Devin James St. Clair, 27 years old, of Moab, died peacefully at home on Friday, Jan. 25, after a life long battle with cystic fibrosis. He loved life and never complained no matter how much pain he had to endure. He had obvious opportunities to leave this life and he chose life again and again. He took his last breaths holding the hands of his loving mother and sisters.
St. Clair was born on Aug. 15, 1991, in Moab. He is survived by his mother, Carol Gough, of Moab; his sisters, Tressa Anne Franklin and Tiana Lynne Franklin of Moab; his father, Loran St. Clair of Monticello; his stepfather, Scott Franklin of Moab; his grandmother, Dorothy J. (Stocks) Gough of Moab; and his grandfather, Edward L. Gough Sr. of Twin Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by two uncles, Edward L Gough Jr. and Ronald Lee Gough; and an aunt, Cheryl (Gough) Zwahlen; as well as, 16 cousins and many other family and friends who loved him dearly.
St. Clair could never contain his excitement when it came to video games, which resulted in his spending the majority of his time playing them. Not only did he love playing them, but he loved sharing them with everyone in his life. For St. Clair it was much more than a game, it was an experience.
One of his biggest passions was writing and recording music where he could express his feeling in the rap songs he wrote. He recorded several beats and rap songs at home on his computer. He was very talented.
He dropped out of high school, due to issues with his disease, and received his GED within a month of dropping out. His time as a teenager was spent with cousins (more like brothers) Shaun and Casey Brand. They would sound proof closets and small rooms to record their rap songs.
St. Clair loved Moab and never wanted to leave. He would say, “Why would you ever want to leave? There are red rocks, a mountain, a lake and hiking trails. Everything is right here and it’s beautiful.”
He had a love of life. He loved camping, ATV riding, gaming, paintball and spending quality time with family.
St. Clair was never quick to judge and was very empathetic toward others. His sister would go to him with her problems and he would remind her that she was only half of the story. He was a very caring and selfless person. Though he never wanted a lung transplant, he donated money to a fellow cystic fibrosis patient and Youtuber Claire Wineland for her lung transplant. Even up to the end, he always wanted to help even when he physically couldn’t. Nothing kept him down no matter how sick he was.
St. Clair was so thoughtful and giving. He never had much money but he would save and plan for the best gifts for those he loved. He was funny, sweet and loving. His family will miss him dearly.
St. Clair’s advice for everyone is, “Life is really amazing when you choose to understand it, and open up to it. Maybe just notice the beauty in it where ever you are. It’ll change your life.”
A funeral service will be held on Friday Feb. 8, at Spanish Valley Mortuary at 11 a.m. A viewing will be held at Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Spanish Valley Mortuary and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Graveside services will follow.
In lieu of flowers, you can donate to the St. Clair fund at Mountain America Credit Union to help cover headstone costs. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
