Richard D. Clark, a longtime Burlington, Washington resident, passed away at Creekside Assisted Living Care Community on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the age of 82 years old. He was born on June 19, 1942, in Marblemount, WA, the son of Oliver J. and Carnealia ‘Neal’ H. Clark.
He attended Marblemount Grade School and graduated from Concrete High School in 1960. After graduating high school, Rich joined the Air Force and worked in the communications field as a “Ditty Bopper,” which was a Morse code intercept operator who translated enemy messages during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, Rich and his mother opened and ran the Clark Store in Marblemount for five years, eventually selling the store. He then worked for the next 20 years in the Shake Mill business for both Clarence Jones and Jack Moffit. After the logging industry slowed down, Rich moved to Burlington, where he worked as a Process Technician for Hexcel Corporation until his retirement in 2007.
During his earlier years, Rich enjoyed riding motorcycles, snow mobiles and driving his red corvette! He traveled all over the United States and internationally to Rome and London with his mother, and Hong Kong, China and the Philippines with his sister. It was on his own without Uncle Sam! After retirement, Rich bought a beautiful new motorhome and spent one winter in Arizona with family and friends. During the rest of the year, he traveled locally with the Good Sam Club members, who all became very cherished friends of his. Rich was an avid antique collector and loved to crochet and was a great cook. Many of his family members would request that he make their favorite dish for any gatherings he attended.
Rich is survived by his brother, Howard (Judy) Clark; seven nieces and nephews, Keith Plumlee, Kim (Gary) Marienau, Kristi Clark, Connie (Steve) Anderson, Randy (Tami) Clark, Ben (Tina) Clark, Troy Clark; five great nieces and five great nephews; he was especially close to his cousin, Jenny Baker, and her husband, Ron.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver J. and Carnealia ‘Neal’ H. Clark; his sister, Sandra J. Clark. He will be sincerely missed by all his friends and family.
A Graveside Service will be held at the Bow Cemetery at 1:00, on Friday, September 13, 2024. There will be a gathering of family and friends immediately following the service at the Allen Fire Station Dist. 5, 9061 Avon Allen Road, Bow, WA 98232. The family suggests memorials be made to your favorite charity. Share your memories of Rich and sign the online guest register.
