Howard Kenneth Clark

Howard "Kenneth" Clark (Ken or Uncle Kenny) was a warn hearted man with a big smile. Born in Belvidere, IL he moved to Sarasota as a young man. He was a husband, father, friend, uncle, teacher and so much more. He spent most of his life as a motorcycle mechanic at Hap's Cycle Sales. After 64 years he retired at the age of 90. His motto was "the customer always comes first and must be treated right".

Ken led a full life and knew something about everything. If you needed something done, he could always figure out a way to do it. If he needed a specific tool for a specific job and couldn't find it, he'd make the tool to do the job. He was clever that way. He loved life and everything about it.

As a young man he raced stock cars and motorcycles. He never lost the love of going fast as he scooted around town in his 1998 convertible Roush Mustang well into his 90's.

His personality was captivating and engaging. He made everyone feel at home. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was an expert at creating that "funny awkward moment", like a hug that lasted too long.

His favorite thing to do was fly. He had always wanted to learn to fly an airplane so he did with the help of his good friend, the late Bud Brock. He wanted to be a locomotive engineer so he first learned to be a conductor and then an engineer. With that knowledge he went to work on the historic train in Parrish, FL running up and down the track on the weekends.

After retiring, he spent his time teaching his neighbor the art of welding. Together they created amazing pieces of art. He could also be seen mowing yards up and down his street on his riding lawnmower. With his hat on his head and big smile on his face he'd wave as he passed by. He made friends everywhere he went. In the past year he made a dear friend who referred to him as "small but mighty".

Ken leaves behind a sister of 92 years and other family including his six children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He transitioned into the afterlife with no pain, no regrets and a life time full of love.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park.

Arrangements Entrusted to Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34232. (941) 371-4962.