Cortland Judd Clater, 39, passed away at his King George home on Thursday, April 9, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. The amazing husband and loving father of four died surrounded by his family, leaving this life with his trademark humor and kindness.

Cort was born July 13, 1980, to Charles and Denese Clater in Richmond, VA. He grew up in Warrenton, VA, with two older brothers, Travis and Brant, and a younger sister, Mican. Cort graduated from Fauquier High School in 1998, where he played lacrosse was first chair cello in orchestra. He spent two years serving the people of Nevada on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cort attended BYU-Idaho and the University of Utah, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in information security.

While living in Orange County, CA, after college, Cort met the love of his life, Lyndsey. The couple were a perfect match, enjoying an instant connection and quickly becoming inseparable best friends. They were sealed for time and all eternity on July 11, 2009, in the Draper, UT, temple. Their relationship was filled with lots of laughter, affection, and gentle understanding.

After moving to King George, VA, the couple welcomed their four children. Cortland loved spending time with his family and had a sweet, special connection with each of his children: twins Adalyn and Cade (8), Ryland (4), and Davison (3). He was a hands-on father—building elaborate LEGO vehicles with Cade, enjoying Addie’s help on home projects, going on adventures with Ry, and soaking up hugs and kisses from Davis.

Cort loved life. His witty, hilarious humor and easygoing nature drew in all who met him. Cort loved to build and create, always improving his home for his family. He loved movies and quoted them often. An avid mountain biker while living out west, Cort enjoyed tearing up trails with his brothers. The geek at heart also enjoyed comic books and computer games.

Cort stood out with the Christlike gift of putting others at ease and helping them feel seen, included, and accepted. He was an active member of the King George Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and always sought to help others come unto Christ and feel joy. Cort remained caring and good-humored to the end, kind and generous to his nurses even while he was in excruciating pain.

In his career, Cort worked as a systems analyst and cybersecurity compliance engineer for the Missile Defense Agency in Dahlgren, VA. His analytical, brilliant mind made him a valued employee and colleague.

Cort made the world a better place, and he will be missed by all who knew him—especially his survivors: wife Lyndsey Smith Clater; children Adalyn, Cade, Ryland, and Davison; parents Charles R. and Denese Clater; siblings Travis (Paula), Brant (Melissa), and Mican Hadley (Brett); and in-laws Gregory and Celia Smith, Jennifer Bagley (Todd), and Keith Smith (Tabitha).

Due to social distancing in response to COVID-19, the graveside service will be private. A celebration of life will be scheduled for later this year.