Aaron Stephen Clinger

Aaron was born on May 5, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he remained and passed away on May 22, 2023, from a sudden heart attack after taking a run.

Aaron loved life, nature, friends, family, and music, understanding it all with a deeper lens. He was full of wonder and creative ideas hoping to make this world a better place. He was a friend to so many and always made a conscious effort to stay connected by reaching out just to say “hello,” or “I love you” exactly when you needed to hear it. He would give the shirt off his back and open his home to those in need. His big, dimpled smile and blue eyes shone bright, but not as bright as his heart. He lived passionately and was a great example of what it means to live in the now, embracing love, and what God has given us on this beautiful planet.

Aaron was a graduate of East High School, Class of ’89. Afterwards, he adventured through Alaska for several years with his wolf-like dog, Wylie. Aaron was a dog and child whisperer and the favorite uncle that would stop, drop, and play with the kids. He brought a smile to your face with his energy and could say one very thoughtful or hilarious comment to cheer you up while reminding you that just taking a breath was a blessing. He also spent many summers as a river guide floating the great rivers of Utah and Wyoming in search of the best white water he could find. His greatest outdoor passion was the Utah desert where he camped or took his trailer any chance he could get.

He worked eight years at the Canyons Ski Resort as the General Manager of Red Pine Lodge and had a few restaurant-related jobs prior. Most notably at Shenanigans and Shaggy’s because of the lifelong friends he made at each that remain in his close posse today.

Throughout it all, he has had a window cleaning business with his childhood and dearest friend, Dave Wolcott. In hindsight, how apropos, making sure the view is a little better.

Aaron achieved Eagle Scout at seventeen and was a Freemason in Utah and lived for everything both entities represent.

Most of all, he was a father, brother, and son. Aaron is survived by two beautiful boys, Arias and Kaiser, that were his heart and soul. He spent every moment he could with his boys, knowing he was blessed and how quickly they would grow. He expressed his gratitude for them often and tried to make every day an adventure. He is also survived by his mother, Ada Jennings, and father, Stephen Clinger (Cindy); brothers David Barlow (Jennifer), and Brian Clinger (Aly); sisters, Kimberly Clinger, Julie Neville, and Michelle Knuckles (Roger); many nieces and nephews, and even more wonderful friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, cousins and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at This is the Place Heritage Park on the Plaza, 2601 Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. This is an outdoor venue, so please dress and plan according to the weather.

Graveside services will follow immediately at the Memorial Holladay Cemetery, 4900 S Memory Ln, Holladay, UT 84117.

Following the graveside service there will be a celebration of life “Aaron’s Style” at 5:00 p.m. at 2870 West 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, we kindly request any donations be sent via Venmo to @Brian-Clinger-1, of which will be placed into an Aaron Clinger Family trust for his boys.