Clark, a former Ninilchik resident, was born April 26, 1954, in Seattle, Wash. He had an idyllic childhood growing up on the beaches of Vashon, ski racing in the Cascades and climbing and kayaking with his father, Gerry. He spent a portion of his high school years at Malibu High in the Virgin Islands, but graduated from Vashon High School in 1972.

After briefly attending Evergreen State College, Clark followed his spirit of adventure to Alaska. He settled in Ninilchik and became a commercial fisherman for 20 years on his gillnetter, the Greylight. During this time he was instrumental in starting a fishing co-op, Seasonal Seafoods, with a small group of fellow Cook Inlet fishermen. Another great joy during those years was flying his Cessna, exploring this great state.

After the downturn in the salmon industry following the Exxon Valdez tragedy, Clark developed 40 acres along the Ninilchik River, building roads and bridges to achieve his dream.

Clark started a family in 1989. He lived for many winters in the San Juan Islands of Washington. During their early elementary school years, Clark spent his winters traveling the United States and Mexico in an RV, home schooling his adored children.

Clark left Alaska many years ago to return to his beloved island of Vashon. There he built a home and raised bees, vegetables, flowers and bamboo, developing a park-like setting with ponds, waterfalls and covered bridges overlooking Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. His great joy was to dig new ponds with his excavator.

He took his family on one last great adventure exploring the canals of Wales and Holland one month before his untimely death, leaving memories that will always be treasured.

Friends and family say Clark will be remembered for his ready laugh, quick wit, creative mind, powerful golf swing and immense love of his children.

Clark is survived by his children, Gwen and Forrest, and wife, Lori, residents of Ninilchik. He will be deeply missed by his father Gerry and stepmother Karin of Vashon Island, Wash.; sister Ann Testerman of Anacortes, Wash.; brother Ralph of Vermont and numerous friends across the country and around the world.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwen Rees Garrison, in 1970.