Brian's last days were lived surrounded by family. Celebrating Christmas with his cute girls, ringing in the New Year with the entire fam, and doing his best to not let this cancer bring him down.
Brian was blessed to spend the holidays out of the hospital and with his family. So many people were praying for Brian and the entire Clark crew. We felt those prayers on multiple occasions. This was a Christmas miracle that the Lord granted us due to fasting and prayers by so many.
The Williamson family joined everyone for Christmas. Cousins opened their Christmas Eve jammies all together and everyone had a wonderful celebration. So much love in one room.
Brian chatting it up with Miss Piper.
Kai was able to receive the Aaronic priesthood while the Williamson's were in Bentonville. Another tender mercy of the Lord that Brian could be there to participate in such an amazing ordinance.
The cute ArkanClark family.
Cheers to the New Year Bri! We love you brother!
Now, I have been putting off this part of the journal entry for some time now. As I relive this period in our lives it feels like reopening a wound that is still in the process of healing. All of the emotions and thoughts come flooding back. My heart still aches and it will most likely be this way for a while. I'm not sure that I will ever fully move on, but I know that remembering Bri will one day turn from tears to smiles. To say that our family has been through a lot lately would be an understatement.
In November when we learned of Bri's diagnosis, we knew our time was suddenly limited. I fell to my knees and asked Heavenly Father to help us navigate this unexpected and devastating trial. I specifically asked for Him to help me with flights. I needed help knowing when I should be sending Preston out to be by his brother's side. I also wanted our family to go at some point so we could give respite to those that have been caring for Bri around the clock. I knew He heard my prayer. Anytime I looked to fly Pres out, I knew when he should go because the flights would show up unusually cheap. I knew this to be a tender mercy from the Lord, answering my prayers. We flew out Pres two separate times for long periods of time. In December, I lined up our family trip. When I went to schedule the flight it was clear as day when we needed to arrive in Bentonville. January 10th. Little did I know what this day would come to mean to all of us.
We had a pretty low key beginning to January. We were still coming off a high from our NYC trip. Once we were back in the swing of life, we began packing again for our next trip. We found out on January 7th, exactly 2 months after receiving the call that Bri had cancer, that he was having real difficulty breathing and was admitted back into the hospital. We received a phone call saying that it wasn't looking great. His lungs were just not healthy anymore. His heart has been running a marathon since November trying to keep his body healthy but to no avail. Brian was tired, he was struggling, and he knew it was time to let go. On Tuesday, the day before we were to fly out, we received a phone call saying that Bri is saying his goodbye's. People were invited into his room one by one or two by two to chat with him and say I love you's one last time. He seemed to have a boost of energy and clarity of thought, so we assumed we were safe with coming in the following day. We weren't 100% sure he was going to be able to hold on until we could get there so Preston FaceTimed with Brian one last time.
Wednesday morning we were on our way to the airport, checking in on occasion to see how Bri was doing. He was hanging in there but the doctors said it wouldn't be much longer. We boarded our flight from San Jose and I think Pres and I both knew that we weren't going to make it. I said a prayer in my heart for Brian and Shelby and the entire family. I prayed for strength, courage, comfort, and peace. I also prayed that someone would think to say a prayer before Brian passed. Preston and I listened to Dave Matthew's Band on our flight as a nod to Bri. He LOVED Dave. Somehow, listening to his music made us feel like we were with him. As our plane taxied to the gate in Dallas for our layover we received a text that Bri had passed. I was sitting with Quinn and she looked up at me and said, "Mom, is Uncle Brian still alive?" I turned with tears in my eyes and said, "No sis, he passed away." She cried in my arms as we waited to disembark the plane.
We finally landed in Bentonville and Staci picked us up at the airport. She told us about the final moments and I was so happy to hear that Shelb prayed with the family before Bri passed. We were dropped off at Mom and Dad's. We embraced one another and Pres and I listened about the last few days and all that had occurred.
Some may feel bad that we didn't make it to say our goodbye's to Brian, but honestly, Pres and I were ok. We both felt at peace that Brian passed surrounded by family. He loved us and we know he knew we loved him. How grateful we are for the time Preston was able to spend with his brother over the past two months. The Lord is so kind, so good, and we are grateful! The time He gave us was a gift. Not everyone gets that kind of time, but we did! We did! How blessed we are for those sweet memories that will forever be with us. Remembering him the way we do is such a privilege.
The following morning Pres and I headed to Brian and Shelby's house to give our love and see the girls. From that morning on, we had a lot of planning and several decisions that needed to be made within a short period of time. Shelby took the helm with such faith and grace. She was an absolute rock as she navigated the funeral preparations, talked with several people about next steps, and put together the most beautiful obituary and program. I just know she had the strength of the Lord and Brian by her side. She included everyone in a way that gave us all a since of purpose and voice in our own way to grieve and support. I was constantly in awe as I watched her go through it all. Shelby is an incredible example of faith and love. As I watched her move through the next few days all I could think was how much she loved Bri and how incredible their marriage was. What a gift to be loved and to love so hard and deeply. They were a team in all things and as equally yoked as they come. Brian will always and forever be a part of her. It gave me new perspective on what it means to have an eternal family and what a joy it is.
Me and Audrey. She's not sure about this selfie idea ;)
As the family made plans for Brian's funeral, I took on the kiddos. I was so happy to have some time with all of these little people. It's exactly what I needed. Lots of hugs and kisses :)
These three were pretty inseparable.
Aunt Bree and Declan flew in a few days after we had gotten there. Declan always had one of our kids around him. We loved our time with Dec.
SNOW!!
Our kids were beside themselves when the snow came. They don't know snow, so this was a HUGE gift in their eyes. One that I'm pretty sure Uncle Brian orchestrated for the three Clark kiddos. Beckham enjoyed shoveling with the guys. He thought this snow thing was pretty awesome.
We had to have a crash course in all things snow. Quinn went out to make a snowball and came back in crying. She was trying to use her bare hands. We had a quick lesson about gloves and the purpose of them ;) I forgot that she had never touched snow before. She was only two years old the last time she played in snow. Needless to say, she never left the house without gloves again, haha.
Snowball fight with Grandpa!
I was grateful that the family let me commandeer the kitchen. I took care of all things food while the rest of the family spent time planning everything else. I was in my happy place. Plus, it was one less thing for anyone to think about or worry about. We were blessed with several meals that had been dropped off as well, by friends that wanted to support us. I loved chopping and prepping meals while listening to stories about Brian. I particularly loved hearing the process of the obituary being written. It was so beautifully said...
With love in our hearts, we announce the passing of Brian Wallace Clark, age 34, of Bentonville, Arkansas. He passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, after a short but valiant battle against an aggressive and unrelenting cancer. Brian was deeply loved by those who knew him because of his genuine kindness, love for people, and contagious laugh.
Brian was born October 6th, 1989 in Reno, Nevada to Sandra Gail Curtis and Scott Boyd Clark. His family moved to Chicagoland (Naperville) in 1996 and Brian quickly acclimated to the midwest (Go Cubbies!). He attended Neuqua Valley High School where he excelled in athletics (particularly volleyball), academics, and friend accumulation.
Brian proudly served a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Kenya Nairobi Mission from 2009-2011. His love for the African people and culture transcended his time there as he intentionally found opportunities to speak Swahili and eat skuma wiki with ugali or chapati and beans.
Brian studied Supply Chain Management at Brigham Young University where he met the love of his life, Shelby Lynn Armstrong. Brian was smitten at their meeting and knew quickly he had met his eternal match. After a short but spectacular courtship they were sealed in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple. Shelby and Brian's relationship is a true example of deep love, respect, and pure devotion through sickness and health.
After graduating from college, Brian and Shelby moved to Bentonville and were unexpectedly enamored with Northwest Arkansas. Brian was a loyal Walmart employee, "all in" for over 9 years and looked forward to a long career under "the spark." Representing the company was a great honor for him.
The heavens smiled upon Brian and Shelby as they became parents to three beautiful girls, Grace Eliza (7), Ella Anne (5), and Audrey June (1.5). Each daughter was born looking just like their "dada" and they all adore him with a love that was only surpassed by his love for them.
Brian enjoyed a good morning run, a competitive volleyball match, Buffalo wings, and jamming to Dave Matthews. He loved spending quality time with his family and friends and was well known for his love of serving others. Brian served in various leadership callings in his church, but his main focus was ministering to the one. He had a passion for people and embodied the Savior's call to "feed my sheep."
He is survived by his wife, Shelby; parents Scott and Sandy Clark of Bentonville; daughters Grace, Ella, and Audrey; sisters Staci (Judd) Koudelka of Bentonville and Mikale (Ammon) Williamson of American Fork, UT; brother Preston (Lesley) Clark of Manteca, CA; parents-in-law Lance and Wendy Armstrong of Bentonville, and sister-in-law Haylee (Aaron) Steffensen of Bentonville. He is preceded in death by his grandparents and CalliTheDog.
Services to honor Brian's well-lived life will be Friday, January 19th, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1101 McCollum Dr, Bentonville. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:15am followed by the funeral starting at 10:30am CST. We invite Brian's friends and family to join us at a luncheon to reminisce and celebrate at 1:30pm at the same location.
Special thanks to the myriad of medical professionals who compassionately cared for Brian during his illness. We also extend sincere appreciation to those who have lovingly supported and comforted his family with kind thoughts and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Brian's favorite local charity, Canopy NWA. For information about how to contribute to Brian's family directly, please text 314.680.3768.
Once the obituary was done it was time to plan the funeral program. Once again Shelb was amazing. The program turned out beautifully.
The only note we found that Brian had about his funeral was to have Andrew Braithwaite (a friend) play the piano, and for the song Come Come Ye Saints to be sung. Specifically the first, second, and fourth verses of the song. We all thought it was an odd request. Then we read the words. It took on new meaning and totally made since as to why Bri chose this song to be sung at his funeral.
A little cousin time. Love Audrey's smile in this one.
The day before the funeral, we were invited to the funeral home to pay our respects and see Brian before everyone else did. Our entire family headed that way knowing this would be a hard moment. Pres and I talked to our kids on the way about what they would see and that feeling sad is very normal. We also told them that they did not have to see Uncle Brian unless they wanted to. Beckham boy was adamant about being able to say goodbye to his uncle. We told him that he could and that we would be there if he had any questions, or needed help working through his emotions. Once we entered the building we joined more members of the family and it was our turn to go through and see Bri. Our little crew of five headed into the room and the emotions hit us all pretty hard. I think the realization of what happened hit our littles. Jack didn't want to leave Brian's side. He didn't like the idea of us leaving him there for the night all by himself. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be, and watching our kids hurt was even harder. They were so sweet and wanted to be with Bri as long as they could.
On the way home we were talking about where Uncle Brian was and why maybe the Lord took him so early. Jack who hadn't been talking much since the viewing spoke up and said, "I think Heavenly Father has a special project for Uncle Brian. That's why he's there." Pres and I looked at each other and we felt the spirit so strongly. I think Jack might be right. It doesn't make it easy, but it made it more bearable to hear that.
That night we headed to the church to set everything up for the funeral. Shelby's vision of these display tables was absolutely beautiful. She created these tables to showcase a life well lived. Shelb hoped that as people looked at these memories that they would see that even though Brian's time on earth was short, it was full of love and faith.
Mission in Africa
High School
Baby Bri
BYU and College Life
Bri loved running.
Master's Degree and Work Life
Family
Bri and his ladies
Work Life
Saying Goodbye...
There was a viewing for everyone that wanted to come before the funeral the following morning. The family all went ahead while Ammon, Bree, and I took the kids right before the funeral started.
One last sibling pic.
The funeral was absolutely beautiful. I said the opening prayer and then Tarisai spoke first about Brian.
Then Mikale's turn.
Staci finished off the sibling set.
Brian's college roommates sang Come Come Ye Saints and it was amazing.
Shelby then got up and spoke about Brian's life. She shared so many fun stories and showed us all Brian's true character. He was such an amazing example to so many people.
This video was then played of all the siblings singing together for Dad's birthday. This was from when he and Mom were serving a mission in the Philippines years ago.
Last but not least Dad got up to say a few words from a father's perspective.
Since Bri loved Dave Matthew's, Stace orchestrated this group to play "Satellite" as Brian was taken out of the chapel. It was beautiful, like the cherry on top. It was the perfect way to end such an incredibly thoughtful service.
Once we were all out of the chapel we made our way to the gravesite.
The boys carrying Brian to his final resting place.
Dad gave a beautiful prayer at the gravesite.
Beckham boy wanted a flower to remember Uncle Brian by. He also wore Uncle Brian's Chicago hat in his honor.
Until we meet again. What a joyous day that will be!
After the funeral we all gathered in our comfy clothes and just enjoyed one another's company.
These two showing a little love :)
Puzzles are always going on in the Clark home. We love sitting down and trying to complete a puzzle in our time together. This is one of my favorite memories of Bri actually. We would be the ones to sit at the puzzle a little longer than others. I enjoyed our conversations as we did our best to figure out whatever puzzle was in front of us.
Loved capturing this picture of Declan's sweet smile.
One last gathering with Aunts, Uncles, and cousins who flew in for the services before departing.
One more tender mercy to write about before I finish. Our little family flew out on Jan 10th and we were supposed to fly back on the 16th. However, with everything that happened we had to change our flight. This was not as easy as we thought it would be. The airline wanted to charge us $1800-$2500 for a one way ticket home even though we needed the change due to bereavement. We battled with the airlines for a while and then the Lord reminded me of something... I have an awesome Aunt that works for that airline. Once again, the Lord was looking out for us. My awesome Aunt Sue took over "the figuring out of how to get us all home", and I never worried or stressed about it again. We were able to fly out on the flight we were hoping for at no extra charge. We made it home safely with zero hiccups along the way. It was such a tender mercy. When I asked the Lord to help take care of flights, He saw it the whole way through.
We made it to XNA for our flight! I would catch Beckham boy reading and rereading the funeral program. He kept it with him the entire time.
I snuck this picture of him looking at the picture of Brian. Then he'd open it again and read it again. My heart was about to explode as I watched him do this over and over again. It continued until we boarded our flight.
January was hard. January was emotional. January was full of faith and love. I don't want to do another January for a while. I don't know how people go through these hard times in life without the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. I'm not saying it makes it easy, but it does make it bearable. It brings hope, peace, and comfort. I know that we will be with Brian again. I know that his life lived was full of love, faith, and a devotion to our Savior that is admirable. He was constantly serving and helping others. He loved his mission and the African people in a way that made you want to serve and love as he did. He worked hard and was extremely loyal to Walmart and the people he worked with. He was a devoted husband and father. Brian has the best laugh you will ever hear. It was one that made you laugh even if you didn't know why he was laughing. He loved playing a game with the family called guess the flavor (he'd poor random types of pop in a cup and have us guess what the flavor was) or which one is better (can you tell the difference between Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi if you don't know which is in which cup, sprite and 7up, etc). He loved talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ and Walmart :) Brian was an exceptional example of what a disciple of Jesus Christ looks like. He will forever be in our hearts and forever have a mark on our lives because of the person he was and what he stood for. We love you dearly Bri and we will see you again brother.
The kids memories of Brian ...
Jackson - "I loved that Uncle Brian always called me Jack Attack. He was always so fun and he made me laugh."
Beckham - "He was always willing to play football with me. We both liked football a lot. My last memory is of him playing football on the sand with me at Lake Tahoe. I'll always remember that."
Quinn - "Uncle Brian called me Quinnie B and Queen Quinn, he made me laugh. I remember the Treetop zipline we did together too. That was fun. I wish I had more memories of him." -Me too Q, me too.
For information on what the plan of salvation is, or what we believe happens after a loved one passes away, check out the link below ...
