Clarence Theil Atkinson

Clarence Theil Atkinson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife by his side on January 7, 2025. He was 87 years old. 

Born on May 6, 1937, in Francis, Utah, to Delmo and Ilene Atkinson, Theil was raised in the river bottoms of Francis, Utah along with 6 brothers and sisters. He attended South Summit High School graduating in 1955 with 35 classmates who have remained close friends throughout his life.

Theil met Bonita when they both started grade school and he thought she was the prettiest girl in the class. Theil made it permanent and married the love of his life, Bonita Huff, on September 21, 1955, in Woodland, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 22, 1957 for time and all eternity. Together they raised five children: Becky (John) Smith, Donna (Lynn) Thacker, Jamie (Barry) Blazzard, Trent (Marsha) Atkinson, and Barry (Jamie) Atkinson. His family has always been his greatest joy, and his love for them was a guiding force in his life. He was a dedicated and supportive father, always offering guidance, wisdom, and care.

Theil was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints worshipping for most of his life in the building where he and Bonita were married. He served faithfully in many callings always giving devoted service. For many years, he had a birds-eye view of the congregation as the Ward Clerk serving under three bishops. Dad had a strong and steadfast faith in his Heavenly Father’s love and His Gospel.

Theil’s early career was spent working in the mines and tunnels of Utah and Colorado. Among many things, he worked on the Flaming Gorge and Stannaker dams in the Uintah Basin. Later, he constructed homes throughout the Kamas Valley, including numerous fireplaces, and eventually built homes or remodels for his children and grandchildren. His final career was spent working for Chevron at the heating plant in Woodland and welding on the Chevron Pipeline in Utah and Idaho. Retirement was not in Dad’s DNA. He spent a number of years on the Wolf Creek Highway project doing excavation and welding. 

Theil loved his horses and rodeo. He enjoyed competing in calf roping in the RMRA and Western States and participated for many years in the Kamas Valley Riding Club. He has followed children and grandchildren to their rodeos providing advice wanted or otherwise. Theil never sat still except maybe to watch a Jazz game or the NFR (or any rodeo) on TV and was active throughout his life until just the last few months where his Parkinsons Disease deprived him of many of the things he enjoyed doing.

Theil leaves this earth with a legacy that lives on through his children, 21 grandchildren and their spouses, 42 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way this year, as well as all who knew and loved him. In addition to his immediate family, Theil is survived by his siblings Delma Vancil, Garold Atkinson, Bonnie McCormick, Karon (Terry Ann) Atkinson, Terry (Vicki) Atkinson, JoAnn (Byron) Rockhill, and his brother-in-law Gerald Young. He was also a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Theil was preceded in death by his parents, Delmo and Ilene Atkinson; his parents-in-law, Vern and Ruth Huff; his granddaughter Kortni Jo Sawyer; great-grandchildren Riggins and Franki Sawyer; grandson Johnny Lee Smith; his sisters-in-law Delora Huff Young, Sandra Butters Atkinson, and brothers-in-law James Huff, Ralph McCormick and Joe Vancil.

Special thanks to Vickie Smith, our good friend and special caregiver, Intermountain Home Health & Hospice especially Audrey and Hillary who were so supportive in Dad’s care and his needs. We would also like to recognize Dr. D. Wain Allen and the Kamas Health Center staff.

Services will be held in his honor on Monday, January 13 at 12 noon in the Woodland Ward meetinghouse at 4219 South, 2800 East, Woodland, Utah. There will be a viewing prior to the services from 10-11:30am. There will also be a viewing on Sunday night, January 12, from 6pm to 8pm also at the Woodland Ward meetinghouse. 

Dad, you will be deeply missed. Your love, strength, and kindness will forever be a part of us. We love you. Rest in peace