Clark Wix

Clark Wix May 27, 1921 - June 1, 2006 Clark Wix, a lifelong resident of the White River Valley, died at his riverbank home near the Sleepy Cat Resort early Thursday, June 1, 2006, after battling failing health for several years. He was 85. His wife, Shirley and his step daughter Cathy were with him at the time of death. Clark arrived in this world shortly after a harrowing trip to Meeker from the two-room cabin above Axle Basin, homesteaded by his mother, Marie, and father John E. "Jack" Wix. The long trip to town was by team and wagon and then Model T Ford, in a late spring snowstorm. The journey underscored the "can-do" attitude that would become a guiding value of Clark's life. Clark attended the Meeker schools and after graduating he furthered his education at Chillicothe, MO Business College, Brigham Young University, Denver University, and Mesa College of Grand Junction, CO. Active in athletics, Clark was a four-year letterman in both football and basketball at Rio Blanco High School in Meeker. He captained the football team for two years and also presided over his class as president for three years. Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, Clark, together with his brother, John, and their lifelong friend, Roy Sizemore, enlisted in the U.S. Army. In December 1944, Clark's anti-tank unit was deployed to combat in France where he was cited for "Heroic Achievement in Action on 2 January 1945 near Baerenthal, France". The citation continued: "Staff Sergeant Wix was a member of an anti-tank gun squad which went into position under heavy enemy mortar fire to meet an armored assault of six enemy tanks. When the hostile force drew close, supporting riflemen withdrew, permitting the enemy to open turrets and subject the squad to intense 88mm and machine gun fire. Servicing the piece when the gunner was blinded by muzzle blasts, Staff Sergeant Wix took over the gunner's position and continued firing until two tanks were knocked out and the attack stopped." Clark was awarded the Bronze Star, and a field promotion from corporal to Staff Sergeant for his bravery. After the fall of Hitler in 1945, Clark was honorably discharged in Germany and decided to stay there to serve his government for an additional year as a civilian in the army of occupation. Clark returned to Meeker in early 1947, where he married Meeker native, Charlotte Emma Warren. Four children were born of this union; Lisa, Kim, Steve, and John all of whom survive him. In the years that followed, Clark started several businesses in Meeker, endeavors in which Charlotte worked at his side. The most notable of these became the Sleepy Cat Guest Ranch, which developed, under their hard work and guidance, into one of the most renowned restaurants and resorts in western Colorado. This became the anchor for the Wix family, where all of the children worked and were trained to follow the strong work ethic of their parents. They owned and successfully operated Sleepy Cat for 38 years until its sale in 2002. The family gained countless dear friends during their time at "The Cat" who will miss Clark's dry wit and generous heart. Clark and Charlotte divorced in 1981. Later he married Shirley Englert and spent the final three decades of his long life with her. Clark and Shirley enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and several foreign countries. They spent their last thirteen winters in Arizona, but their greatest joy was returning in the spring to their home on the White River and the valley where he grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping. Besides those already named herein, Clark is survived by his brother John of Basalt, CO, son-in-law, Keith (Kim)Watson, daughters-in-law, Michelle (John)Wix, and Debby (Steve)Wix, step children, Mark (Janine) Englert, Lori (Bill) Robinson, Lois (Greg) Griffin and Brit (Cathy) Smith, mother of his children Charlott and his cousin Dorothy Jackson. He leaves 20 grandchildren. Funeral services will be at the Methodist Church in Meeker at 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 6th; burial will be at the Highland Cemetery.