Edward Clark was called to his heavenly home on September 30, 2013, from the Hospice Care Center in Kirkland, Washington. He left us by saying, “He knows my name.” “Let’s go home.” And “I gotta go… gotta go… I can’t stay and that’s okay.” We are left mourning our loss and rejoicing his gain.
Ed was born in Ft. Madison, Iowa in 1936 where he grew up in a “two-room” house next to the railroadtracks, the oldest of 8 siblings. He was raised by his mother, Oneda Clark, and Grandpa, and hauled off to the fishing hole with his brother Bill, where his mother loved to fish. He never liked to fish but he did grow to love football, basketball and track. He graduated from Parsons College and received a medical degree from Howard University.
After serving as a surgeon in Vietnam, he worked at Oregon State Hospital, set up a private practice in Seattle and worked at the Seattle Treatment Center. He, however, wanted to genuinely help people with more than medication. He later became a biblical counselor to help people mend spiritually and began a Celebrate Recovery Program to help people with addictions.
His life was characterized by helping people heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He deeply understood and lived by the grace of God and extended that grace to hundreds of others. We will all miss talking to him. He was an exceptional listener with a quiet soul, gentle heart, and non-judgmental spirit. He was a comforting friend who loved to see others succeed and was able to freely give and abundantly forgive.
He leaves behind 6 children spread over 38 years: Eric, Lisa, Lori, Justin, Jared and Mikaela; 6 grandchildren: Aaron, Colin, Rihana, Shaterra, Violet and Milo; 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and cousins, all the rest of his 7 siblings, and his wife, Maurine.
He is loved and missed by all.
Memorial services are Sunday, October 6 at the NW Church, 15555 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, 2-3:30pm. Ed requested memorial donations to go to the Celebrate Recovery program at NW Church, in hopes of funding a Celebrate Recovery library in his name. www.nwchurch.net.
