Robert Clark Cavin

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Hastings College University of Washington

Robert Cavin Obituary

Robert Clark CAVIN Robert Clark Cavin, Lawyer, Scottish dancer, former Marine died of heart failure on January 29, 2012 in Seattle WA. Born on August 17, 1938 in Oklahoma, Clark was brought to Vancouver WA at the age of 4. He graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1957 and attended the University of Washington on a NROTC scholarship. Upon graduation he was recognized as Outstanding Marine Graduate of 1961 and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. After leaving the Marines, Clark maintained strong ties with the Corps including reunions at Quantico VA and membership in the Marines Memorial Club. Clark graduated from Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco in 1976. After graduation, he took the California and Washington bar exams, passing both on his first attempt. Clark returned to Washington and the overcast skies he loved where he practiced law until his death. His great commitment to people least able to afford legal services will be gratefully remembered by his many clients. Clark was an esteemed member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the St Andrew's Society. As a teacher (and fiddler in the Bramble Band) for nearly 40 years, Clark shared his passion for dancing and Scottish music with hundreds. A lover of information and reader of four daily newspapers and several magazines, Clark regularly sent clippings to his friends for their edification and amusement.A service with full military honors will occur at Northwood Park Cemetery in Ridgefield WA on February 16. A celebration of Clark's life will be held in Seattle in the spring. Clark is survived by his sisters Betty Sue and Mary Ann (Paul) as well as two nieces and a nephew. Clark's loyalty, humor, wit, and intelligence will be missed by all who knew him. Robert Clark Cavin, Semper Fi.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cavin

9 Entries

March 12, 2012

Clark was the first person we met and chatted with when we attended a Burns Night. We had recently arrived in Seattle and were warmly welcomed by him and subsequently I joined the scottish dance societies in the area. He always encouraged us to do our best. My husband, Peter and I have recently returned to the UK and are saddened and shocked to learn of Clark's death. We have many fond remembrances.

Sincerely, Gillian Wilson

February 29, 2012

Clark and I go back about 30 years to San Francisco and the old days in the Ediburgh Castle. I was his first Scottish Dance teacher. It is a real shock that he is gone - such a kind and funny man!
All us "Castle Bats" have lost a brother!
Nik

Mark Whitaker

February 16, 2012

While I only met Clark in recent years I found him to be a true gentleman and a Marine. He loved people, the Marines, Scottish dancing and the Mariners (not necessarily in that order). Whenever I would see him at a Mariners game he would be sitting there taking meticulous notes in his score book. When talking about anything Scottish his eyes would light up and you could expect to hear stories.

A true gentleman and all around great person, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Semper Fi my friend, you will be missed.

Mark C. Whitaker

Guy Butterworth

February 15, 2012

Fifty years and seven months can be considered a fairly long friendship. Other friendships have been and will be longer. Others will be much, much shorter. My friendship with you (aka Charlie Alpha to your many Marine Corps friends) started over fifty years ago when, in the infinite wisdom of the Corps, all the "As," "Bs," and "Cs" ended up in the same Officers Basic School platoon. I count that rigid bureaucratic system for having afforded me one of the most consequential friendships I have ever had or ever will have.

We were usually thousands of miles apart: you in the West, me in Japan or the "effete East." You were an Expert with pistol and rifle; I struggled every time I was on a rifle or pistol range. You could run for miles; I had difficulty walking to the corner store. You were a strong supporter of gun rights; I was from New Jersey's urban shooting range. You were a Jeffersonian Republican; I was a leftover Harry Truman Democrat. You felt privileged to be a voting member of the great Cherokee Nation; I have almost no idea where my father's family came from in England. Our differences merely gave each of us an opportunity to kid the other and explore the differences. You loved the Corps in ways and to a depth I could only imagine. You searched out your Scottish heritage and danced like a Scottish laird.

But if I wanted to understand a Constitutional issue or what the devil constituted a "condominium," you were the one to whom I addressed my questions. I considered you to be one of the most intelligent persons I have ever known. But that just scratches the surface. I instinctively felt that Shakespeare's Henry VI did not know what he was talking about when he cried, "First, kill all the lawyers." I would certainly have given evidence in the king's court that, in fact, the realm needed many more lawyers like you with your ethical view of the practice of the Law.

We communicated mainly through email messages and the arrival in my mail of clippings from the Wall Street Journal that attempted to refocus my skewed social vision. Sometimes, however, you would arrive on my doorstep so that we could make a foray into New York City to fuel ourselves on mammoth pastrami sandwiches at Katz's deli on the Lower East Side or take in my only ball game at the old Yankee Stadium (and the Yankees were definitely not your favorite team, nor was it mine) or put up with my dragging you on the trail of Washington's army to the battles of Trenton and Princeton and then to the battle of Monmouth's terrain on almost the same day in June as the original battle.

Intellectually curious, ethically committed, hard working, the possessor of a unique mind, spirit, and behavior, you were also just the person with whom to sit for hours, swilling beers, telling sea stories, arguing and laughing over trifles. What more can one ask of a friend? And so I feel your loss deeply and will continue to feel that loss, especially when I read something or see something I would have liked to have shared with you, and you are no longer there to add your pithy and often spot-on humorous and/or serious reactions.

So for me, both personally and as a fellow Marine, you will always remain the quintessence of "Semper Fidelis."

Butter

Fernando Bascunan

February 15, 2012

Clark was in my platoon at basic School in 1962.
I met him again in our first Class reunion celebrating our 45 years. Since then he never stop in sending various papers clip related to my country Chile.
Last year in our 50 years reunion me met again and he promess me to come to Chile.
I will keep his frienship for ever.

Bill Ayers

February 15, 2012

To Clark's Family and Friends,
I had known Clark (Charlie Alpha) for over 50 years. I consider him to be a great friend, upon whom I could call for suppor, a great laugh, or fond memories of things past. Charlie Alpha and I were in the same platoon at the USMC Basic School, and were on Okinawa (although in different units) for a year. Charlie Alpha visited in my home on several occasions, and he and my wife became great friends During thehe last visit, in 2004, we determined that our Basic Class needed a reunion. With CA's help, we were able to plan and implement two very well attended enents. I shall misss Charlie Alpha and Basic Class 1-62 will hoist a glass to him at the 55th. reunion. I cannot imagine the loss to his family and civilian friends and my prayers are with you all.
Semper Fi Good Buddy,
Bill Ayers

KATY JENNINGS

February 14, 2012

Clark was a cherished and long-time friend of my husband's. He visited us just last year!!! In the few times I had the pleasure and fun of spending time with him - he was all the many good things that have been written, and more! Missing you, our dear friend "Charlie Alpha."

Greg Clark

February 12, 2012

Uncle Clark, I will cherish our relationship for the rest of my life. Beacon Rock, sending me gifts, birthday and holiday cards, Your Oscope at your parent's house, your wit, your analytical mind, your quick wit, your knowledge of pretty much in sight..................that cool Porsche 911, too! All the accomplishments of YOUR lifetime will be UNSURPASSABLE by many. You set the standards for so many of us to follow. You not only will be missed, but loved remembered, admired,treasured, and well-respected. I never got to spend any time over the years with you. For that, I am very sorry about. I shall make sure that my son, Sammy Clark knows as much about you to help him attain his goals. Thanks for being such an awesome person in so many of our lifes. If anyone "is the man", its YOU!!! Semper Fi! Once a Marine, always a Marine and a good one you were! Take care and all my love to you.

Love your nephew,

Diann Benson

February 12, 2012

To A wonderful man who indeed accomplished alot in this lifetime. As a young girl I remember all the great times playing board games with you. You always seemed to make time for your nieces and nephew. I always new at christmas when I saw all the extra peanut butter at gramma and grandpas that it was for "peanut butter fudge". Gramma always said it was your favorite. I enjoyed making it with her. I am so glad that you have had such dear friends to share your life with and great business associates to grow with in your business. I remember going to SanFrancisco as a young child to see you graduate from law school. You took the whole family to China Town for dinner. I enjoyed all the great new foods you introduced us to and the great learning experiences you shared with us all. You have been great sending cards for all occasions to me and my daughters. This will be the first valentines day that we will not get a card from you, but that's ok we will send a beautiful prayer to you as a valentine blessing from me and my children. I Love You, Uncle Clark. God Bless You!!! Diann, Ashley & Taylor

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