Til we meet again, Alex Barclay

Alexander Gary Barclay of St. George, Utah passed away peacefully at his home on the early morning of Thursday, June 16, 2022.

According to family members at the service he didn't want, Alex (who went by "Gary" for most of his life) was described as "private, sociable, sensitive, sweetly sentimental, perceptive, protective, engaged and thoughtful, a punster and a master teacher but mostly he was a dedicated servant of the Lord." 

 One of his sons noted, "I was in my 20's before I knew what my dad did for a living but we all knew the most important things in his life were his family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, basketball and golf."

Of his health issues in the last year or two, it was said, "he bore it stoically and without complaint."

The eldest son of Alex and Lavon Barclay was born on December 26, 1941 in Ogden where he grew up as a member of the Ogden 12^th Ward.  He always said the highlight of his youth was playing on the ward basketball team which won the All-Church title two years in a row and where he was named the All-Star player.

He served a mission in the Eastern Atlantic States, then finished his education earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master's degree in Business Administration.

He married Kathryn Wynn in 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple.  Shortly after their marriage, they moved to the Eastern U.S. but was eventually offered employment in Toronto, Ontario, Canada where he spent the next 35 years working in his chosen career and where he served the Lord as a stake missionary, Bishop, Stake President, Gospel Doctrine teacher and temple worker.

Upon retirement he and Kathryn moved to St. George where, as he put it, “I’ve found my place in the sun”.  He loved St. George with the warm weather and the opportunity to play golf.  During this time with his favorite fellow golf enthusiasts he led the “OGA” (Old Golfers Assocation) planning, organizing, scorekeeping and winning money from the other players!

According to friend, fellow golfer and B7 Ward member Ed Sappington, "Alex Barclay was a personality larger than life to those who called him 'friend'.  He was an amazing teacher in church and in life.  Whether the classroom or the golf course, you came away from his lessons inspired.  On those days when a drive around town took you past the Southgate Golf Club practice area, you might find Alex out on the chipping range honing the mastery of his short game.  If you dared to talk on the tee box you could feel a targeted stare from the Big Guy for this infraction he considered a big 'NO, NO' ... especially when he was about to hit yet another perfect drive.  

 

"Although it has been many months since Alex was able to join his friends’ weekly golf games most of us can still hear him say as someone was about to hit a drive, 'A little more left … a little more left'.  

 

"Many in his golfing group tried to teach one another valuable lessons over the years.  If you ever golfed with Alex, you might have noticed the only new equipment he ever added to his bag was a used driver Aaron Larsen bought at a garage sale.  Others may have noticed his golf glove was well-worn after “years” of play, but it worked for Alex.  He frequently reminded one or more of his teammates, 'it isn’t the fault of the arrow, it’s the Indian with the problem'."

Alex was an eleven-year member of the Bloomington 7^th ward where once again, he enjoyed callings as Gospel Doctrine teacher, Stake Sunday School President and ministering brother.

He is survived by his beautiful and devoted wife and a legacy of seven noble children of whom he frequently referred to as his "Magnificent Seven," twenty-five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

With his God-given missionary and teaching skills he will be a mighty force in the service of the Lord, gathering Israel on the other side of the veil. 

He will be remembered with love and appreciation by those who knew him for incomparable contributions made throughout his life.

Following a private family viewing and service on Thursday, June 23, 2022, he was interred in the Tonaquint Cemetery though his family members testified he is "still living in a wonderful place!"