Clair Coleman

1928-2015

Our cherished father, brother and friend, passed away after a brief illness on October 6, 2015. He was born in Ogden Utah to Jenne and Clyde Coleman, and raised with three brothers whom he adored. Highly intelligent, Clair was full of inquisitive mischief and wonder. He loved to read and was passionate about the outdoors. He believed math and science were the language of nature. He was married to the love of his life, Kaye Martin Coleman, for 66 years. They shared three children who were the delight of his life.

He served as an US Army medic in the post-war occupation of Japan, and was called to active duty in the US Air Force, accepting a position with the Office of Special Investigations as 9th District Director of Counter Intelligence during the Korean conflict. Clair received a BS degree in mathematics and an MS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah. He had a long, distinguished career at Mountain Fuel Supply Company, now Questar. He retired as President and CEO of Mountain Fuel Resources and Transmission Division. Clair always embraced his civic responsibility, presiding over the boards of Ballet West, Junior Achievement, YMCA, Red Cross, as well as running fundraising campaigns for United Way, Utah Symphony, Girls Village, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Children’s Museum.

In retirement, he returned to the U of U to complete the requirements for a BS degree in geology and geophysics. He also volunteered his time and executive experience to his alma mater by serving on and often chairing the advisory boards of the College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Business, College of Health, and Utah Museum of Natural History. He also helped Weber State University and Utah State University in an advisory capacity. Because of his involvement with higher ed., Former Governor Norm Bangerter appointed Clair to his Advisory Council on Cold Fusion and invited him to become the State Science Advisor.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brothers; Ruth, Robert and James, and his wife Kaye. He is survived by his brother, Ray (Donna) Coleman, children; Rich (Lianna) Coleman, John (Karen) Coleman and Jolie Coleman (Brad Hardy), and brother in law Wayne (Donna) Merrill. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring Clair at the Alta Club in Salt Lake City on October 28, 2015 at 5:00pm.

Online condolences may be shared at www.evans-earlymortuary.com.