At 98 years old, Dr. Clifton Boyd Call passed away Sunday, March 19th of causes incident to age. He was the second of two surviving sons born November 23, 1924 to Orvis Truman Call and Hazel Isabelle Kite in Magna, Utah. As a child he was known as Stub, short for Stubby, a nickname given to him by his older brother De; one that he carried throughout his life. At age 8 he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and at age 14 he was diagnosed with Sydenham's Chorea which caused him to be bedridden for nearly six months. During this time, Dad developed a real love for reading. He used to tout that he had read every book in the Magna Library. Because of his obedient spirit and an inclination to always do what was right, he was well liked and well respected growing up.

Once healed from these maladies, physical activity became a passion for Dad. He loved sports of all kinds, especially basketball, football and golf. Later in life, he was an original member of the Cougar Club and had season tickets for both BYU Basketball and Football. He was an avid Yankees and Jazz fan; watching up until the day before he died. A week before his passing he told family members he was tired and ready to "go." But then he paused for a moment, and said, "Actually, I wouldn't mind sticking around long enough to watch another season of the Yankees."

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings including: Bishop, Counselor in the Bishopric, and High Counselor in both his home stake and a BYU Stake. For several years he served as what was then called an Agent Bishop ministering to the homeless. His favorite calling, however, was that of a teacher. He not only taught in his home ward, but he also served as an Adult Institute Teacher in the Sharon Stake. He also volunteered for many years at the Utah State Prison as a Family Home Evening teacher. He was a truly gifted and passionate teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Shortly after graduating from Cyprus High School in 1944, Dad was eager to join the war effort during World War II. The Army turned him down due to a high school football injury. The Navy, however, was glad to welcome him aboard. Looking back on it, he strongly felt this turn of events was providential. His talents and skills were quickly recognized as he advanced through the ranks becoming Quartermaster 1st class. His duty was to navigate the ship, the mighty LCS 113. The Navy provided Dad an opportunity to learn much about himself and to gain confidence in his abilities. He served two and a half years in the Navy and spent his last months in occupied Japan.

When he got out of the Navy, he decided to take advantage of the GI bill and enrolled at the University of Utah. During his time at the U, he courted and married his sweetheart, Marian LaVelle Carsey on September 25, 1947. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. The newlyweds lived in Magna while Boyd continued his schooling working toward becoming a high school coach. During his last quarter before graduating, however, an instructor told him about an up and coming field of medicine called Physical Therapy. It piqued Dad's interest and upon investigating he decided that's what he wanted to do. So, back to school he went, eventually landing him at Children's Hospital School of Physical Therapy in Los Angeles, California. In 1953, he finished his program and was soon hired as a physical therapist at Primary Children's Hospital. He thoroughly enjoyed his years at PCH, working with hundreds of children suffering from the ravages of polio, etc. His talent and leadership skills were readily recognized and he was soon promoted as department chair.

By 1960, Dad was being highly recruited by BYU to take a position in their new pre-physical therapy program. Debating the pros and cons, he finally decided to move on to the Y. After having worked there a few years, teaching and serving as one of the athletic trainers, Dad took a sabbatical and moved his family of 7 to Eugene, Oregon, where he began a doctoral program at the University of Oregon. In record time (less than 2 years - notwithstanding he held a job and a church calling), he completed his course work. He loved his time in Oregon, being back near the coast with the wide blue ocean. Such reminded him of his days in the Navy.

Dad ended up teaching at BYU from 1960 to 1991. During his years there, he impacted the lives of thousands of students and received numerous honors and awards. One area where Dad made a real contribution was in developing physical education programs for the handicapped. It all began in 1967 he was asked by the department chair to teach a class entitled: Recreation for the Handicapped. Somewhat inexperienced, yet willing, he developed the curriculum and taught the class. This opened up a whole field of opportunities for Dad, including working at the State Training School as the director of a new summer recreation/education program called S.W.E. A.T. (Summer Work Education and Training). Four of his five children worked at the Training School because of his example and leadership. While at work, out of respect for him, we proudly called him "Dr. Call" and we knew not to make a big deal about the fact that our boss was our dad.

For several years he served on the Governor's Board for the Handicapped, lecturing and putting on clinics, raising awareness of the needs of these special people. Dad also started a consulting business, working with senior living centers throughout the state, helping them with their recreational therapy needs. In 1974 Dad was approached by the Utah State Mental Hospital to help them establish a physical therapy program for their patients. He was told it would be a 6 month part time position. Those 6 months stretched into 30 years.

A highpoint in dad's career was in 1987, when he was named the "Distinguished Alumnus." Part of the honors included lighting the "Y" and riding in the Homecoming Parade. Another highlight happened just before he retired, Several of his former students arranged to fly him to Boston to see the Celtics play (this was during the Greg Kite, Danny Ainge and Fred Roberts years). He felt so honored and was so appreciative of their gesture.

In 2002 Dad was invited to teach at BYU Hawaii by the Dept. Chairman, Norman Kaluhiokalani. He loved this experience. Most of all he loved living near the ocean once again and golfing with his longtime friend Jim Allen.

Dad lived a very full life helping his wife LaVelle raise 5 children. We remember well the great times we had with Dad having cookouts at the beach, going on vacations, going swimming at the BYU pool, attending sporting events, and much, much more. In 1985, his sweetheart of 40 years was diagnosed with cancer. Mom fought a courageous battle for 3 years before finally succumbing to the disease. A few years later, he married Connie Gadd Mikkelson. They were married for nearly 20 years. After her death, Dad moved to Cedar City in 2014. He lived for almost 9 years with his daughter Peggy and her husband Conrad. He truly "bloomed where he was planted" soon making many friends and acquaintances in Cedar.

Dad passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 19th. He was preceded in death by his first wife Marian LaVelle Call and his second wife Connie Gadd Mikkelson Call. He is survived by his son Chris (Cheryl) Call, of Provo; daughter Nancy (Max) Warner of Orem;, son Mitchell Call, of Portland; daughter Peggy (Conrad) Aitken of Cedar City, and son Phillip (Shawna) Call of Los Angeles.

His funeral services are scheduled for Friday, April 14th at 1:00 P.M. at the Orem 3rd/4th Ward, 700 E 445 S., Orem, Utah. A viewing is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 13th at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E 800 N, Orem, UT. A viewing is also scheduled prior to the funeral at the 3rd/4th Ward Chapel from 11:30 to 12:30 pm.

The Call children wish to sincerely thank the numerous family and friends who throughout the years have shown many kindnesses and much friendship to Dad.