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Clark A. York

FUNERAL HOME

Reynolds & AdamsCrest Cremation and Funeral Services - Tulsa

1916 South Sheridan Road

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Clark York Obituary

YORK -- Clark A. (Chaunce), of Maramec, passed away suddenly on August 5, 2005 in Hangzhou, China at the age of 64. He is survived by: his loving wife of 41 years, Gloria; his 2 sons, 1 daughter and their spouses, Clark and Paula York of Alaska, Todd and Tina of Verdigris, and Debbie and Kevin of Collinsville; his precious grandchildren, Carson, Mason, Jacob, Madison, Leland, and Devon. A Rosary will be held 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 17 at Reynolds Funeral Service in Tulsa. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, August 18 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Claremore, OK. My love, I miss you and I will see you again. Services under the direction of Nick Reynolds Funeral Service, (918) 838-1332.

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Published by Tulsa World on Aug. 16, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Clark York

25 Entries

Raelee Christensen

August 10, 2023

Remembering the happiness you brought to my Mother and missing those days. Will see you again. Luv, luv

Debbie Voelker

September 14, 2006

Dad,

I don't know where to start, there seems to be much between us that was left unsaid. For the first 36 years of my life I had thought of so many things I wanted to ask you. Once we met I just wanted to be around you, to be able to watch you, to listen to your voice, to get to know you and to be reminded that you really were my dad. Growing up I had imagined you to be so many different things- a farmer in a pair of overalls; a banker; someone with a trade that not very many people could do; a lawyer; a CEO; an investor; a preacher. I could go on and on about how I had imagined you to be and how I hoped that once we met, you would like me. Never did I think you would be such a wonderful, caring and loving person as you have been. You were everything I had imagined,and more, wrapped up in one person.

I am very lucky and blessed to have been able to be a part of your life. Although it was for such a short time, the wonderful memories will be mine forever. You tried to make almost everything a learning experience and there were a few times when we were talking, I could picture in my mind, me, being a "little girl", listing to my "daddy" for words of wisdom and encourgement. I can't express how wonderful a feeling that was. You may think that silly but to me its the little things we did as a father/daughter that I never took for granted and I will hold them dearly to my heart. You were such a unique and loving man I don't think 20 lifetimes would be enough time to be around you.

You and Gloria were more than I could have ever wished for. You both welcomed me and my boys into your lives and made us a part of your family. You also chose a wonderful woman to share your life with. Gloria has always made me feel comfortable and welcomed. This has been very, very rough on her but she still takes time to show she cares how I am doing. The only regret is that we didn't find each other sooner. I love and miss you so very much.

Your daughter,

Debbie

Kevin Voelker

September 14, 2006

Chaunce,

I wasn't in the family very long before you left us here on Earth. I believe I am a better person on this earth because of the friendship and understanding ways I learned from you(mostly that I can change my world). Thank you. Hopefully I'll see you later

Kevin

P.S. I'll try for the rest of my life to make your daughter the happiest I can and provide for her the best I can.

Pat McDevitt

September 14, 2006

Clark was the youngest of eight children, born 5 years before I left home. I was around him quite alot before I had my first child. I remember when my pregnancy began to show, Clark pointed at my stomach and said, "I don't like you like that!"

Clark married a wonderful girl named Gloria and together they were a perfect and loving couple. I have never met a couple anywhere who loved each other so intensely and showed it every day. Gloria truly is my "Sister". His job sent them all over the country and he always called me to tell me their experiences and ask if I could fly to visit them. I did fly to upper New York to stay a week. Clark and Gloria took me all over the area including Niagara Falls.

This has been an extremely hard year for me. I cry each time I think of him. He was so helpful while I was caring for our Mother, dying of cancer. Clark and Gloria would come and stay with Mother and he'd commute to work each day, so I could go home for a week. He would carry Mother to the bathroom and sit by her bed and hold her hand. It meant a great deal to me.

Clark and Gloria have reared two ambitious and loyal sons. They are always ready to help Gloria and cheer her on. It has been a heartbreaking experience for all of us.

As Clark's grandson, Jacob says, "I'll see Grandpa in heaven." By the grace of God, ALL OF US WILL.

A sister who loves you dearly,

Pat

Paula York

September 6, 2006

Chaunce,

I am still in such disbelief. Your presence was always bigger than life and not just your size. My memories are still so vivid. A couple of favorites are when I out shot both you and Clarkie, the time we got stuck in the snow in Lander, Wyoming, watching you comb Carson’s hair after her bath, tangles and all, and how you taught Mason how to ride his bicycle. I will even miss those early morning wake up calls because you could have really gotten me good while we are in Alaska.

I don’t know why we wait to reflect back on things, but since you have gone we have realized how much of an influence you were on your sons. I have been so blessed with having Clark as my husband and the father of my children. He was born to be a dad. By example, you have taught him to be openly affectionate with his kids, and oh how he loves to pester them. Clark grew up thinking you could do anything and now Carson and Mason think Clark can do or fix anything.

Carson and Mason miss you so much. They both know exactly where China is located on the globe. Out of the blue they will just start talking about you and remembering. It break’s my heart when I think about all they will miss with you being gone. You would be so proud that they are carrying on the tradition of riding motorcycles.

You and Gloria are wonderful in-laws and grandparents. I could have never asked for better. I treasure all the memories we made when we met up with each other in different states or when you all would stay with us. You have always made me feel so loved.

I love you and miss you, Chaunce and so do your grandbabies!!

Paula

Tina York

August 28, 2006

Chaunce

I can’t believe it’s been a year, and not a day goes by without thoughts of you entering my mind. Jacob speaks of you so often and recently Madi has started acknowledging “Grandpa being in heaven with Jesus” and then pointing to the sky. In such a very short time of Jacob’s life you made such a positive impression on him, he loves going out to the farm and his favorite place is being in the barn tinkering around with all your gadgets and playing with your “stuff”. I do find peace knowing that Jacob, Madi, Carson and Mason all have their very own guardian angel (Grandpa Chaunce), that will always watch over and protect them!! We miss you and love you very much!!

Tina Marie York

DALE STOCKTON

August 25, 2006

I knew Chanunce for several years and found him to be a very good friend. I have many fond memories that I will always cherrish. Just a few that are memorable; Like the time he flew me to Olathe, Ks in Steve's little plane. He gave some lessons on the way up there, but on the way back, I looked over and his eyes were closed. I said, hey bud, wake up. He said, no problem, I taught you how to fly. uh uh. Then there was the time Judy and I went with Gloria and Chaunce to clean up the yard at their cabin on Grand Lake. Gloria, you know the rest on that one. Or the time, Chaunce and I took Mike and Todd to the Ice Bowl in Stillwater. The raod home was icy and we were passing everyone. No problem, he had 4 wheel drive. There are others but I won't go into them here.

There wasn't anything he wouldn't do or try. He was just a big kid. Judy and I always said that Gloria didn't just have two boys, she had three.

I thought an awful lot of him and sure do miss him. I still think of him quite aften. You were a good friend bud, (Mr. Jack D.)

May God be with you and we sill see you again at the big ranch in he sky. We loved you Chauce and good-by old friend.

Todd York

August 14, 2006

Dad,

I too am at a loss for words to describe what impact you made in my life. First and foremost I want to thank you for your guidance which came in many forms, some of which I disliked (hair pulling) but I have carried on the tradition with my kids, sorry Jacob and Madi your grandpa started the hair pulling.

Jacob talks of you so often and LOVED spending time on the farm with you, riding the tractor, four-wheeler and just hanging out in the barn!! You would get the biggest kick out of Madi….she is a little Todd as far as stubbornness and attitude, but thank goodness she looks like her mother.

Whatever form I am reminded daily, the effectiveness that your soft and firm hand had on me and my brother. The foundation you and mom built all but guaranteed us to be successful in life…..what a great start we had in life, Thank You!

Some of my fondest memories involve motorcycles. At an early age we were given the opportunity to develop a love that I never would have thought would be so profound in my life. During a ride/race I am comforted by your guiding hand keeping me upright and headed down the trail in the right direction. I still remember like it was yesterday when I crashed at Thunderbird park, you were there helping me before I stopped rolling, saying GO! GO!

It has been a wonderful time spent with you. You have been a great father and I look forward to spending eternity with you riding the great race!

I Love You!!

Your #1 motorcycle rider son!!

Todd

Clark and Paula's children, Carson and Mason

August 7, 2006

Together 41 years

August 7, 2006

Todd & Tina's, children Jacob and Madison

August 7, 2006

Rawlins, WY 2004

August 7, 2006

Devin Krisle

August 2, 2006

Grandpa, I have so many things I wanted to say but now I can't. I want everyone to know that for the short time you were in my life you have influnced me and i have learned quite alot of things. And I know I wasn't also the most wonderful grandson, but not everyone is perfect. I want to let you know I love you so very much and I miss you alot. I hope to see you in the other life. I love you grandpa.

Jean Pinney

July 8, 2006

Chaunce, It has been nearly a year since your passing but it seems like yesterday. I can still hear the words from Gloria on that terrible day.

Every time I drive up the drive at your place I see you in the barn, or on your tractor and hear you say hey Jean. I know you are no longer there but will always be in all of our hearts.

You will live on in your children and your grandchildren. You will never be forgotten by any of us.

Clark York

June 23, 2006

Dad, how does a grateful son put into words a lifetime of love and appreciation for what you have done for him? It is unfortunate that it takes so long for a child to realize the incredible impact a great father has on a man’s future. I have no regrets with our relationship, other than I did not have more time to say thank you for being a loving father and role model. You showed me how to be an honorable man, husband, father, and friend, and that the true measure of a man is found in his unconditional love and dedication to those closest to him. You and mom were equal partners and together you modeled the behavior of the roles parents should play in raising their children, and now I see my own children benefiting from this example.

I was not ready for you to leave, and I took it for granted you would be here, with mom, to enjoy your grandkids as they grew up. I had big plans for you to help instill in my children the work ethic and core values that you taught to me, by the way you lived your life. Now it is totally up to me, and I know I have the tools because God blessed me with a wonderful father whom I love very much. You are a friend, hero, and inspiration to me, and I miss you very much.

Your number one son,

Clark

Gloria York

May 11, 2006

My Dear Hubby, My Love

This is such a loss for me in so many ways. I went from my father's house to yours, and I have never been alone. We had so many wonderful times in our days together, that I do not know where to begin. First, I thank you for our two wonderful sons. They have been a Godsend. Our sons are wonderful, loving and caring men. I am so proud of them. Although you were a big man in stature, it never stopped you from hugging and kissing on your boys, even when they grew into men. We definitely did something right. We have our wonderful daughter-in-laws Paula and Tina, your daughter Debbie, a great son-in-law Kevin, and our beautiful grandchildren Carson, Mason, Jacob, Madi, Lee, and Devin.

Our grandchildren will miss so much by not being around you. We waited so long for them, and they love their Grandpa. We will not let them forget you. Debbie is so hurt, after finding her father then losing him in such a short time. It is sad that you did not know your daughter and your grandsons Lee and Devin longer. I know you would have been a great and positive influence on their lives.

We both worked hard and this place, our home, is so beautiful. I wanted us to grow old together, take care of each other, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. When I drive into our place, I still see you out in the barn or on your tractor; you are everywhere.

Thank you for all the adventures, we had such fun. You were the adventurous one and you made me go, and I loved it. You got us into some rough places, but you always got us out. You did so much in your sixty-four years. Things that people only dream about, you were able to experience. You worked very hard, and that was your way, not a lazy bone in your body. When you had a big job to do, you hit it head on and always got it done.

It has been several months since your passing, and I still do not know what I am going to do. I think about selling our place because I am so far from our family, but I love it so much here. I get so lonely without you, I do not know what I will do. I pray that God will guide me.

My love, I will always love you and miss you. You are my one and only love, and someday we will be together again, with our glorious creator.

Your loving friend and wife,

Gloria

Matt Reynolds

February 9, 2006

I have many excellent memories of my uncle Chaunce, some of the best ones were at the marina with Chaunce, Gloria, Bo, Kathi, Charlie, David, and of course Thunder. I worked at the marina with them in the summers when I was 14, and 15. It is hard to believe that it has been 16 years since my days of being thrown off the dock by Chaunce and Bo, or having uncle Chaunce pour a tarantula into my hand with me thinking that it was oil--- I am deathly afraid of spiders. He got a good laugh out of that. Well Uncle Chaunce I miss you greatly and I try to talk to aunt Gloria on a weekly basis. I love you, Your nephew. Matt L. Reynolds

Judy Justesen

October 7, 2005

Gloria and I became good friends at the Rawlins Family Recreation Center where I work. We both felt blessed when our husbands fit into our great relationship. Larry and I did some fun things with Clark and Gloria in the few months that they were here in Wyoming.

The first night that the guys joined us girls, we went out for dinner and had a lot of laughs. It snowed that evening (first snow of the season), and when we got in Clark's pickup he started "flipping cookies," and I started screaming! I could tell that he was a fun-loving guy right then!

We played a lot of cards and ate together. One Saturday Clark and Gloria visited a ranch up north of here and watched the branding, and we enjoyed a carry-in dinner and barn dance afterwards! Larry and I are dance instructors, and we got all the cowboys and girls to join us for the Two Step and Rita's Waltz! It rained towards the end of the evening, and it was another exciting evening getting out of the ranch on the muddy, slick roads! Clark loved those kinds of challenges!

We also got to go four-wheeling together,had a picnic lunch, and Clark showed us a neat little waterfall. Clark actually introduced us to places here in the County that we had never seen! He was definitely an explorer!

We were happy to see Clark and Gloria return for a second season, and we invited them to go to Star Valley with us on a golfing trip. We had a great time together! We stayed in some cute little cabins and played cards when we weren't golfing. We felt honored that they had chosen to be with us that weekend of their 40th Wedding Anniversary. We went out for dinner at at place called "Dad's Bar," took pictures and had a fun time together.

That was our last time with Clark, but we'll always remember him as a fun-loving, happy guy! I loved his smile and his way of making everyone feel okay and comfortable! We were looking forward to doing many fun things together after Larry and I retired, and we're going to miss him a lot!

Gloria and I have remained close, and I feel blessed to have her as a special friend. I hope to visit her in Oklahoma some day! I know God has been good to her through this difficult time, and I know that Clark would be pleased with the way she has hung in there!

She's a great lady, and she and Clark made a perfect pair!!!

Charlie & Kathi Cherry

September 3, 2005

Remembering Chaunce

In the late 1980s Kathi and I were fishing on Skiatook Lake and saw a new marina under construction. We thought we had found a treasure because we spotted the first soft drink vending machine on the lake and it was a hot day. As we pulled up to the dock a man with the friendliest smile we had ever seen and a black dog named Thunder greeted us. The treasure we had really found was Chaunce York.

In 1989 we were fortunate enough to build a house across the road from Chaunce and Gloria. We became instant members of their family. Chaunce was so excited about life and adventures that he made sure his new neighbors didn’t miss out. Weekend mornings began early with a phone call from Chaunce stating “the coffee’s on….” Then we were off on some new adventure, even if it was only a trip to town. Some of our fondest memories are sitting there drinking coffee with Chaunce and Gloria.

He was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He was a journeyman electrician, a motorcycle racer and a private pilot. He was always quick to take on a new challenge.

Chaunce was a man of vision who didn’t believe letting obstacles stand in his way. He had a vision to build a marina on the new lake at Skiatook. The fact that he didn’t have a lot of equipment didn’t stand in his way. Armed with a talent to make something out of nothing and sheer determination along with his good friend Bo Chanley, he built the first marina on the lake. It started as just a marina but quickly became a place where people loved to come and spend time with Chaunce and Gloria. To this day, we constantly have people tell us they miss the good old days when Chaunce and Gloria were running the marina. There isn’t a time we are idling out of Crystal Bay cove that we don’t think of them both.

Chaunce had the unique gift of turning an everyday chore into an adventure. If we were going out in his Kingfisher boat to take care of a chore around marina, he did not consider it “completed” unless he managed to get me soaking wet. If we were going somewhere in his truck we inevitably wound up on some back road in the middle of nowhere. As many of you know he was not known for sticking to well-traveled roads. He never lost his inner child.

Chaunce had a gift for taking something that was broken, seeing its possibilities and giving it a new life. He always took a lot of pleasure in sharing his knowledge and experiences with other people.

Chaunce was very caring and generous of spirit with family and friends. He never met a stranger and quickly made friends no matter where he was. If someone had a problem, he was the first to step up and offer help. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

When you got to know Chaunce as a friend, you always felt the comfort of his presence with you. It always helped just knowing you could pick up the phone and talk with him. He could give you perspective about your own problems and your day was always better for having talked or spent time with him.

He was my custom ordered big brother and best friend.

If we can take some comfort from losing him from this world, it is knowing he will be able to show us all of the back roads and interesting spots in the next world. We will never forget him or stop missing him. We are grateful to have known him and have all these wonderful memories.

Connie Reynolds

August 25, 2005

I met Chaunce when my sister fell in love with him. Handsome man he was. I didn't like it one bit when he married Gloria and took her away from me. Quickly I fell in love too. I was able to behold him love my sister with all his heart and give her two beautiful sons who have given her 4 beautiful grandchildren. Chaunce also gave all of us a beautiful daughter who has given 2 more beautiful grandchildren. Chaunce loved life and all who knew him, loved him. I will miss him greatly. Love Connie

Dave Bell-OHP Retired

August 23, 2005

i will surely miss this man.

Jennie York Bible

August 22, 2005

I could never call my Uncle Clark Chaunce because for some reason as a little girl I thought people were being disrespectful calling him that so he will always be my Uncle Clark. He was my favorite uncle. I have wonderful memories of getting rides on his motorcycle. I will always remember him for that wonderful laugh, he always kept that childlike zest for life! I bet he is having a great time in heaven, say hi to Mom for me Uncle Clark!

With love,

Raelee Burton-Christensen

August 18, 2005

My favorite Uncle and my Mother's best friend. The most visible link that I had with Grandpa and Grandma York. (He acted just like Grandpa) The most caring and loving man to his wife and closest friend, my Aunt Gloria. It was always a treat to see them together, so in love. Always bragging on his sons, Clark and Todd, and his grandchildren. (very proud of them all) I will miss you dearly but will see you again as one of the Royal Blue Bloods of Christ's family.

Loving you and your family always,

Raelee

Lana and Jim Wakefield

August 17, 2005

Uncle Clarke will always have a special place in our hearts. His humor and his habit of being just plain ornery will always bring forth fond memories. We will miss him and will see him in Heaven.

Chaunce and Pat (sister) at the York farm - 2004

Randy Burton

August 16, 2005

Chaunce has always been one of my favorite Uncles. His memories and laughter will be missed by those of us who loved him. I know that I will see him again in heaven. May God bless his family during these tough times.

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