Jack Clark

Please pause and recognize that on December 20, 2017 a unique and significant man left this earth. Jack Clark of Erie, CO died with family and friends at his side. Because of the ravages of diabetes, he said that he was ready.Jack was born in Davenport, Iowa in May 1932 to Bernie Daley Clark and Morton Leigh Clark. He was a big baby, weighing 9# and always had a larger than life presence as a youngster and adult. He took pride in his feats of strength. He had strong opinions and passions. He lived in Lima, Ohio and on a dude-ranch outside Gering, Nebraska where he met his future bride, Alice Rebecca Gamble. They settled in Colorado in 1956 and were married 61 years. Six children were born of the marriage, most of whom were raised in Erie, Colorado. He worked all areas of construction. He was a building inspector in Thornton. He constructed Fotomat drop-off film processing buildings. Of particular pride to him, were the greenhouses he built in California and locally, including Fantasy Orchids in Louisville and part of the Lafayette Florist. He was a superintendent of Mr. Steak restaurant construction. He remained a resource for information on all aspects of construction and he had a vast breadth of knowledge of many subjects wildlife, Alaska, geography, guns and aviation. His mind was keen to the end.He was John Wayne's greatest fan and watched his movies repeatedly, especially when he became more home bound in later years. His passions included flying and airplanes. He flew and owned a number of planes and could spend hours talking aviation. He flew skydivers for jumps. He was educated as a gunsmith and enjoyed guns. He was an excellent marksman and could shoot a coin in midair. He used his industrial sewing machine to make custom-made boat covers and to refurbish tufted leather carriages. He loved his family more than life. He leaves behind a family who will miss him terribly: wife, Alice Clark of Erie, CO; Children: Kathleen (and Jonathan) Hodges of Ft. Collins, CO. Melanie Evans of Berthoud, CO. Mitch Clark of Parker, CO. Joyce Clark (Brad Thompson) of Windsor, CO; Step-grandchildren, David Evans of Boulder, CO and Bryana Tetzloff of Denver, CO. He is predeceased by his children, Suzanne Clark and William Bill Clark. He leaves behind the nieces and nephews of his predeceased siblings: Alta Clark Heintz, James Clark and Don Lucky Clark. Many said he influenced who they became as adults.A service to remember Jack will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Erie United Methodist church with a reception to follow. Please join us. Memories and condolences can be sent to www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com; look for Obituaries & Tributes. Search Jack Clark. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in his name be made to The American Diabetes Association. www.donations.diabetes.org; American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202. In Honor of Jack Clark. He was a big presence and a big presence leaves a big empty space.