Clarence Carl Udarbe returned to his eternal home on May 23, 2023. He worked hard all his life and had given his all. He was born on April 6, 1929 to immigrant parents, Mariano Pilar Udarbe (from the Philippines) and Alice Amanda Schlaffke (from Germany). This was about 6 months before the great depression began.
His mother, especially, was thrilled when he was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to her homeland of Germany. He left in 1950. The devastation of World War II was still evident. He returned home 1953, only to be immediately drafted into the Army during the Korean War. While all the new recruits were being sent to Korea, he was sent to Germany because of his language skills.
When the war ended less than two years later, he returned home. He graduated from the University of Utah with a BS degree in Business Administration and a minor in accounting. Soon he started working for the Deseret News Press, which later became The Church Printing Center, as an accountant. After 34 years of service, he retired in 1994. While still working for Deseret New Press, a friend encouraged him to prepare tax returns as a side job. His hard working nature was evident as he worked days at his full-time position and spent evenings and Saturdays doing taxes. This tax work continued for 49 years, well past retirement from his job with Church printing. It didn't end until 2017 when, at the age 88, his health no longer allowed him to continue.
The 4 short months between his mission and military service were eventful. He met his honey, Virginia Schiess, in the South 20th Ward. They were engaged by the time he left for the Army. Two months after his return, they were married in the Logan Temple on July 21, 1955. Their desire for a family was granted when their daughter, Anita, and son, Rob, were born. But they felt that they weren't done. After 10 years of waiting, their daughter Jennifer completed their family. They bought a house on the Avenues, not far from where he was born. He loved it there, close to town with a view of the whole valley. Other than his time in Germany, he spent virtually the rest of his long life living on the Avenues.
Clarence was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings, including serving in the M.I.A., elders quorum president, counselor in the high priests group leadership, counselor in the bishopric, ward clerk, and stake clerk (with 4 different stake presidents). One of the most special was as a counselor in the Primary Children's Hospital Branch presidency. He was also an accounting volunteer at the Salt Lake Temple, joking that he was a money changer in the temple.
He enjoyed any occasion when his family could be together, including vacations to Bear Lake, east and west coast, England, Israel, Yellowstone and our traditional family reunions at Lake Tahoe. He loved to garden and blessed family and friends with his tomatoes, peaches, and other produce. Pumpkins for the children to carve at Halloween were a favorite. Golfing was his favorite recreational activity and he even had a hole in one. His license plate holder read, "I'd rather be driving a Titleist". He enjoyed following the stock market. Jim Cramer's "Mad Money" was his favorite TV show and he recorded it when he couldn't watch. His favorite outings were to Costco and Golden Corral.
Virginia, his devoted, eternal companion, has always been at his side. She has especially supported him this past month when he has been in the hospital and rehab. She went to be with him in each morning and stayed until he was tucked in for bed. She was at his side, in his home, telling him she loved him, holding his hand and kissed him as he peacefully slipped into the next life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, and their 3 wonderful children Anita (Dave) Torgersen, Rob, and Jennifer (Trevor) Holladay, their 7 awesome grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren: Chris (Mitzi) Torgersen with children Hayes, Smith, Park, and Coe; Nikki Torgersen, Aschlie Hurd, Andrew Torgersen with daughter Ella, Amy Holladay (Kiarash Ghasemzadeh), Ashley Holladay (Cameron Yancey), James, and Max Holladay. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Joseph and Waldo.
Funeral services will be held on Thurs., June 1st at noon at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 A St. A viewing will held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to your favorite charity or to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services. (https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We will miss him dearly he was a dear friend God bless you until we meet again
Robert & Joyce Cheney
So sorry to see this. My thoughts are with the family. Clarence did my taxes for years and I so appreciated all his help.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, Clarence, You had so many good years together and undoubtedly many happy memories. I really miss seeing you both at the German Missionary Reunions. Those were enjoyable visits. Please give my love to your children as well, especially Jenny. She was such a cute and fun little girl that I remember so well from my second grade class at Ensign Elementary. What a comfort and blessing we have in the gospel and the knowledge that we will be together again with loved ones beyond this mortal existence. My best to all of you.
Clarence was such a remarkable and kind man! We will miss him greatly.
Rremember that: “There are no true endings only everlasting beginnings.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf and
know you have the support and love of so many around you and your family.
Dear Virginia and Family,
Today I was thinking "II wonder if Clarence is still alive, I've not heard anything, but too many of my friends died during Covid without having services". Later today, my nephew Clark Brimhall who also did taxes with Don sent me a message telling me of seeing Clarence's obituary. I am so sorry to be this close, but having missed his services today! You and Clarence are such dear friends and have always been there for us. What a marvelous person Clarence has been and will ever been in our hearts. I cannot say Clarence without Virginia, it's just all one word because you are such an example of oneness. How wonderful you have been together this many years. He will certainly be missed.
Sending my love and condolences,
Verna Nelson
Dear Udarbe family,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Clarence, but what a long and wonderful life he lived! Clarence came to our home for many years to prepare our taxes. We always said, "Clarence makes tax time painless." Consequently, it was easy to refer many of our friends and family to him for his services. It was his quiet, unhurried nature which we found so helpful and soothing. Over the years we would all share tidbits of our lives with each other, and we knew how much he loved his wife and children. We send our sincere condolences to you, Virginia, and your children and grandchildren. He has been an awesome example to all who knew him. Until we meet again, Clarence, it's "very nice, very nice" to have known you.
Our love,
Carolyn & Gary Barber
Clarence Udarbe was a great man! He was dependable in his friendship and church service. He was kind and calm. He always shared a smile, a warm handshake, and an interest in others. He encouraged others and celebrated their achievements.
He helped make the Ensign lst Ward an inviting place to be.
Condolences to his wonderful wife and family.
I can't even remember life without the Udarbe Family. From the time I was a young girl, and Sister Udarbe was my Primary teacher (the one I remember the best) -- till the times when our parents, and brother Chuck, passed away -- the Udarbe Family has always been there to support our family!!! Both Brother Clarence and Sister Virginia are just the kindest, sweetest people anyone could ever know. We were so saddened to hear of Brother Udarbe's passing, but what a wonderful life he lived! We are so grateful to have known such a good man, and look forward to his friendship in the next life. We hope that Sister Udarbe and their family will know of our love and support for them, as they go through these difficult times of loss. We Love each of you and you are in our prayers.
