Jacob Donald Clark

Jake did not live an ordinary life. Some might look at the circumstances he faced and wonder “why”? Why does a smart, handsome, full-of-life, 17-year-old boy get cancer? His family understands that for now, no answer to that question can fully soothe the ache of his loss and the suffering he bravely endured over the last 6 1/2 years of his life. But we do know that the extraordinary circumstances of Jake’s life taught us about what it looks like to live a meaningful life and to trust God along the way. 

Because Jake lived – he really lived! He hiked to the tops of mountains and surfed in countless oceans. He enjoyed good food, good company, and a good laugh. He loved to be on an adventure. He loved his friends and family and was always the life of the party. He had endless empathy for others and made it one of his life’s missions to spread kindness far and wide. Jake suffered some of life’s cruelties without ever a word of complaint. He refused to burden others with his daily hardships and disappointments. So most people around him had no idea what it took for him to reach those peaks, or even to take the first step. Through it all, he never abandoned his faith in a loving Savior and held firmly to that faith every day of his short life. Jake trusted the Lord and His promises to his very last breath.

Jacob is loved dearly and is greatly missed by his father Don L. Clark Jr. and mother Kerri Ann Brown, and stepmother Vicki Clark and stepfather Wade Brown. Jake was the best brother and will be missed so much by all his siblings, Courtney Casper (Tyler), Dallin Brown (Kali), Spencer Clark (Kyle), Mikelle Brown (Eva), Gavin Clark (Alayna), Bill Clark (Stephanie), Madelyn Hawkes (Chris), Van Brown, Abbey Clark, and Bennett Brown. 

Oh, how Jake loved his nieces and nephews: Lynley Casper, Callie Casper, Elaine Casper, Nolan Casper, Violet Clark, Grayson Brown, and Westley Brown. He is survived by many aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents. He really loved them all without reservation! Jake was proceeded in death by just ten days by his grandmother Zaza Clark with whom he had a special connection. We know Grandma Zaza was waiting for him with open arms.

One of the last things Jake asked us to do for him was to “tell all the people I love them.” If you are reading this, that most certainly means YOU!

Jake and his family are the beneficiaries of countless acts of kindness and generosity from friends, neighbors, church members, and even some kind souls who barely knew him! Their love and prayers made a profound difference at every stage of Jake’s battle to survive and in finding peace in death. No words could possibly communicate the depth of our gratitude.

Jake’s life was not one of ease and comfort. He fought courageously, not only for his health, but to be the best version of himself he could be, to reach those who needed him, to stand for what was right, to lighten the mood with laughter, to hold fast to his faith, to fully enjoy every day he could, and ultimately to become the man he knew God created him to be. 

May we all live like Jake.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Jake’s life 7:00-9:00 PM Thursday, June 3rd at the Hartvigen’s home at 322 Ranch Dr, Alpine, UT 84004. His funeral will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, June 4th at the LDS Stake Center at 327 S Long Dr, Alpine, UT 84004. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Jake's name.