Clair Thomas Yardley

Clair Thomas Yardley, 57, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home early Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, after a courageous battle with acute leukemia. A viewing will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Parke's Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road in Twin Falls, and one hour prior to the funeral Saturday at the church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Twin Falls LDS 3rd Ward building, 2680 Elizabeth Blvd. The graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at the Gunnison, Utah, cemetery. Clair was born Feb. 8, 1952, in Gunnison, Utah, to Thomas R. and Loa Edwards Yardley. He grew up on a family dairy farm in Christianburg, Utah, and came to have many great stories to tell to his children and grandchildren. After graduating from Gunnison High School, Clair went on to attend Utah State University, where he received a double bachelor's degree in dairy science and agricultural economics. Clair was married to his sweetheart, Carla Young, for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah LDS Temple on Dec. 14, 1973. Over the years, they were blessed with five children, Jennifer Yardley of Flagstaff, Ariz., Brina (Shane) Norwood of Filer, Idaho, Cory Yardley (deceased), Ryan (Dani) Yardley of Rexburg, Idaho, and Amanda Yardley of Rexburg, Idaho. Clair was a faithful, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church callings. He served a two-year LDS mission to Scotland at age 19 and grew to love his experiences and the people there, changing many lives forever. He made many wonderful friends and memories, and he loved to teach his children and grandchildren through his stories. Even upon returning from his mission, Clair maintained his missionary attitude and positively influenced many people throughout his life. He especially enjoyed his most recent calling with his wife, Carla, as they worked together with the adult singles in the Twin Falls area. Clair had talent for creative ingenuity and optimism, which led him to follow his dreams while providing for his family. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to build his own innovative dairy and other successful businesses within the dairy industry. He also recently developed a pioneering Web site to help dairymen buy and sell used dairy equipment. Clair is survived by his wife, Carla Yardley; his daughters, Jennifer Yardley, Brina (Shane) Norwood and Amanda Yardley; his son, Ryan (Dani) Yardley; and grandchildren, Kylie and Brayden Norwood. He was also survived by his siblings, Gene (Anita) Yardley, Dorothy (Earling) Gulbran-sen, MaryAnn (Doug) Bjerregaard, Ira Malgren, Arlene (Bruce) Bartho-lomew, Alan Brewer and Diane (Darcy) Duce. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Loa Yardley; his son, Cory Yardley; two of his sisters, Elaine Brewer and Carol Malmgren; and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank friends and family for all of their love and support. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Clair Thomas Yardley account at Zion's Bank. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls.