Michael Barry Clark
1948-2017
Michael Barry Clark, 69, passed away in his parents' home in Boise, Idaho on the morning of Friday, November 3rd after an intense battle with pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Mike, as he was known to many, or Mick, as he was called by family and close friends, was a source of laughter and generosity to those who knew him. A Bon Vivant and lifelong learner, he enjoyed traveling, music, good wine, delicious cuisine, and sharing laughter with others. He will be remembered for his deeply philosophical discussions, his understanding and acceptance of various beliefs and points of view, and his perpetual empathetic caretaking of others.
Mick was born August 20th, 1948, the first child of Samuel Marvin Clark and Johnnie Mae Clark (Gibson), in Richmond, California. He grew up in Concord, California and honorably served his country in the US Army as an Infantry Squad Leader in the Vietnam War. For service to his country, he received the following honors: National Defense Service Medal, Marksman Badge (M-16), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and two Overseas Service Bars.
Mick attended San Jose City College in 1973 (AA), Boise State University in 1975 (BA) and 1985 (MA). It was at BSU while he was working on his BA that he met the love of his life, Pamela Joyce (Hansen); they were married in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, after spending the summer together on fire lookout in Northern Idaho. After moving to Buhl, Idaho, Mick coached football and taught Art; it was there that Mick and Pam had their only child, April Shannon.
After completing their MA's at BSU, Mick and Pam moved to Kemmerer, Wyoming, where they lived and worked for the next 23 years. They both received PhDs in Adult Education from University of Wyoming in 2001, while Mick was working as the Executive Director of the Oyster Ridge Board of Cooperative Educational Services and as Adjunct Faculty at Western Wyoming Community College and University of Wyoming, from which he retired in 2008.
Throughout his life, Mick was a member of the Idaho Education Association, Buhl Education Association, Kemmerer School Board, Kemmerer Rotary Club (past president), Wyoming Lifelong Learning Association-Emeritus, Mountain Plains Adult Education Association-Emeritus, Association of Cooperative Educational Services (past president). He received the following awards during his lifetime: Outstanding Educator Award (1980), Wyoming Lifelong Learning Association's President's Award (2005), Wyoming Governor's Art Award for the Oyster Ridge Music Festival (2006), Wyoming Lifelong Learning Association's Distinguished Service Award (2007), and Mountain Plains Adult Education Association's Award of Excellence (2007).
Mick was a photographer, painter, sculptor, film analyst, educator, writer, leader, avid Democrat, musician, philosopher, spiritualist, and intellectual. He was a devoted son, loving husband, understanding father, proud grandfather, and cherished friend. One of his most honored accomplishments was being the founder of the nationally recognized Oyster Ridge Music Festival in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
Mick is survived by: his parents, Samuel and Johnnie Clark of Boise, Idaho; his sister, Cynthia (Clark) Samuelson of Declo, Idaho; his nephew, Sam Samuelson of Seattle, Washington; his beloved wife, Pamela, of Garden City, Utah; his daughter, April, and his granddaughter Syrenity Marie Clark Greenleaf, of Eugene, Oregon. Mick will be interred at the Boise Veterans Cemetery. Per his request, there will be no service, but those who would like to honor him may contact the family to share memories of him via email: [email protected]. A donation to one of his favorite charities would be appreciated – Doctors Without Borders, American Red Cross, or a local food bank.
"If time is a river, then I must be in the rapids, because life seems to be whizzing by." -Michael B. Clark, PhD.

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Nov. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Clark

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2 Entries

December 27, 2018

I was so sorry to learn of Mick's passing. We met and became close friends while attending classes at San Jose City College. Mick lived in an apartment near the college with his army buddy, Pete. Mick and I were in the same art class and later, we took a photography class together. My memories of Mick include a guy who joked about which green army shirt to wear each day (he wore one of his army shirts every day), drawing pictures that depicted the influence of war on American soldiers and long discussions about life, love and art. He was a good friend and I missed him terribly when he left for Boise. I thought about him often over the years and imagined us getting together with our families and sharing stories of the paths our lives had taken.
He was a special soul and I am so grateful to have known him. My condolences to his family.
Jean-Anne

Julie Robinson

November 13, 2017

Pam,
Mike was the best BOSS I have ever had! He was always Kind, caring, considerate, trusting... I have been so lucky to have him in my life. We could talk about anything and usually did. When I took his art class what a hoot. He was awesome to learn from! Now In-service in Rock Springs would be interesting. He would bring his cigars to share and a cooler of something to share with the Rawlins Crew. They would stay up and have a great time. Always on the way home we would have to stop at the Japanese Restaurant for some Sushi. Gotta Love that GUY! I will really miss him. So sorry for your loss Pam. I Know he is in a better place and out of pain. That he is with his family and enjoying those that have gone before him. Whenever I look at my bedroom set or the buffet I got from you guys I think of you both. Lots of Great Memories!
All My Love,
Julie Robinson

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