James Clair Cantwell

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Clair Cantwell, 94, passed away January 4, 2025 in Logan, Utah. He was surrounded by family and loved ones when he passed away. He was born October 10, 1930, the oldest of four children born to Afton Greene Cantwell and James Harold Cantwell in their house in Smithfield, Utah. He worked on their farm raising sugar beets and milking cows. Clair was 8 years old when he had the responsibility to herd 35 cows down the only street in Amalga to be milked.

Clair met Margery Petersen in high school at North Cache. They married in the Logan Temple on June 24, 1948. For the rest of his life Clair credited his marriage to Margery as life’s greatest decision and blessing.

Clair worked at his father’s lumber mill and yard in Smithfield. Clair drove 18-wheeler trucks through snowy mountain roads to deliver trees to the lumber yard.

Clair’s Army National Guard unit was called to serve in the Korean Conflict in 1951. It seemed like a tragedy to leave Margery and 18-month old Vickie to go fight in Korea. Clair was the unit’s “computer.” He calculated trajectory for cannons using a Graphical Firing Table, slide rule and data from Metro Messages.

Service in the Korean War gave Clair the G. I. Bill and the chance to go to college and dental school. Clair attended the University of Oregon Dental School where he was mentored by his uncle Ken Cantwell, the head of the Operative Department. Clair practiced dentistry in Portland, Oregon for 33 years.

Clair’s childhood during the Depression and on the farm was all work and no play. After graduating from Dental School, he had his first opportunity to develop hobbies: painting, playing the piano, flying small planes, golf, skiing, and some travel.

Clair and Margery are the parents of four children: Vickie (Alp) Goldsmith, Marci (Morris) Taylor, Paula (Bill) Winn, and Jim (Laura) Cantwell. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild (Ruby Claire), were each adored and admired by Grandpa/Gramps. He had a unique connection to each child and wonderful “in-laws” as they married into the family.

Clair was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He treasured his faith in Christ. He served in many church callings: clerk, bishops’ counselors, Stake High Council, Bishop, High Priests group leader and teacher, and Stake Presidency.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margery; brother, Lee; and son-in-law Morris. He is survived by his children, 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter; and his siblings Linda Tibbitts and Wayne Cantwell, who have helped him immensely in recent years.

Funeral Services will be held at 1450 East 1500 North, Logan, Utah at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Viewings will be held Friday, January 17 at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St., Logan from 6-8 p.m. and at the church prior to the services in Logan from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who helped our Dad with daily living and were wonderful companions for him. We would also like to thank Bishop Davis and many friends and neighbors that looked out for him and visited.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net.

Those who cannot attend may watch the service at https://rebrand.ly/fh2-worship

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com. 

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