Clay E. Bergquist

Clay E. Bergquist, 67, passed away on Sept. 7, 2023, in Cape Canaveral, Florida.  He was born on July 1, 1956, in Downey, Idaho, to Glenda Daphyne and Easton Smith much to the dismay of his older sister.  She promptly started scheming ways to remove him from the Earth.  He was later adopted by Ted Lee Bergquist and the family was joined by a younger sister who worshipped him.  Clay enjoyed a wonderful life with his mom, sisters and Grandma and Grandpa Nelson growing up in Preston, Idaho.

Clay was always smart and excelled in everything he set his mind to.  He graduated from Preston High School.  Following graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Kelley Sessions, a union that lasted five years.  He furthered his education at Idaho State University receiving his degree in Drafting & Design.  He later returned to Idaho State University and earned his Mechanical Engineering degree.  Clay traveled the U.S. for years working various good and interesting jobs.  He loved this lifestyle, because, as we all know, he never met a stranger!

Clay was blessed with one biological child, his spunky daughter, Stacy Chabrea Jennings.  And, though not a traditional relationship, there was so much love between them.  This love grew over the years.  Stacy flew cross country, and together with Clay's wife and son, was by her Dad's side at the time of his passing.

Clay settled in Merritt Island, Florida, and was employed by Lockheed Martin at Kennedy Space Center.  He was proud of this job and enjoyed the challenges and interesting projects that he was able to be a part of.  He recently retired.

It was in Florida that Clay met his “Dearly Beloved” as he lovingly referred to Leslie.  Clay and Leslie spent 26 happy and adventurous years together.  They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 13, 2009.  Clay’s family so appreciated Leslie putting up with and taking care of him for all those years - no easy task! Clay’s union with Leslie resulted in him receiving a bonus child, his son, Danny Bernier.

Clay loved life!  He could easily make his own fun, and anyone was welcome to join in.  He once stated, “If I didn’t have my life, I would want it!”  He had many interests and hobbies including scuba diving, golfing, bowling, traveling, cooking, wood working and anything outdoors.  He was a lifelong reader and had the ability to read several books at once, one in every room.  He always had an interest in learning and trying new things.  Clay was a member of the LDS Church, BPOE and was a PADI scuba instructor.

Clay was preceded in death by his two fathers, by his grandparents and his brother-in-law, Forrest J. Blauer.  He is survived by his wife, Leslie; his children, Stacy Chabrea (Brian) McCarroll and Daniel James Bernier; his beloved grandsons, Joseph Grant McCarroll and Silas James Bernier; his mother, Daphyne Bergquist; his sisters, Karma Lee Bergquist and Tracy Sue Bergquist;  his brother-in-law, John M. Dahle; a niece, Annie Tyrel (Craig) Hatch; a nephew, Thayne Kit (Heather) Bergquist; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews;  his spoiled cats, Jake & Elwood; and far too many close friends to list.

Clay had so much life left to live.  He had plans with his family and friends.  He packed a lot of life into a short time and his body was simply too tired to keep trying.  Our lives were made better by having Clay in it.  He had a big and loud personality with a quick and sarcastic sense of humor.  He was a blast to be around!  We miss him and will love him forever.

In lieu of flowers, Clay would be honored if you would buy your buddy a drink, take your spouse out to dinner or pay for the person in line behind you.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E., Preston, Idaho.  A viewing will be held Saturday from 9:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service.  Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com.

The services will be live streamed and may be watched Saturday at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/cacfJTrW48M?feature=share