Carroll Stephen Claybrook, Jr.

Carroll Stephen (Steve) Claybrook, Jr. of Arvada, Colorado passed away June 1, 2016 at the age of 64. He was born on June 1, 1952, at Hill Air Force Base, near Ogden, Utah to Carroll Stephen and Audrey Miller Claybrook. On April 2, 1974, Steve married Gayla Lee Stowell of Bayfield, Colorado, in the Provo, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2013, as did his son, Derek, on August 21, 2010. Steve attended Weber State, Utah Technical College, and Brigham Young University, and received a B.S. degree in Electronics Engineering. Passionate in his engineering interests, he was never bored with his career as an electrical engineer. From the latest technology to the elements of the wilderness, Steve was an adventurer and pioneer at heart. In his earlier days, he spent time developing his skill in rappelling, spelunking, fishing, and more. Steve found quietness and peace in the realms of deep mountain valleys where he thoroughly enjoyed many expeditions in hiking, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even teaching others the methods and skills of wilderness survival. At the same time, he maintained an acute awareness of the advancing world we live in, always educating himself in developing technologies. He was employed by businesses like Storagetek and prior to his retirement, REO (Research Electro-Optics Inc.), a company which he helped achieve great accomplishments, including using advanced technologies in film-coating and laser optic manufacturing to produce ring laser gyros that aided in the successful landing of one of the Mars Landing rovers! Most of us don't understand the technology talk behind Steve's line of work, but we can still appreciate the results of his hard work, and the kind of example he set for us - he raised the bar with the work ethic he brought to the table. An avid reader, it was common for visitors to find books in stacks at Steve's home, some of which he was reading simultaneously and there's no telling how many thousands of pages he read to his wife, Gayla over the years. Upon retirement, Steve wasted no time in further exploring some of life's adventures by completing training courses and flight lessons in order to gain his private pilot license. Among his most passionate activities was being with his grandchildren where he found much joy in playing with his 14 grandkids. He was a committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he was serving as High Priests Group Leader in the Arvada 5th Ward. He served as a Missionary in the Sweden Stockholm Mission of the Church from June 1971 to June 1973. Earlier he had been active in the Cub and Scout programs, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He also served in the AFROTC program. Steve accomplished many goals in life, while simultaneously raising a family of 9 kids and giving unwavering devotion to his beloved wife, Gayla, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and Scoliosis and required great care. He was truly a remarkable man. Steve is survived by his children; Dan (Cintya), Jared, Michael (Natalie), David (Regina), Crystal (Brent) Lawyer, Ray, Ben (Cornelia), and Jade (Audrey); 13 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Steve is also survived by his parents Carroll Stephen and Audrey Miller Claybrook, as well as four sisters and three brothers, Kathy (Carl) Hatch, Shell (Susan), Jay (Teresa), Colette (Jon) Halle, Suzanne(Steve) Broadbent, Eric and Kim (Vance) Sheddy, and many, nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June7, 2016 starting at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Co. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 6490 Quail Street, Arvada, CO 80004. Interment will be at the Crown Hill Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Please share your memories of Steve and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.