David Robinson Clarke

David Robinson Clarke

November 23, 1943 - October 26, 2024

David Robinson Clarke, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and esteemed cardiothoracic surgeon, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024. Born on November 23, 1943, in Laramie, Wyoming, David lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to both his family and his profession.

David graduated from University High School in Laramie and continued his education at the University of Wyoming, earning his B.S. in 1965. He went on to the University of Colorado School of Medicine, graduating in 1969, and completed his residency in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Colorado. His early career included time as Senior Registrar in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in London from 1975 to 1976.

Throughout his career, David profoundly impacted countless lives through his expertise and compassion. He was a Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and served as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery from 1976 to 2003 and Surgeon-in-Chief at The Children's Hospital from 1993 to 2003. David received numerous recognitions and awards during his career including the University of Wyoming's Distinguished Alumni Award and serving as President of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association.

In his later career, David joined the Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board (COMIRB) in 2006 and served as Co-Chair of the COMIRB Panel B from 2008 to 2024. His dedication extended to the Common Spirit IRB underscoring his commitment to ethical and impactful medical practices.

Beyond his professional life, David, a master of crossword puzzles, found great joy in the company of family and friends. He especially enjoyed afternoons on the golf course, often with his sons and sons-in-law. He loved watching his grandchildren play hockey, dance, and perform music. David also cherished the peace that nature brought him, particularly in the Teton Mountains in Jackson, Wyoming, where he spent summers with his parents as a child. David's family will gather to honor him in Jackson this summer.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Makush Clarke, and his children: Jeffrey Clarke (Lori Birrer Clarke), Jason Clarke (Kelly Konrad Clarke), Chelsea Clarke Gildow (Kurtis Gildow), and Courtney Clarke McKnight (Reid McKnight). He was a proud grandfather to Colin, Lauren, Katie, Nicolas, Benjamin, Charlotte, Nolan, Beckett and Ainsley, all of whom will miss him dearly. He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Dumbrill, and a large, loving extended family.

David was predeceased by his parents, Lemuel Floyd Clarke and Nina Robinson Clarke, and his sister Evelyn Clarke Skordas.

Private services will be followed by a Memorial Open House Reception on Tuesday, November 26, from 2 to 4 pm at the Bateleur Club House, 137 Blue Heron Drive, Greenwood Village. Friends, family, and colleagues are warmly invited to celebrate David's remarkable life and enduring legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor David's memory with a donation to the University of Wyoming Foundation. David's father was the founder of the UW Research Station near Jackson, Wyoming, and he enjoyed the summers spent there with his family. We wish to support this meaningful program in his honor.

Donations can be mailed to:

University of Wyoming Foundation

Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center

222 22nd Street

Laramie, WY 82070

Please make checks payable to the University of Wyoming Foundation, and include "David R. Clarke Fund for the AMK Research Station" in the memo line.

For more information on other ways to give, please visit: http://www.uwyo.edu/foundation/ways-to-give/index.html