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Benton Clark Obituary
Benton S. Clark, Jr., 75, died at home in Kennewick May 2. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Paula Todd Clark; his children, Amy Phillips and Matthew Clark; his sister, Aven Miter; and two grandchildren, Michelle and Calvin.
Ben was born in Brooklyn, NY, and graduated from Washington and Jefferson College before serving as an interpreter in the Army. He earned a degree from New York Law School and worked as an attorney for 45 years before retiring in 2009. He previously had lived in Colorado Springs and Kirkland, WA, before moving to Kennewick in 1978. He enjoyed hiking, sailing, and spending time in his backyard garden, where he grew enormous pumpkins to delight his grandchildren.
The family is grateful to those who supported Ben and brought him joy and comfort: Nelda Oliver, his secretary and best friend for 31 years; Templeman’s Market and Safeway, where chef Ben loved to shop; Visiting Angels; caregiver Gabby Szatkowksi; Tri-Cities Home Health; Richland Rehab; and Tri-Cities Chaplaincy/Hospice.
A public memorial service and reception will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Kennewick First Lutheran Church, 418 N. Yelm St. Memorials can be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance and the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benton Clark
4 Entries
Carol Walker
May 12, 2011
Holding you close to my heart, Paula.
Ruth Mineke
May 10, 2011
My thoughts are with you, Paula.
Skip Claeson
May 10, 2011
I fondly remember Ben, Paula, Linda & I visiting Paradise Lodge during the last weekend in September several years ago. Ben enjoyed our hikes & the lodge. Ben pleasantly surprised me several times at Safeway with his big "HELLO".
Greg Beeler
May 9, 2011
Before his retirement, Ben participated in our Wed. morn. advance sheet breakfasts. We miss his contributions to our discussions.
-Greg Beeler
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