Spencer Jackson Klomp Obituary (1914 - 2009)

Spencer Jackson Klomp OGDEN - Spencer Jackson Klomp passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at the age of 94. He was born September 30, 1914, in Ogden, Utah, to Gerard G. Klomp and Zina Jackson Klomp. Their other children were Gerard Jackson Klomp, Marjorie Klomp, Ruth Klomp Vickers and Betty Klomp Quayle. He grew up in Ogden, Utah, where his father was well known in the grocery business. He attended Weber College and Utah State University, the latter from which he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. It was in a literature class at Weber College where he first met, and later fell in love with, Kathleen Foulger, the daughter of Arthur and Josephine Foulger. Kathleen and Spencer were active on the debate team and, as luck would have it, were assigned to be debate partners. The many hours they spent together in preparing for debates resulted in their winning second place in the Pacific Coast Tournament and, more importantly, winning the hearts of each other. Spencer later served an LDS mission to England, while Kathleen finished her education at the College of the Pacific and started her career as a school teacher. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 6, 1939. They made their home in Ogden, Utah, where they reared their family in a loving, nurturing and caring environment. Kathleen passed away on January 6, 2008, after 68 years of marriage to Spencer. Spencer's career as a businessman began when, as a young boy, he began working in his father's grocery store, Jerry's Market, on 24th Street and Jefferson. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and an enthusiasm for life. With his friend and former missionary companion, William Homer, he leased a surplus gas station on 24th Street and Adams. Next to the gas station was vacant land which they operated as a parking lot. The gas station soon became one of the highest producing stations in the area. The parking business on the adjoining property was the beginning of Homer & Klomp Parking, Inc., which owned and operated parking lots in downtown Ogden for many years, including Ogden's first multi-level parking structure. During this time, Spencer began working as a salesman for Gold Strike Stamp Company, which later became Awards Marketing Corporation. He became vice president and general redemption manager of its retail stores. He was president of its holding company, Western Premium Company, when he retired in the early 1970s. After retiring, he began developing medical and office buildings in Weber and Davis Counties. He had a life-long interest in real estate development and even into his late 80s would often look at a parcel of vacant land and enthusiastically comment about what he would like to build on it. Spencer served on the Ogden School Board for twelve years, including serving as President. He was recognized on the national level for his astute, aggressive leadership in developing programs to improve school programs. He was awarded the Lewis Shurtliff Award from Weber State University in 2002 in recognition of his many years of service in the field of education. Spencer was active in the LDS Church his entire life. He served as a counselor in the Ogden 12th Ward bishopric, bishop of the Ogden 33rd Ward, counselor in two stake presidencies, and counselor in the Ogden Temple presidency with President Milton Mecham, together with many other Church callings. In addition to the mission he served to England in his youth, Spencer and Kathleen served an LDS mission to Cebu, Philippines from 1981 to 1983, where they shared the gospel and made many life-long friends. They later established a scholarship fund so that young members of the LDS Church in the Philippines could further their education and training. Spencer loved the Church and enjoyed sharing his testimony with others. He looked for the best in everyone and had an infectious enthusiasm and optimism that permeated everything he did. He loved the outdoors and nature - camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and boating. He also had a great love for all types of music - from the classics, to ragtime and Sousa marches. But more than anything else, he loved his family and the times he spent with them. He was an example of love and kindness, charity and compassion, honesty and integrity, hope and perseverance. He lived what he believed. His friends and family were greatly blessed by his example. He is survived by his five children and their spouses: Spencer Foulger Klomp (Karen) of Providence, Utah; Ralph Foulger Klomp (Anne) of Denver, Colorado; Gregory Foulger Klomp (Karen) of Mamaroneck, New York; David Foulger Klomp (JoAnn) of Kaysville, Utah; and Kathleen Klomp Austin (Rick), of Layton, Utah. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; his brother, Jerry Klomp; his sisters, Marjorie Klomp and Ruth Vickers; a daughter-in-law, Janice E. Parkinson Klomp; and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Foothills Ward building located at 1475 Cahoon Street (2350 South), Ogden, Utah. Friends may call at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Boulevard in Ogden on Thursday, May 21, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday at the Foothills Ward from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Ogden City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 May 21, 2009 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceFoothills Ward Chapel 1475 Cahoon Street Ogden, UT 84401 May 22, 2009 11:00 AM CemeteryOgden City Cemetery 20th and Madison Ogden, UT 84404 May 22, 2009