Frederick "Fred" Craig Clark

CHESHIRE - Frederick "Fred" Craig Clark ended his life journey on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009 at his home in Cheshire. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Fred focused his life on finishing projects and seeking ways to make the remainder of his life meaningful. He felt he had lived a happy, full life. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Fred was an ordained as a minister of the United Methodist Church in 1962 and served parishes in Monroe, Bloomfield and Southington for 22 years. At Bloomfield, he ministered to a diverse congregation and expanded their ministry into the community. At Southington, he helped develop a vibrant youth ministry, encouraging their faith, leadership skills, and joyful living. Retiring early from pastoral ministry, he became a licensed psychotherapist, providing individual and group counseling for 28 years. Clients appreciated his gentle guidance, wisdom, and patience in making a positive difference in their lives. He was active in the International Transactional Analysis Association, helping plan numerous regional conferences and contributing several articles for publication in the TA Journal. Throughout his career, he continued to study and develop his counseling skills and taught others through his study group and college courses. Fred volunteered as a patient advocate with the CT ombudsman program for the elderly.

Fred felt blessed to have time to both express his love and appreciation to others for their contributions to his life and to receive hundreds of messages expressing gratitude and love for him. He is remembered for his sense of humor, gentleness, wisdom, generosity, singing and playing his washtub bass, unconditional acceptance of all, and passion for justice. He was a raconteur with an extroverted personality that put even strangers at ease. Fred grew up in Baldwin, N.Y. He graduated from Oberlin College and received his Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.

Fred is survived by his wife and friend of 50 plus years, Harriet Jeffers "Jeff" (Reynolds) Clark; his son, Donald Gardner Clark and his wife, Elinor and their sons, Jeffrey and Reed; his daughter, Amy Elizabeth (Clark) Frederick and her husband, Gregory and their children, Jennifer and Kyle; his son, Frederick "Rick" Thomas Clark and his wife, Michelle Cheeseman and their daughter, Soraya. He was the son of the late Frank L. and Ina (Evans) Clark. Besides his parents, Fred was predeceased by his brother Frank E. Clark in 1976.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. at the Cheshire United Methodist Church, 205 Academy Road with a reception following in the fellowship hall. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family at his beloved Peaks Island, Maine. In lieu of flowers, Fred asks that you send donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) designated to "Jennifer's Journey" at 2969 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518-2565. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire 615 S. Main St., is in charge of arrangements. For more information, online condolences or to light a candle in Fred's name, please visit www.aldersonfuneralhomes.com.