Charles W. Clark

Clark

Charles W. Clark

It is with a mix of sadness and comfort that L'Arche Greater Washington, DC. shares the news that our brother Charles went to heaven early on September 18, 2023, surrounded by his housemates and friends. Charles is preceded in death by his beloved mother Mary Harper Clark, father Hiram Lewis Clark, and sister Elaine Chandler. We pray for his brothers Clyde and Gordon, and their families, Charles' nieces and nephews and all those who join with us as we celebrate and mourn.

We remember Charles as a leader in his home, in L'Arche GWDC, in L'Arche USA, in L'Arche International, in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, in Our Lady Queen of Peace, and in the Arc of Northern VA. Charles was a bridge; he bridged divides and paradoxes, he connected people in ways that we have become unaccustomed to and frightened of imagining. He was a reminder to the world, his local communities and regionally of the need for intentionality, inclusion, celebration, humility and that we each must seek forgiveness. Bruce remembers Charles "welcomed everybody and loved everybody from the first day he was here [at 6th Street]." Charles was instrumental in naming that L'Arche is a family, and that we should call each other brother and sister. A spiritual leader, calling us to pray and remember to trust in God. Charles had an incredible affinity for hope--he called us to trust in God's goodness unrelentingly.

Charles was especially proud of his role as L'Arche Representative of the USA. Most recently, a dedicated member of L'Arche USA's discernment team, instrumental in the process of naming the next leader of L'Arche USA. Charles made sure people with intellectual disabilities were at the table where decisions were made.

Incredible world traveler, since coming to L'Arche in 2010, traveled to Belfast, England, Lourdes, Beauvais, Texas, Scranton, Portland, Seattle, Michigan, Outer Banks, and Minnesota. In recent weeks, he shared his plans to see the Northern Lights and Rome, Italy from heaven where the view would be better.

A passionate advocate for justice, strong supporter of the police department, fire department, the Justice department. He spoke almost yearly to the Northern VA Town Hall of VA Legislators to advocate for funding for more Developmental Disability Medicaid Waivers, so that the more than 12,000 people waiting to live in homes like L'Arche would have the chance to. A passionate advocate for physical accessibility, always pointing out and noting to the appropriate authority when a building was inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Most of all, Charles was the best brother anyone could ask for. He vowed to protect his family and friends throughout his life and planned to do so in heaven as well. Generous with his love, he claimed the title of brother to most everyone he ever met. When asked how Charles was able to hold so many people in his heart, he would reply "I just do it!"

Charles, throughout his 87 years, repeatedly, passionately, loudly, and quietly, but always prayerfully and intentionally, systematically broken down the barriers that restrict people from being able to imagine themselves in places of belonging. He leads people to places that they couldn't imagine. He reminds us that the 'Kingdom of God is at hand' often through his own invitation through his own hand.

In all that Charles did, he brought people together. He bridged differences; the unspeakable moments of pain and of joy, bridging the mysteries of faith and life with care, comfort, and trust. He enabled those around him to know that they are seen. He invited others to imagine a world where differences are truly celebrated by each person and each of us is loved, needed, and known.

L'Arche is forever changed because of Charles William Clark. We are honored to call him brothers. As you think of Charles in the coming days, we invite you to enjoy a cold beer and a ham sandwich, cheer on the Washington Commanders and/or Nationals, and say "I love you" with a generous and vulnerable spirit, in the way Charles always did. We also encourage you to consider how you could spread Charles's message of family, community, justice, and love to those you encounter, in his honor, to spread the mission of L'Arche that he so deeply valued and announced with his life.

Funeral Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Arlington. October 6, 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers "Donations in my name to L'Arche GWDC and make them big ones"

www.murphyfuneralhomes.com