Martello Jay Clegg passed away Thursday, January 8, 1998 of cardiac arrest.
He was born December 28, 1931 in Heber, Ut, the son of Martello Lafayette and Onetah Madsen Clegg. Jay graduated from South High in 1952, and shortly after joined the Navy. While serving in the Korean War, he claims the only wound he suffered was when his hand got stepped on while crawling out of a bar fight. Jay received graduate and post graduate degrees from the U. of U. and B.Y.U. He possessed a passion and skill for the profession of teaching. He was happiest when he was in front of a classroom or relating to people, one on one. He began his career teaching debate at Bingham and East High. He then taught speech and interpersonal communication at Weber State University for 22 years, retiring in 1988. He spent the last ten years writing a book and conducting relationship seminars in the Western states.Second to his love of teaching was the sport of sand volleyball. Consequently, Jay spent most of his summers on the court at Lagoon, where he made many life-time friendships. Jay also had an avid love for the theatre, performing in melodramas in Park City and at the State Fair. On April 1, 1972, Jay married Luanne Morris in Elko, NV.
He is survived by his wife of Fruit Heights; two sons, Gage , Salt Lake City; Zane ; two daughters, Lana , Lacy , all of Fruit Heights. He always said that it was kids that made everything make sense. Also surviving are a brother and sister, Dee (Jackie) Clegg, and Renee Heck, both of California. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Wanda Richards.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 14, 1998 at 2 p.m. at the Fruit Heights LDS Stake Center, 170 No. Mountain Road. Visitors may call Tuesday at Lindquist's Kaysville Mortuary, 400 No. Main from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday at the Stake Center from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment, Farmington City Cemetery.
As for a memorial volleyball game? "It's a possibility."
Candace Hyde (Wang)
I had Mr. Clegg for debate and English. He was immensely fun with a wonderful sense of humor. He asked me to nominate a book for Sophomore English and I suggested "Summerhill" which was promptly blocked by the schools' administration. We laughed and shook our heads. He was a kind and gentle teacher.
Heidi Hayes (Jacobs)
Mr. Clegg, was an enthusiast for life and teaching. He relished being the debate team coach and never wavered from believing in us. Salt of the earth and fair, Jay brought the world of ideas and strategies for argumentation to a human level. He said it was about moving the audience, capturing their attention and stimulating their minds...not manipulating them. He was for the truth in debate and connecting with people.
Larry Brasher
I believe that of all the teachers I had at East, Jay Clegg had the most influence on me. Numerous times when preparing a talk or a lesson, I have drawn on some of the things that he taught. Does anyone else remember, "Tell them what you're going to tell. Tell them. And the tell them what you have told them!"? As Heidi commented, he really cared and taught with great enthusiasm. Now that we are at the age he was when he passed away, it seems too young. Sadly, many of our class mates lives were ended much sooner. We mourn for the loss of each of them.