Clair Evans Wilson

Clair Evans Wilson of Logan, Utah, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of September 27th, 2016 surrounded by his family after an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease. Clair was born May 1, 1930 in Logan, Utah to Floyd Frederick Wilson and Afton Evans Wilson and was the oldest of three brothers and one sister.

He grew up in Logan, attending Logan High and Utah State University where he graduated in 1952 with a degree in Business. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and also the manager of the varsity football team. Clair met his wife of 65 years, Leora Hanson of Fillmore, Utah at a social function and they were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on November 20, 1951. Clair continued to be an avid supporter of USU Athletics, served as the director of the Big Blue Club and provided cars to coaches for over 40 years, a tradition that continues today.

Clair’s business life was all about automobiles. In June of 1943 Clair’s father Floyd bought the Logan Ford franchise that became Wilson Motor Company. Soon, Clair was pedaling his bicycle around town chasing down and delivering auto parts. Following his graduation from college he began selling cars full time at the dealership. He truly learned the car business from the ground up. In 1971 he purchased the business from his father and eventually added Lincoln, Mercury and Nissan to the fold. The business remains in the family today and is in its 73rd year of operation.

Clair was recognized for his success and leadership nationally and received the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. He was also a member of the Ford Motor Dealer advisory board. Locally, he served as President of the northern chapter of the Utah Automobile Dealers Association. His lifelong achievements as a car dealer were recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Utah Automobile Dealers Hall of Fame. He received great satisfaction from working with many conscientious employees over the years and in remembering most everyone who ever purchased a car from Wilson Motor.

He loved the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, travelling extensively around the world with his family in search of big game, big fish and adventure with stops that included Africa, Alaska and Canada. One of the more memorable hunting experiences occurred during a trip to Africa where he was able to save a hunting guide who was being viciously mauled by a huge male lion. The lion didn’t stand a chance. He shared his passion for the outdoors with his sons and grandsons who also developed a love for all things outdoors. They will dearly miss him.

Clair was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in every calling he was extended which included: University Ward Branch President, Bishopric Counselor, Young Men’s President, High Councilor, High Priest Group Leader and Gospel Doctrine Teacher.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Leora Hanson Wilson and their four children: daughter Debra Hale (Eric), sons Dirk Wilson and Chris Wilson (Kiersten), daughter Jan Wilson along with 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Clair is also survived by his sister DeAnn Parson (Jack) and brothers Robert Wilson and Steven Wilson (Debbie).

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Autumn Care and Hospice for Utah as well as all other friends, neighbors and caregivers who served so selflessly during the closing days of Clair’s life. Thank you all for your love, tender care and concern.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 in the Lundstrom Park 3rd Ward Chapel, 1260 North 1600 East in Logan. A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan, and prior to the services on Wednesday at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net