Leon Clark

Clark, Leon
82, of Sun City West passed away on Nov. 11,2009. Leon Ellis Clark (1927-2009) died peacefully on Nov. 11. Born and raised in Tacoma Washington, he graduated from the College of Puget Sound, studied for a year at the Univ. of Stockholm, and received a Masters Degree from George Williams College. Military service included 2 years in the Merchant Marine Corp and 2 years as an Army psychiatric social worker. Enjoying the great outdoors was a recurring theme throughout Leon's life. The seeds of outdoor adventure were planted when he attended YMCA Camp Seymour on scholarship as a youth. There he continued as a counselor and later returned as camp director. This launched his 25 year "Y" career, serving in Tacoma, WA, Klamath Falls, OR, Phoenix AZ, and Helena, MT. After his "Y" retirement, he followed his passion for anything Norwegian by becoming a field rep for Sons of Norway. Leon was an active, contributing member of every community he was a part of, including church, Rotary, and Sons of Norway. In addition, he loved hiking, camping, back-packing, tennis, cross-country skiing, international travel, singing with his church choirs, and wood carving. Leon will be missed for his zest for life and his eternal optimism. Survived by his wife Betsy of Sun City West, daughters Cindy Clark (Lloyd Covault), Laurie Back (Robert Back), Patty Clark (Bernard Kravitz), and grandson Ben Folsom. He also leaves a brother Rex Clark (Joan), and sister Genevieve Howg, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at New Song United Methodist Church,16303 W. Bell Rd. Surprise, at 5 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 15. After the service, the family invites everyone to join them outside on the church patio to sing camp songs and toast marshmallows around the camp fire. Semi casual attire and lite jacket recommended. To honor Leon's camping spirit, in lieu of flowers, those so wishing could donate to : YMCA Camp Seymour-Campership Fund, 9725 Cramer Rd. KTN, Gig Harbor, WA 98329