Heber Clyde Black

_September 3, 1943 ~ November 15, 2007_

Heber Clyde Black (HC), age 64, loving friend and husband, father, grandfather, and son, returned home to his Father in Heaven on November 15, 2007. He was surrounded and supported by his family after struggling with multiple health issues.

Heber was born September 3, 1943 in Logan, UT to Clyde Charles Black and Reta Nelson Black. Heber was raised on a farm in Juniper, ID, where he learned that hard work and values were so important.

He graduated from Logan High School in 1961. He furthered his education at Utah State University, earning a Bachelors degree and Western New Mexico University, earning a Masters degree. He married his sweetheart, Loretta Black on July 12, 1963 in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heber and Loretta raised two sons, Todd and Jeff.

Hard work and an education were the tools necessary to provide for his growing family. He started a career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, spending many years on the Navajo Indian Reservation while teaching, grant writing, and conveying leadership skills to many employees and students. He also worked with the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina for about 10 years.

After leaving North Carolina, he returned to work on the Navajo Indian Reservation. He retired from education in 1999. During his tenure, he was awarded many certificates and awards, including Principal of the year.

He lived and taught at Aneth Boarding School, Nenahnezad Boarding School, Cherokee Elementary, Beclabito Day School, Navajo Mountain Boarding School and Montezuma Creek Elementary.

Heber enjoyed his work with the Navajo and Cherokee people and loved children. He fought hard for their education and improved every school he worked and served at. He was loved by his staff and admired by many.

After retiring, he decided to start his own legacy. He called himself the founding member of the “Ugly Club”. He claimed that ugly was an alternative form of beauty. He looked into ones soul as a thing of beauty; not just the outside. This club was not exclusive, but an invitation must be extended by Heber himself.

Heber also went to work on the old family farm in Juniper, ID. The existing home was moved to a new foundation and then expanded. This was a labor of love for him and Loretta. The name that was given is the Black Legacy Ranch.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in various church positions. He loved the outdoors, building projects, family and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Loretta Keller, two sons Todd Charles Black of Lafayette Indiana, (wife Sheri Mather) and Jeffrey Lynn Black of Smithfield, Utah, (wife Andrea Nelson), two granddaughters Alex Ann and Avery, two grandsons Tyson and Brooks (Butch), his mother, one brother and eight sisters.

Preceding him in death are his father, Clyde Charles Black, brothers-in-law Gary Baker, William Sant, and Jerry Merrill, and nephew Lance Godfrey.

Funeral services were held November 20 in Logan, UT with interment at the Logan Cemetery.

We would like to thank the wonderful people who took such good care of Heber at the Logan Dialysis Center and the doctors who took care of him.