George Klinck Clarke

We sometimes forget the small smiles that Geo sent our way out of the blue..

George was a friend of my husband, Steve, for many years. He attended our wedding, and even though he was the biggest guy there, he cried more than the Italian aunties! Everyone loved George, and we were very sad to just hear of his passing.

George,after growing up with you our 'brother', playing tag football, wild monopoly games that lasted for days, wading up to our necks to the island when Alma said 'no swimming until I get back', all are fond memories....but little did I know that we needed to connect with each other about art! When I realized it, we were too many miles apart. Now I have my own little studio, filled with art but not one piece of your work! How valuable they must be now! Hope it's you that has been sending me some colorful inspirations! Cousin Lindy. Merry Christmas George, 2023

I knew George K. Clarke for almost half a century, he was an incredible and wonderful human being. I will always and forever be grateful for all he gave freely from the heart, to me, my family, our friends, and the New London, CT community. We connected through the art, poetry, spirituality, sailing, and volunteerism/activism circles, and many mutual friends. I have often said that George was truly the older brother I should have had. This heart centered man dedicated his life to advocating for peace, justice, and non-violence. He was a true power of example, a most humble man, who was always giving back. George was sitting beside me when my mother passed away in my arms, in his soulful way he helped my family through that difficult passage. George was my right hand man at Hygienic Art Galleries. He was a tireless long time volunteer, always ready to assist in any task, whether it was helping me run the PostArt Project, raising thousands of dollars for Hygienic Art Park, or hanging an exhibit, working an event, or donating his art to the non-profit organization that he was a part of since its inception. George was a major supporter of the In The Pink Regional Art Exhibit when it was brought to the Hygienic Art Gallery from the New Britain Museum of American Art. He helped make that first event in New London, CT great. It grew, with his volunteer assistance, into a nine venue regional exhibit in six different towns, and he donated much of his art to breast cancer awareness. I wanted to create an exhibit of George Clarkes art at the Hygienic, Tsetse, and Studio 33 art galleries, it was clear, over the years, that many others wanted to see that happen too. We both had had some difficult experiences that interfered with making that happen at the time, ultimately George asked that I wait till he was gone. I was honored to curate the "Thanks for Being You" A Celebration of the Life & Art of George K. Clarke 1941-2022, New London, CT Exhibit at Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery. The event opened on January 27, 2023 and closed February 11, 2023. Many people came to share their memories of George K. Clarke, his good friend Bernard B. Skrupsky, Jr., 1944-2022, and their young friend Elijah C. Gomez 2007-2022. Sadly, we lost all three of these fine friends in the same year. So grateful to all of the George K. Clarke art collectors who graciously agreed to participate in the exhibit. George gifted his art to his many friends and non-profit organizations, those who received his gifts cherish his creations, it was the largest collection of his art that I have ever seen in one place! It was wonderful to hear the opening reception attendees share their memories, and the many visitors to the two-week exhibit. Many sent loving messages and emails. Many made donations in George Clarke´s memory to Eli´s Garden of Healing, A Healing Garden For Victims of Violence, in Hamden, CT, founded in memory of his young friend Elijah whose beautiful life was ended by gun violence. It is clear that George´s lifelong messages of peace and non-violence will be carried forward and his giving and loving ways will not be forgotten.

Georges greatest legacy is deservedly the smiles that he left on many peoples faces. The Geo-Hera was such a vivid contrast from what you would expect from someone who sold insurance.
I remember randomly stopping by his office in my youthful daze and chatting away over various universal themes and teas. Or pounding away on a beat up piano that he had in his basement studio on Bank St after the bars closed, Even in his end days , with his memory banks emptied , under those bushy eyebrows, his eyes held had a all knowing smile.

I'm sorry for your loss. George was a one-of-a-kind good guy. I'll treasure my memories of moments in his presence.

Thanx 4 Bein
Dr Bud (The Love Doctor)

George was a lovely, kind, generous, imaginative, wild, ebullient friend to me...He used to come to the Alternative Dance Space - when that was in existence, especially when I had taken it on.
He was a big part of the recovery community, setting up a quarter way house, a street soup kitchen, and more, as well as being a force for change with brightly painted signs with dragon points on them in other areas of public and private life in New London.
He was an artist, writer, and sold car insurance to innumerable people who might not otherwise have been eligible for auto insurance. He worked hard to be helpful in all ways..
We shared his work space for about 25 years.
He was a treasure to me in so many ways. I shall miss him.

George was a one of a kind soul.
Sad to hear of his passing.

I am very sorry to hear of George's passing. He was truly a kind soul who made New London a better place because he was here .

What a multi talent man he was, often I would go to business, talk with him. We knew the same people; he would speak highly about them. GOD gave us one of a kind New London man stand out, his own way. May GOD see him as he lives for helping others anyway, he can. May heaven comfort him as he helps many of us always.

i am sad to lose my cousin, George. I was six months older than he was...but as a kid growing up he didn't have a chance...with five girl cousins and two sisters...he was the only boy. We teased him ,but he was always good natured about it. We shared a wonderful grandfather, Waldo Clarke, who loved us all and gave us a lot of attention. We all went to Harbor School, and Bulkeley for Jr.High. We spent our summers on Billard Beach, and, before it closed, sat on the grass on Pequot Ave. and watched "The Billard Boys" marching and drilling in the field. In the winters we ice skated at Hammonds Pond on Niles Hill Rd. and went snow sliding wherever we could. It was a good childhood for all of us....some things cannot be taken away. I hope George is at peace now...doing his art, sailing, helping someone out, and or organizing some kind of New London public project. See you later,Cousin!!!!Stephanie Klinck Wies

I met George when I was his paperboy. Soon I got involved in sports car rallies and he graciously taught me some of the finer points when I was rally master. And the parties were epic! He enthusiastically ran the first New London Sail Fest on Captains Walk, the start of something big. No doubt, he was a good guy.

George was very helpful and understanding towards me when I needed someone to help me along the way.

I thank God for placing him in my life.

My condolences to the family and to the community in our loss of George. He was a special person, always sharing his love of others. I think both of his bold efforts to curb drug use in New London and of the chalk mandelas art he created on manhole covers to beautify the city. Much love to you, George, as you go on your way.

George was one of the first friends I made after moving to Connecticut around 1964. We had many funny adventures, with Fred Holth on Fred's boat at the time, Endeavor, swimming at Misquamicut Beach, and hanging out with his cousins, the Weis girls.
I regret not seeing him over the past couple of years, and send condolences to Candy and Sandy.

George was just such a really nice guy. He will be missed.

George was a great friend from years ago. What fun we had running sports car rallies and partying after! Sailing with George was a hoot, I helped him rescue his sloop “FREE” from a parking lot in Stonington. Fair winds and following seas, George!

George, I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend you and Chris this past August. It was truly a gift to spend time with you. I will always cherish the beautiful Art, you gifted me with. Fly High Sweet George.