Gary Clark Slaugh

St. George, Utah – Gary C. Slaugh, 88, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026. Gary was born on November 4, 1937, in Vernal, Utah to William and Mamie (Rooks) Slaugh. He married Shirley Barnes, December 20, 1958, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Gary grew up in Vernal, where he excelled in athletics-football, baseball and track & field-earning 16 varsity letters. He attended the University of Utah with scholarships in basketball and track and field, graduation with a BA. He later earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he and Shirley welcomed their three children: Cathy, Cricket, and Brent.

After completing his education, Gary began his optometry career in Heber City, where he practiced for five years before settling in Ogden and joining Ogden Vision Center. He served for many years on the Utah Optometric Association Board of Directors and was honored as Utah Optometrist of the Year in 1977. He also served on the State Board of Examiners for Optometry.

He was active in his community, serving as President of the Eccles Community Art Center and participating in the Heber Lions Club, Ogden Exchange Club, Ogden Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, and Rotary Club.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and golfing whenever he could. He cherished time spent at the family’s Bear Lake home in the summers and their St. George home in the winters.

Gary is survived by Shirley Slaugh of South Ogden, Utah; his children Cathy (Slaugh) Davis, Woodstock IL; Cricket (Slaugh) Zvonkovic, of Garden City, UT and Brent Slaugh of Yakima, WA; his sister Mary Ann (Slaugh) Johnson, of Clinton, UT; 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson with another due in August.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Dale W Slaugh and Sister Mamie Maurine (Slaugh) Rowley.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held this November 7, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited Utah to help save the wetlands.