Obituary of Raymond Victor Clark

Raymond Victor Clark Bainbridge, NY Encircled by his beloved family, Raymond Victor Clark of Bainbridge, NY, birthed himself into eternal life on May 17th, 2013. He was 94 years of age. He wore many titles: Dad, Poppy, "Sparky", Ray, "Clarkie". His beautiful spirit blessed everyone with whom he came in contact. He blessed his family with a legacy of love of the out of doors, respect for the natural world, respect for other human beings and respect for self. He taught his family many values for life, chief among them being: "Always leave a place better than you found it." He was a composter and a recycler long before there were ever concerns about the care of the planet. He expressed his love of life in many ways over his 94 years as a simple, unsophisticated and very wise father, a loving and steady husband, and as a memorable grandfather and great grandfather. He was an observant naturalist and a lover of the out of doors. The Grand Teton Mountains, Mount Katahdin, Mt. Washington, Long's Peak and part of the Canadian Rockies all felt the weight of his boots. He bequeathed his love of the mountains and nature to his family. Ray was a proud veteran of World War II who served in Hawaii. He was a Master Electrician, and an educator who taught electrical apprentices for IBEW Local 102 in New Jersey. He also served in his community as a Boy Scout Leader and as a trustee for his local church. His family could always say about him that "Poppy can fix anything." He was an ingenious inventor of practical solutions to all kinds of problems. In his later years he could be depended upon to run errands, pick up welding supplies, help with livestock and repair fences. Ray's greatest legacy resides in his 4 surviving children, his 18 grandchildren and his 9 great grandchildren who will carry his love and strength and integrity and humor into the future with them. Ray's family is grateful to the special angels who helped them care for Ray in his last days. Gifts in memory of Ray may be made to the Sierra Club at www.sierraclub.org (click "donate"). Messages of condolence may be sent to the family c/o Vicky Hanjian PO Box 136 Oak Bluffs MA 02557. A summer memorial service is being planned. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.