This past August 6, 2010, I lost my step dad to bone cancer. He put up a valiant 5 year fight and, though he eventually lost his fight, my family and I have taken comfort in knowing that he is in a much better place. The following is the eulogy I wrote for his funeral.This eulogy could have very easily taken the form that most eulogies take. That is to say, with the life of the dearly departed narrated within the parameters of a chronologically arranged format. However, such an arrangement of words and form seem too ordinary for a man who meant so much to those who knew and loved him.
That having been stated, it would not be fair to save mention of such important life events as his award winning college football career, his first marriage that saw him partner with his childhood sweet heart Barbara Preston, the birth of his daughter Linda Fay Clark, his honorable and courageous service within the ranks of the United States Army during the Korean War, or even his second marriage (several years after the passing of his first wife) to a new life partner Emma Lee Latimer. This last marriage would see George welcoming Emma’s son, Shenole Maurice Latimer, under his wing. These are all immensely important things that cannot, and should not, be forgotten.
But, perhaps what is more important is to remember George Edward Clark for the incredible and rare kind of man that he was. George personified the qualities that many people seek to add to themselves, but are not always able to acquire…qualities such as strength, dependability, and courage.
Perhaps it was his being a product of The Great Depression (George was born on October 13, 1937), or the fact that his early childhood and formative years were spent with World War II as a backdrop, that would provide George with the strength to adapt to changes and challenges that would frustrate or defeat many other men. No matter how formidable a challenge was, George would always find a way on top, while still managing to further enriching both his life and the lives of others.
George was given the name “Edward” as his middle name by his parents George and Margarite Clark. But, for those who knew him best, and for those who were privileged enough to meet his acquaintance, it would seem that “Dependable” would be a better fit. Whether it was the kind of dependability sought by employers, or the special kind of dependability he lovingly exhibited to family and friends, George ALWAYS delivered and NEVER faltered.
Unfortunately, the space limitations within these pages will not allow for a more thorough recital of George Edward Clark’s remarkable character. However, this eulogy would not be complete without venturing forth into at least a brief description of the trait that would ultimately define his character…his incredible courage.
Volumes could be written about the many examples of courage George showcased. One obvious example can be taken from the courage it took to rebuild his life after the tragic loss of his first wife. His courageous commitment to the United States Army, during a time of war, could surely serve as a clear example. One could also point to his involvement in the Huntington branch of the NAACP, and his fight for the rights of others (even if the issue at hand was politically unpopular), as one of his most understated examples of courage.
However, without a doubt, the greatest display of courage that this war veteran would exhibit came from a brutal battle, with an insidious biological foe, that would cost him 9 inches of his physical stature, 50% of his body mass, and eventually his life. That ghastly enemy was cancer. And, although he did lose this final fight, he NEVER lost his pride, NEVER complained, and remained DEFIANT until the end.
George Edward Clark…a rare kind of man indeed.
