Clark Ellis Reid

I just want to say that the sting of Clark's passing has never gone away. Then neither has his memory.
I haven't deleted his e-mail from my
address book. Every time I see it I get a tear, a smile and a laugh...in that order...just like Clark.

I used to have season tickets to the Louisville Ballet. Like many other patrons, Clark was always my favorite. I can still remember how the audience would applaud when he just walked on stage, before he even did anything. His presence was huge. One day I was in Kroger in the Highlands and there he was -- Clark Reid in the aisle. I felt like I was about to meet a celebrity. I walked over to him and said "You're Clark Reid, aren't you?". He quietly responded "Yes", looking almost embarrassed....

Clark was one of my dearest friends during and after our years together at Governor's School. As an administrator, he was always the first faculty member to turn in his completed paperwork (typed, no less). He loved his students and always put their needs first, even if it meant a battle with parents to let their child QUIT dance, because they didn't love it anymore. Beyond our professional relationship, he was a dear, dear friend. He always had time to listen and advise (even if it...

We were so blessed to have known and worked with Clark. We dance for fun. Clark danced for life.

I am so glad that Mr. Clark came to teach at Bluegrass Youth Ballet! There is no way I could say how much he taught me. However, the most important thing he ever did for me had nothing to do with my technique. When I became frustrated with ballet and stopped, he sent me an encouraging e-mail that meant the world to me. Six months later, I came back to ballet--just as he said I would. The fact that he took interest in my life means more to me than all the fun we had in class, all the laughs we...

Clark,

How lucky I was to be able to perform with you while dancing with Louisville Ballet. Thank you for teaching me Grey Gun Girl in Billy the Kid! I will always remember when you told me to "jump you big OAF!" I know you weren't talking to me, but how hysterical we were. My gosh how much fun we had.
Rest in Peace, friend. Love and prayers to your family.

So sorry to hear about the death of your son, Clark. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

My husband and I have known Clark almost since he first came to Louisville. We were volunteers at the Louisville Ballet for a long time; and both of us have been extras many times.
I still remember, so vividly, the first time I ever saw Clark dance; it was "Where the Sidewalk Ends." He was truly a great dancer,and was also a wonderful man! He will be missed very much, by many.
Our prayers are with Patricia, Paul and all the rest of Clark's family.

His Passion Lives

A person's passion for their work can define their life,
They dedicate themselves to it,
Whether it brings them happiness or strife,
This passion soon turns into their sole reason for living,
And it is frequently nourished with their endless spirit of giving.

On this sad occasion I speak the story of Mr. Clark Reid,
A beloved teacher, mentor and friend indeed.
He was taken from us with so much left to give,
If only he...