From Deseret News archives:
Coach eulogized for his deep faith
"Not only did Claye receive the Holy Ghost, but he lived with the Holy Ghost," Robb's younger brother, Mark, told the congregation of hundreds inside the Glines LDS Stake Center.
"Claye was prompted through most of his life by that wonderful Spirit to do things," Mark Robb said. "Today's attendance ... is a tribute to the many souls Claye has touched throughout his life."
Claye Robb, 48, was hit and killed Friday night by a motorist as he took an evening walk near his home. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash. Preliminary toxicology results on a blood sample taken from the 24-year-old driver did not indicate that drugs or alcohol were a factor.
Mark Robb said his brother and sister-in-law raised their four daughters "in righteousness." He added that his brother, who served as a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was recently called as a member of the Glines Stake presidency, was always willing to help when he sensed there was a need.
"He served others in so many ways," Mark Robb said, before recalling that as a high school running back he always knew his older brother was there in spirit, running down the sidelines with him, encouraging him to score.
"Where Claye is now, he is in the game," Mark Robb said. "He is not running down the sidelines, he is in the game."
Robb, a financial adviser by profession, started as an assistant softball coach at Uintah High School six years ago. He assumed the head coaching duties in 2007, leading a relatively young Ute team to a first-place finish last season in Region 10 and a berth in the 3A state playoffs.
Family friend Michael Smuin told the congregation that he often wondered why Robb put himself through "the heartache and the heartburn" that often comes with coaching.
"Coaches don't often make everybody happy," Smuin said. "He did it because he loved coaching his girls and sharing that part of his daughters' lives."
Smuin and Robb were neighbors who shared frequent "visits over the fence" where they discussed their lives, their families, and their church callings. Smuin said Robb was motivated by love in everything he did. He added that he is comforted to know that he will see his friend again.
"I don't really believe in goodbyes," Smuin said. "I believe in 'we'll see ya laters' ... For now I'll say, 'Claye, I love you man. You're an animal. I'll see you later."'
E-mail: geoff@ubstandard.com
