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BORN
1939
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Clarke Obituary
He was born January 19, 1939 (a vintage year) in Wichita, Kansas, the USA prairie state counterpart to the African savanna. His formative years were in the Washington, DC area and Kansas City, MO. In 1956 he graduated from De La Salle Military Academy in Kansas City, where he achieved the rank of Captain (Commander of Company C).
He enrolled in Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. Bored by the standard academic studies; he pursued his life-long interest in wild animals by working as a summer Animal Keeper at the Kansas City Zoo in 1957 and 1958. By the fall of 1958 he had flunked out of Rockhurst and took a full time position at Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City as a Laboratory Technician in charge of the Reptile Colonies. It was during this time that he experienced a near-death bite by a red diamond rattlesnake. He survived, and his encounter with "Big Red" became legend in the New Yorker Magazine, as well as numerous books, newspapers and scientific journals.
In 1960 he married Margaret Ann Curry and moved to Columbia, MO to attend the University of Missouri, but flunked out within two semesters. However, he started his family at this time, resulting in four children: Janet, James, Joyce, and John, all one year apart (he liked to joke that he and Margaret then bought a TV set). The children eventually presented him with ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, the joy of his life.
In 1961, destitute and with a family beginning to blossom, Gary returned to Kansas City and became a Senior Keeper at the zoo, working with species ranging from polar bears to gorillas to African elephants. In late 1962, he had the opportunity to move to the Ft. Worth, TX Zoo as a Curator and in October 1963 he was appointed Director of the Gage Park Zoo in Topeka, KS, which evolved into the World Famous Topeka Zoo.
At this time he was only 24 years old but already getting bald, so he was able to bluff his was way through the politics and bureaucracy that prevailed in Topeka. During his tenure, he worked under numerous Mayors, Park Commissioners, and Park Boards. He always contended that the "real zoo" was at City Hall, and credited the people of the community, his staff, and the animals for making the zoo a success.
Having failed to complete his college education in a timely manner, he enrolled as a non-traditional student at Washburn University of Topeka in the late 1970's. He carried a full academic load in night school and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1979.
In January 1989, he achieved a long time goal and climbed Kilimanjaro. He celebrated his 50th birthday while on the highest mountain in Africa. After more than 26 years as the Zoo Director in Topeka, he resigned on December 31, 1989. In 1990 he established Cowabunga Safaris and led photo Safaris to various countries on the African Continent. Upon his death, he had completed 140 Safaris. He always said it was a tough job, but somebody had to do it.
Friends remember his sense of humor and bad puns (they were neither funny nor punny), his blue Jeep all over town, his motto "Eat Dessert First; Life is So Uncertain", and his philosophy, "Life is One Big Game Drive."
Survivors include his wife Margaret; children Janet (Andy) Thiele, James (Alicia) Clarke, Joyce (Wayne) Wells, and John (Brenda) Clarke; grandchildren Kyle, Courtney, Drew, Becca, Caleb, Megan, Trevor, Stacey, Sarah, and Sydney; great-granddaughter, Mackenzie; brother Steve Clarke; sisters Cheryl (Lane) Locke and Denise Spence. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Cathy Clarke.
Please join the family from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 as they greet friends at Dove Cremations & Funerals -Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wannamaker Road, Topeka, KS 66610. Refreshments and lite snacks will be provided. Memorial contributions may be made to the Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum, 111 N Lincoln, Chanute, KS, 66720; Friends of the Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd; Topeka, KS; or the organization of your choice. To leave a message for Gary's family online, please visit, www.DoveTopeka.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Clarke
Sponsored by CJOnline.com.
Marge Herman
November 4, 2019
Gary Clarke touched many, many lives. The Zoo has become a favorite place of fun, fond memories and learning due to Gary's love and vision for it's growth. He is an iconic Topekan and will be greatly missed.
January 30, 2019
Gary touched the lives of many generations of zoo professionals. As a young man I rode around in a golf cart with the "silver backs" including my then boss Clayton Freiheit in Denver. Gary was always willing to be a mentor to up and coming zoo professionals and will be missed by us all.
Dale Leeds
Denver Zoo
Harry Gregory
January 22, 2019
I was on Gary's first African Safari to Kenya and Tanzania in 1974 while working as the Education Curator at the KC Zoo. A great trip that foretold his success with Cowabunga Safaris. His outgoing personality helped him 'blend in' with everyone he met on the trip. He did his best to learn as much Swahili language as possible in the two weeks we were there.
Gary was also great support for me when I landed the job of Hutchinson Zoo Director in 1983.
January 21, 2019
I worked with Gary on the design of Discovering Apes and Lions Pride. He was one of my favorite clients of all time. So fun to work with, and such great insights on how to present the animals in an engaging and educational manner. He was just a great guy and a real treasure for our town.
Greg Allen
Philip Grecian
January 19, 2019
Gary was the one who made the Gage Park Zoo "world famous." He was the one who made the Gage Park Zoo more than just a couple of bears and an old lion.
Gary and I did a television show together for years at the zoo. Gary would teach the viewers about specific animals we'd visit each episode. He put me on top of an elephant, let me play with baby orangutans, and joined me as we moved quickly away from an angry camel.
I passed by his empty base camp in Fairlawn Plaza recently. I'd often drop by from time to time to visit with him and sometimes take along a bottle of good scotch. We'd sit and reminisce. I thought at the time, "I need to go see Gary at his home and take a bottle of scotch along."
Didn't get the chance to do that one more time.
I have lost a dear friend.
The city has lost a legend whose reach embraced the entire globe...all the way to Africa, where he was respected and cherished.
They mourn now, too...along with all of us.
Goodnight, Gary.
Cowabunga.
Sandra Powell
January 19, 2019
I did not know Gary Clark personally but his contributions to the Topeka Zoo and the animal kingdom are legendary. We are all God's creatures and Gary certainly did more than his share to make mankind understand the grace and dignity of our animal kingdom. Rest in peace Mr. Clark.
Kristen Anderson White
January 19, 2019
I didn't know Gary personally but do know he was an institution in Topeka. My children attended zoo school in the 80's and 90's and have a great appreciation and love for all animals. The Topeka Zoo is what it is today largely because of the heart and soul Gary put into it. May Gary rest in peace and his family be comforted knowing they shared a great man with the city of Topeka.
Baby Max used the early minutes of the flight to become better acquainted with Gary and "Big Max". While Lauren navigated and Mark piloted the plane.
Fawn
January 18, 2019
"Baby Max and Big Max"
Fawn
January 18, 2019
Gary and Max Falkenstein arrive with baby, Max the Gorilla. Lauren Nash and Mark Morris, Jr. helped with the safe passage from Dallas to Topeka.
Fawn
January 18, 2019
Fawn
January 18, 2019
Gary and Jim D
Fawn
January 18, 2019
Julius Squeezer, the Boa Constrictor. Jan 21, 1966
Fawn
January 18, 2019
Evie & Gary 2018
Evie Green
January 17, 2019
COWABUNGA Gary!
I will miss my long time friend, who taught me everything I know as a docent and childrens'/adults' zoology teacher at the World Famous Topeka Zoo. I loved going to Africa with you in 2001. It was the adventure of a lifetime!! My prayers to the family.
Love,
Evie Green
Curt Loupe
January 17, 2019
I always enjoyed working with Gary and we loved having our kids taken care of by Margaret. Gary was always good for a laugh, like when we worked all night on a budget and Gary would breeze in to ask what we had done! He had little use for rules and wondrous capacity for creation. I'll miss you Gary.
Kelly Kimble
January 17, 2019
You were an original!
Mungu akubariki
Joanne Harrison
January 16, 2019
How very fortunate we all are to have shared life with Gary Clarke! I first encountered his amazing enthusiasm for animals when he brought slithering snakes to my Biology class at Mizzou in 1960! Who knew Hall and I would move to Topeka and that Zoo School would become our kids favorite community camp! Then Hall, Andy and I, along with a fun group of Topekans, had the great experience of a Serengeti safari with Mzee Shetani (old Devil Man in Swahili)! When you fly in a huge balloon over lions hunting gnus and zebra below, and land by black rhino, AND are surprised with a champagne breakfast on blankets in the grasswell, it just doesn't get any better than that!
Thanks, Gary , for the World Famous Topeka Zoo and the World Class Cowabunga Safari!!
Lisa Tillotson
January 16, 2019
Joyce, I am so sorry to read about your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Gary Rest In Peace.
January 16, 2019
Jim/John and family,
Sorry for your loss. I remember going to the zoo on several grade school trips and listening to your Dad tell us stories. He did a great job of teaching us but also adding personal stories. He had a passion for wildlife and he made it fun for others to learn about it.
Bryan Fox
Tori Mason
January 15, 2019
To the Clarke family,
I'm so very sorry for your profound loss. Thank you for sharing Gary with all of Topeka, and the world. He has left an amazing legacy to not only the city of Topeka, but to the zoo world. It was an honor to be one of his employees. I send you all my love and prayers as you face life without his large personality and larger heart.
Tori Williams Mason
Gerald Meyer
January 15, 2019
Gary, What can you say. He was an amazing human being who cared for animals and their well being as much as any human he ever met. He was a visionary who saw that standards for zoological parks needed to be established. He was an explorer who was not afraid to go to Africa and learn about a continent most of us know little about. And there is the Topeka Zoo. It is an amazing facility that all Topekans and Kansans can be proud that it is in our town and state. Cowabunga, what an exciting place to go and on the opening night, there was Gary behind his desk talking to anyone who wanted questions answered. He was an amazing man and I only met him twice in my life. He will be missed but he will be remembered every time I walk through the Topeka Zoo. His legacy is 10th and Gage. May God allow you to tend to all the animals in his Kingdom. Gerald and Jamie
Topeka Zoo Directors Gary and Brendan
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 15, 2019
Gary at his Cowabunga Headquarters
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 15, 2019
Gary at his home office library
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 15, 2019
Gary showing the Dung Beetle sculpture
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 15, 2019
Gary clowning with his WGASA hat
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 15, 2019
Gary with John Roth (Bwana Hans)
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 15, 2019
Gary at Topeka Zoo's Education Center
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 15, 2019
Cary Clake (Shitani) with John Roth (Bwana Hans)
John Roth
January 15, 2019
Gary Clarke and I became colleagues in the zoo business during the early 1960's and friends for a lifetime. After we both had retired as Zoo Directors I joined him on one of his amazing Kenya Safaris in Sept.1997....And, twenty years later, in Sept.2017, visited with Gary at his Topeka Home. He graciously gave me a grand tour of his beloved Topeka Zoo and his Cowabunga Headquarters. Submitted two photos from that visit below, one showing Gary with me (Bwana Hans) and the other Gary holding a Tusker Beer at his home library office. These are my most memorable moments with Gary. "Jambo" to you my good old friend, know you rest is peace now...
Bwana Hans (John Roth)
Germaine Leuszler
January 15, 2019
Joyce and family- I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He was always so much fun when we visited your house. God Bless and know he is on the best safari of his life right now!
Love and Peace,
Germaine(Rundell)Leuszler
Jackie Petersen
January 14, 2019
Jan 14, 2019
To The Gary Clark Family,
We want to say have fortunate you all were to have such an amazing father. And his friends and colleagues were so blessed to know him. He had time for everyone. He came and brought his daughter and talked to my daughter's brownie troupe for a father daughter dinner (probably back in the 60's.) That was a very special time for the brownies.
Words say very little at a time like this, but knowing people are thinking of you and care, maybe helps. We hope so.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Don and Jackie Campbell Petersen
Bill Dennler
January 14, 2019
I was devastated to learn of Gary's passing. He was a dear friend for so many years and although I know he was in a lot of pain, you never would have known it. Always first with a smile, warm greeting, bad joke, silly prankthat would leave everyone laughing. I have so many memories of the times I spent with Gary on safaris, famtrips, at the zoo, conferences, etc. , it's hard to single out my favorites. I first met Gary in the early 70's at the herp meeting in Lawrence. I was a curator of reptiles at the Toledo Zooand did not yet know a lot of the herp community . Gary invited us all to his house where his entire family waited on us and made us feel special! I never forgot that lesson. Then there was the time at the New Orleans conference in 1981. All of the 800 delegates were lined up to board the buses and Gary stood across the street waving and taking pictures of all of us. When we turned around we were in front of an adult book and sex toy store so it looked like we were all lining up to go in !!! On one of our fam trips with Joyce BaselShe instructed all of us to come to dinner in coat and tie. So Gary and Earl Wells (another great friend and character) appeared in coat and tie and underwear!! A few years ago, Clayton Freiheit, Gary Lee, and I flew to Topeka for a visit to Dung Beetle Square and Gary obligingly put us up in a hotel. When we arrived there were 700 Great Danes at the hotelFor the National Great Dane Dog Show!! Of course Gary claimed innocence..... If you've never shared an elevator with a couple of Great Danes you're missing something! We had a great time and of course visited the Johnson Museum and the Sedgwick and Topeka zoos,The safari the four of us took to Botswana was one of Gary's last trips and it was memorable! I'll never forget Gary having difficulty getting up into the vehicles to go on game drives. Naturally Gary would ask one of the female staff members to give him a boost up. Then he would jump back down and exclaim Let's try that again! Everywhere you went in Africa the staff all knew Cowabunga and loved him!! His TShirt wardrobe was always cause for a good laugh.I feel very honored to have been one of his many friends and I think of him often. In fact a few weeks ago while unpacking from our move from Ohio to Michigan, I reread his fabulous Africa tome and found myself totally absorbed in it. Shetani I will miss you my friend and all the laughs we shared! Give my best to Clayton as you share your safari memories!! My sincere condolences to Margaret, Janet, James, Joyce, and John and the rest of the clan. Thanks again for hosting a bunch of helpers so many years ago!! GOD BLESS !
Doug & Marikay Peterman
January 14, 2019
Sending our sincere sympathy to Gary's family and many, many friends around the world. One of the nicest gentlemen we have had the pleasure to ever have known. I used to cut Gary's hair back in the 70's and early 80's and when I asked which side to part his hair, he said " One big part down the middle ".
Marilyn Rivera
January 14, 2019
Our sincere sympathy to Gary's family and friends.
Marilyn Rivera and the Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers
January 14, 2019
My heart is full of the many fun times helping Gary edit a few of his late books and visiting Main Camp with my Chihuahua Buddy in tow. I'll always be appreciative to my Fla friend Vernon Kisling, one of Gary's many zoo-biz friends, for introducing me to Gary and his world -Kay Quinn, Salina, KS/Gainesville Fla
Gary Clarke with John Roth (Bwana Hans) - Sept. 2017
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 14, 2019
Gary at his home office library - Sept.2017
John (Bwana Hans) Roth
January 14, 2019
Brandy Clarke
January 14, 2019
I love you uncle Gary..you were absolutely an amazing person..may you rest in peace
JB and Nancy Sharp
January 14, 2019
A man for all ages that was loved by all who knew him. Greatly cherished are memories with him in Africa. He was one of the kindest men on earth and we will miss him greatly!
Jim Turgeon
January 14, 2019
To the entire Clarke family, I'm sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Ginger Barr
January 14, 2019
Gary was special. I thank his family for sharing him with the Topeka Community. Although I never went on a safari with Gary, I did go through Cowabunga for a trip of a life time to Tanzania.
After the Board Meetings of the Friends of the Topeka Zoo, a group of us would go with Gary to the bar across from the zoo where he kept us spell bound with stories of Africa.
He will be missed, but not forgotten!
Gary McCabe
January 13, 2019
A man who was a wonderful neighbor and always wore a smile,Topeka Zoo was lucky to have Gary lead it to its right to call itself WORLD FAMOUS,you will be missed but NEVER FORGOTTEN.Rest high on that mountain.
January 13, 2019
what a beautiful remembrance. Much love and respect for Gary! It's a sad day, but you can be proud, John, what a legacy he was
Kristen Bertoncin
January 13, 2019
I'm so very sorry. Gary was truly an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you.
Carolyn lamborghini
January 13, 2019
Gary was a long time friend and influential person in my life. He called me Mrs.ASA 400. I went on a safari with Gary in 1982. He told me to buy 400 film. I went to a camera shop and they told me to buy ASA 65 and 100. Of course, I learned that Gary was totally right. He called me Mrs. ASA 400 for the rest of my life. He was a wonderful person and did so much for wildlife and the zoo. He told me the last time I saw him about 1 year ago, that one of his favorite memories of children was taking my daughter Susan to elephant enclosure. My heart is with Gary's family. I will miss Gary forever. Carolyn Lamborghini
Betty Simecka
January 13, 2019
What a guy! He was an original - loved the way he would tell a story and he had a lot of them! I feel so fortunate to have worked with him on tourism projects that involved The World Famous Topeka Zoo!! His love for life was contagious. My one regret is that he and I were to 'trade trips' - me to go on Safari with him and his group and for him to go on one of my Russian trips. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Betty Simecka
January 13, 2019
I Gary was a friend and influential person in life. He called me MRS ASA 400 all the time. I was going on safari with him in 1982. He told me to get 400 film. I went to a camera store in Topeka and they me to get 65 ASA. Of course, I could not use that in Africa. I had borrow 400 asa from him in Africa. Then I became Mrs. ASA 400 forever to him. I have so many memories of him and he let me daughter Susan and my Steve husband hold the lion cubs at the zoo. I will miss you alot, Gary. RIP. Carolyn Lamborghini
Rick Strecker
January 13, 2019
To the Clarke Family,
I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing, but glad to have known him. He was one of the most interesting people I ever met. Topeka has lost a wonderful ambassador and animals around the globe have lost a great friend.
God Bless,
January 13, 2019
Dear Margaret and family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I, like many others, have many fond memories of time spent with Gary. Dolly Clark
Jeff Rankin
January 13, 2019
I went on safari with Gary to Kenya three weeks after the events of 9/11 and will never forget his wit, his puns, his kindness and his respect for the people and animals of Africa. We'll miss you Gary!
Roger and Lanette Scurlock
January 13, 2019
Margaret and family,
This is so hard. We knew this day would come sometime but kept hoping it was a long way off. There are too many precious memories to recount, but suffice it to say that it was an honor and a privilege to work with Gary and count you both as close friends all these years. Rest in peace good friend. The sun has set on the savanna.
Sarah Guffy
January 13, 2019
I met Mr. Clarke when I worked at parks and recreation one day long after he left to go on th bigger and better things I saw him at the bookstore on 6th. I felt so honored to be in the same room with him. I spoke and he said" Sarah how are you" to think he remembered my name after so many years. Shocked. He was a wonderful person.I didn't know him but followed his adventures. RI P GARY.
Jim & Mary Jane Bertoncin
January 13, 2019
We have so many memories with Gary & your
family. We feel blessed to have all those fun
times to remember. He was a wonderful person,
Good husband, good father, & friend to all who
Knew him. May God bless you & be with you
In the coming days.
Jim & Mary Jane Bertoncin
Bill Shaffer, KTWU
January 13, 2019
My thanks to Margaret and the family for sharing this force of nature known as Gary K. Clarke with so many of us. He was such a wonderful guy. Out of all the stories and great moments, my favorite is the time I came out to the zoo to tape a segment with the new baby snow monkey which Gary had not even seen yet. We set up the camera and the mother came out and simply placed the baby in front of the camera. Gary was too shocked to speak for a while and finally said to me, "I've never seen an animal do that before in my life!" It was one of many happy zoo memories made totally special by Gary himself.
Nancy Perih
January 13, 2019
Great guy with great stories and style. Favorite story was the one when he entered an orangutan's painting in a "human" art show and it won 1st prize.
My condolences to all his family and friends.
Carol Yoho
January 13, 2019
I am greatly saddened to learn of Gary's passing. For decades I have admired his community leadership, his sense of humor, and his love of zoos, African nature and wild animals.. I saw him speak publicly many times to packed venues, including the Topeka and Shawnee Public Library and White Concert Hall at Washburn University. I own and value his coffee-table books that reflect his love of Africa in both his writing and his photography. Alas, a prior commitment thwarts my attendance at his memorial service next Saturday but if I could be two places at once I'd be there. I will be thinking fondly of Gary for the rest of my days, and my deepest sympathy goes to his family and to the Topeka community in our mutual loss.
Sheryl Fulton
January 13, 2019
My sympathy to the family. I met Gary through the Chamber breakfasts. And I have my autographed copy of Hey Misteryour alligator's loose! I will treasure the book even more. God bless.
From Sheryl Fulton
January 13, 2019
My condolences to Gary' family. What a great guy. I feel so blessed to have spent time with Gary and share his love of Africa. He was instrumental in guiding what I see as one of the most wonderful experiences of my life when I had the opportunity to go on a safari in Tanzania. I came back and Gary and I shared my experience. He told me.. I miss Africa so very much. Well, I will miss Gary. Celeste Irigonegaray
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Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest Chapel3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610
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