Aileen Hales Clyde (1926-2019), a resident of Springville, Utah, was a dedicated community leader, educator, and advocate for justice. She lived with her husband, Hal M. Clyde, a retired executive from Clyde Companies Inc. Together, they raised three sons—a lawyer, a business owner, and a surgeon—and were blessed with six granddaughters and five grandsons.

Aileen graduated with high honors from Brigham Young University and spent ten years teaching English there. In an unexpected career shift, she became a certified construction flag person, learning firsthand about a different world of work. Her unconventional employment garnered much attention and sparked conversations among observers.

Aileen was invited by the Utah Judicial Council to chair the Utah Task Force on Gender and Justice, where she led a study into the possible effects of gender bias within Utah’s courts. She also served as the citizen chair of the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice for five years. Her leadership extended to higher education, where she served for twelve years on the Utah State Board of Regents, including six years as vice-chair. She also contributed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

As past chair of the Coalition for Utah’s Future and a special adviser to Envision Utah, Aileen was instrumental in shaping the future of her state. She served on the board of directors for the Utah Symphony and Opera for six years, helping to enrich Utah's cultural landscape.

From 1990 to 1997, Aileen was a member of the general presidency of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering guidance and leadership to its members.

Aileen’s commitment to justice and equity was recognized by the Utah Judicial Conference, which awarded her the Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Courts) Award. She was also honored with the Herbert Harley distinction by the American Judicature Society for her efforts in promoting the effective administration of justice.

In 2000, Southern Utah University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in recognition of her contributions to education and public service. Aileen remained deeply involved in her community, currently serving as a member of the Utah Medical Education Council and a trustee of the University of Utah’s Hospital and Clinics.

Aileen Hales Clyde’s legacy is defined by her dedication to improving her community, advocating for justice, and her tireless service to both education and the public.