Joshua Roland Clarke was born on May 25, 1978, the first child of Robert & Susan (Skoubye) Clarke. His childhood was spent wandering the foothills in Draper, Utah, and his teenage years in Slate Canyon in Provo, all over the Wasatch mountains and beyond. He also loved the Morrill’s Meadowbrook Ranch, the family-owned land near Capitol Reef National Park.
He graduated from Timpview High School in 1996 and attended Utah Valley State College.
Josh went missing on March 12, 2024, and was found deceased on June 1, 2024, in the mountains he loved, just below Spanish Fork Peak.
Josh was an avid outdoor enthusiast. Among his favorite activities were hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry skiing, fishing, and…you get the idea. While he often did these activities solo, he loved sharing outdoor experiences with others, especially his Jack Russell Terrier, Dylan, whom he loved with all his heart.
Josh always took a genuine interest in others’ journeys in life and their hopes and dreams for the future, whether they were strangers or dear friends.
Josh was also a humble but incredible artist. When he took a picture of nature, it was so much more than a beautiful vista in front of him. Somehow, he captured the essence of the place and much more, like the difference between taking a photo of a person and getting a candid shot of them doing what they love most. Josh also had a beautiful way with his sketches, drawings, paintings, and carvings and a unique method for rock polishing.
Josh is survived by his parents, Robert and Susan Clarke, siblings Angela Stevens (Reed), Matthew Clarke, Kimberly Robinson (Jed), and Katie Smith (Tobias), and nieces and nephews Anna, Joseph, Jonah, Lizzie, Morgan, Ethan, Sydney, Mailon, Kimball, and Mary.
As a family, anytime we are outdoors, especially looking at the beautiful mountains that Josh loved, we will remember him. We want to sincerely thank all those who helped in our search for Josh. It was a labor of love by law enforcement, family, friends, and community that allowed us to bring him home.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Josh on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Harvest Park Event Center (2100 Harvest Pkwy, Mapleton, UT 84664) with a service from 7-7:30 PM (Zoom link available) and visiting after until 9:00 PM. Attire for the celebration is casual.
Josh will be laid to rest near the family ranch at the Grover Cemetery in Grover, Wayne County, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, you may choose to honor Josh by donating to one of the following organizations or a charitable organization of your choice:
Utah County Search & Rescue (utahsar.org/get-involved/donate)
Morrill’s Meadowbrook Ranch (Venmo: @morrillsmeadowbrookranch)
We would love to collect memories of Josh and continue to celebrate the life he lived. You can contribute on the condolences tab or email them to helpfindjoshclarke@gmail.com.
6 Condolences for Joshua Roland Clarke
Condolences(6)
Matt Roberts says
June 10, 2024 at 5:46 pmJosh was more than just my big brother’s best friend; he was like an extra big brother to me. I loved when he would come around. He was always so kind and generous – rare traits from a big brother. Josh spent more time listening more than talking. He sincerely cared about you and wanted to learn about your world and what mattered to you. I wish I would have returned the favor more often. He was genuine and without guile. I love that Josh found so much solace in the mountains; it speaks volumes about who he was. When I’m in nature, I’ll think of him. Josh, like the natural world, embodied a quiet power and an unassuming beauty. I’ll make it a point to stop and smell the roses, to stand in awe of nature’s wonders, and remember Josh.
Sonya Doyle says
June 11, 2024 at 12:42 amThe last time I saw Joshua was at the Morrill Reunion few years back. Both of us so happy to see each other.
I remember babysitting Josh and his siblings. Not a goes by I don’t think of you. I know your at peace and I will see some day. RIP
Andrew McFarland says
June 11, 2024 at 2:05 amThe one thing I will never forget about Josh is his love for climbing. I distinctly remember a time when our group of friends were all standing around goofing off when someone noticed Josh trying to climb a brick church building. He just kept insisting “it’s possible! it’s probably like a 5.11c.” There were many others times we “literally” had to pull Josh down from some structure he was adamant he could climb.
I am forever grateful that my FIRST and BEST climbing experiences were with you Josh!
I remember Josh starting the safety pin 🧷 trend in high school, pinning the upper arm sleeve of his tee shirt for no reason at all. I did it and so did others, Josh was so easy to be around and so like-able, there wasn’t a bad bone in his body. I also remember his perfect hair in high school, that I was insanely jealous of.
Sadly, after high school I moved out of state and didn’t stay in touch with Josh very well. The last time I saw him was in 2017 in Moab at a jeep event. Although it had been over 20 years since high school, I still remember his warm hug in Moab and his smile that took me back to those high school years with him.
Josh, brother, I love you and you are already missed!
Susan Cooper says
June 11, 2024 at 6:20 pmWhile I never had the pleasure of knowing Josh, I became good friends with his sister Katie. If he was anything like his sister then I know he was a good man. I’m so sorry this has happened and I hope everyone is finally at peace. It sounds like he was doing what he loved being in the mountains. My prayers and condolences to the entire family.
Tiffany Packer Zarbock says
June 21, 2024 at 7:23 amI asked Josh to my first high school dance after turning 16. I was a new driver and was driving our family van. When trying to park in the Stevenettes lot for dinner, I crashed into the front sign, knocking the sign over and denting the whole front of our car. Not the experience you want as a 16 year old girl on your first date with a cute boy, but I’ll never forget how sweet and kind Josh was. Never did he laugh or make fun of the situation or what I did. The ENTIRE night he kept asking how I was doing and telling me everything was going to be fine. He helped me have a great night and forget about the embarrassing and experience that left me shaken up. I’ve never forgotten that. I actually have 4 sons of my own, and as they’ve stared dating they all hear the “Josh Clark” story as I tell them to be like Josh and treat their date like he did, no matter how the date goes. I always hope they’ll act like he did. 🙂
Josh was always the nicest kid. I’m so grateful I knew him and grateful for his example to me, that has lasted all these years. He was genuinely good.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Sending condolences and love. ❤️
Maranda (Skoubye) Roth says
June 26, 2024 at 1:47 amI’ll always remember “borrowing” his Weird Al and Michael Jackson albums with Angie. Josh would get a little annoyed. However, I remember him as kind and always willing to talk to me. I loved the photos he would show me of his adventures. I’ve had a great feeling of peace regarding his passing. I’m thankful – and somewhat jealous – of all the family he is seeing right now. I love you Josh!
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