew question how Gordon got so lucky, he must have had quite the charm and good looks to pull off that level of confidence. Lisa and Gordon dated for a couple years and were married on June 12th, 1981 in the Salt Lake City temple. Gordon and Lisa have a marriage to be emulated. Gordon was a husband 100% dedicated to his wife, Lisa, and no matter the challenge, he would be there to support, help, and uplift.

Gordon loved all things mechanical – planes, jets, race cars. If silly dad dancing was a skill, then he was an expert, one of the best of this century. In his later years, he developed Parkinson's and Lewy body Dementia. He took up learning the guitar as an activity to combat this. Although this disease ate away at his logic and ability to communicate, he remained gentle throughout. His children agree, the thing they will always remember about their dad: he was ALWAYS there for them, helping them solve problems, providing care, and adding a touch of silly.

Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Lisa; his four children, Matt Clark, Andrew (Meagan) Clark, Emily (Sam) Hopwood, and James Clark; three grandchildren; and a wide circle of friends and neighbors who will miss his presence, wisdom, and warmth.

The family would like to express appreciation to Applegate HomeCare & Hospice and the fabulous staff that took care of Gordon for the last 6 months. Also to One You Love Homecare who compassionately cared for Gordon in his final week.

The schedule of funeral services will be as follows: Viewing: Monday, August 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the church building located at 2550 W 9800 S, South Jordan, UT 84095 Viewing: Tuesday, August 19th from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at the church building located at 2550 W 9800 S, South Jordan, UT 84095 Funeral service: Tuesday, August 19th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the church building located at 2550 W 9800 S, South Jordan, UT 84095 Graveside: Tuesday, August 19th 2025 following funeral service at Memorial Holladay Cemetery 4900 South Memory Lane Holladay, UT 84117

His legacy will live on not only in the buildings he designed, but in the lives he touched through kindness, vision, and enduring commitment to his family.