John Alvin Clark

John Clark, 94, of Lacey, Washington, passed into glory on February 22, 2020. He was born John Alvin Clark in Boise, Idaho, the third son of Elmer and Eunice Clark. The family lived in Robinette, Oregon, American Falls, Idaho and Hell’s Canyon, Oregon. He graduated from Halfway Union High School in 1942. Halfway was 18 miles from Hell’s Canyon so John had to “batch or board,” first living with a family and then living alone in a cabin, going home on weekends. After graduation, he worked as a diamond drill helper in a copper mine until he was drafted at 18. A World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Army as a medic in New Guinea and the Philippines from 1943 to 1946. After being introduced by his brother Dick, John and Patricia (Patt) were married in 1950. John received his Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education with a minor in recreation from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1951 and his Masters and Directorship degrees in recreation from Indiana University in 1954. In 1954, John became the director of Parks and Recreation for Benton County, Washington, and moved to Kennewick, where he was instrumental in the development of Columbia Park. In 1959, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Washington Junior Chamber of Commerce and was named Young Man of the Year. Together John and Patt raised two children, Jayna and James (Jim). In 1964, John was appointed Assistant Director, for resources development, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the family moved to Lacey. There he served in a variety of roles until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council from 1970 until his retirement. His final, and possibly favorite role, was that of supporting summer recreation programs in a number of small communities across the state. In 1985, John was awarded a life membership and made an honor fellow in the Washington Parks and Recreation Association. John and Patt moved from their house in Lacey to Panorama in 2000, where they became fully involved in the activities at Panorama. They remained active and traveled until Patt’s passing, enjoying a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River for their 60th wedding anniversary and a jet boat trip up the Snake river in Hell’s Canyon. John was active as a greeter to new residents, drove for the community transit, and his greatest love was working in the warehouse and barn on behalf of the Benevolent Fund. He also enjoyed collecting hugs as Elf John. John is survived by his daughter, Jayna; granddaughter, Melissa (Luke); and great-grandchildren, Colin and Clementine of Olympia; and granddaughter, Amy of Olympia; as well as a niece; Karen, and nephews, Glen and Bruce. He was predeceased by his wife, Patt; and son, Jim. Memorial service and celebration of John’s life will be held Friday, March 13, 2020, 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 540 School St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Donations in John’s memory may be made to Panorama Benevolent Fund. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.