Edward Clark

Edward Clark bid the world “goodbye” with a smile on April 12, 2011. Throughout his eventful journey, he was known to declare, “I have had a great life.” Despite tragedies that would have overwhelmed a lesser man, he triumphed over every adversity and, indeed, made that great life for himself and his family.

Born the oldest of five children at Fort Shafter in Honolulu, Hawaii to the late Guy and Charlotte Clark, he graduated from Hilo High School in 1936. Ed was in the US Army 1940-47, wounded at Bastogne in January 1945 and held as a prisoner of war in Germany until liberation in May 1945. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina with a degree in accounting in 1950 and began his career with Williams, Urquhart, and Ficklin. Ed subsequently worked with Pete Marwick Mitchell accounting firm and the Golden Corral Corporation. He was a talented, respected tax accountant with the motto, “Be reasonable, do it my way!”

Despite much career success, Ed suffered the sadness of the sudden deaths of his first wife, Gwendolyn and his younger son, Tim (Skeeter). In 1970, Ed married Marie (nee Hamilton) and embarked on a romantic devoted journey with her that included the joy of travel adventures and much delight in the smiles and accomplishments of four exceptional grandchildren…Edward (Amanda), JT (Kara), Natalie, and Mary and a great grandson, Cole. Ed treasured a special, sustaining relationship with his stepson, Lee Beard. Other family members left to cherish his memory include his son, Edward Clark Jr. (Claudia), his brother Kenny Clark, his niece Glenna Couts, and a daughter in law, Betty Paesler.

At his request, there will be no service and his ashes will be scattered in his beloved Hawaii.

Ed’s life was a poem celebrating the renewal of spirit despite tragedy, the love of nature, and, most of all, his dedication to Marie and his family. Once a soldier and always the gentleman, he left the world safer and more joyful. If you wish to honor Ed today, please take a moment to feel the joy and sustaining resilience of the universe. Ed would smile to know that you are celebrating!