Gary Clark

February 12, 1940 - July 11, 2020

Gary Robert Clark, 80, passed away incredibly peacefully at home on July 11th at his family farm near Gervais, Oregon with his loving family close at hand. Diagnosed in 2007 with congestive heart failure, he lived his life with much hope and love of life right up until his last days. Many thanks to Serenity Hospice and ComForCare caregivers for their extreme kindness in making his last days as comfortable as possible.

Gary was born in Adrian, Oregon to Robert and Crystal Clark on February 12, 1940 and raised on farms throughout Oregon, finally settling near Brooks, Oregon. After attending at least eight different schools in his elementary years, he finished with four years at Gervais Union High School. There he met Joyce Jungwirth, whom he married following high school. They farmed together and raised three daughters: Judy Clark Adams (Roger), Robin Peterka (Duane), Suzan Clark, and an infant son Jon Harley (who died shortly after birth) He took great pride in his surviving daughters and was very proud to robe daughter Suzan as a Clark County, Washington superior court judge in 2013.

Gary had many interests and was a great collector. He loved to hunt and several of his trophies grace the walls of his home. He enjoyed his gun collection, clocks, pets (Blaze, Harley, Spot and Alibi) and was an avid reader. He was also a patented inventor, software designer and amazing computer builder and repairman, entirely self-taught. He was a huge fan of YouTube and thrilled when high speed internet came to his rural neighborhood. He enjoyed traveling within North America, particularly the National Parks, Alaska, and the Canadian Rockies. Gary was an avid Duck football and basketball fan, and served his country as a member of the Oregon National Guard in the 1960’s.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years in 2004; parents, sister, infant son, and son-in-law Roger Adams. He is survived by his three daughters, son-in-law Duane Peterka, grandchildren Crystal Pitt, Richard Pitt, Jake Peterka, Dale Peterka, Tracy Adams Neal, Tara Adams, and two great grandchildren.

At his wishes, no funeral services will be held. Gary’s ashes will be interred with the remains of his beloved wife at Belcrest Cemetery and a celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family suggests contributions to the Friends of Gervais FFA, PO Box 195, Gervais, OR 97026.

Guest Book Entries

my heart is with you, Judy and Suzan

Loved your dad! He was smart, funny, kind and gentle, with an amazing sense of humor. He meant so much to our family. Oh the memories and the stories! I think some of my parents happiest times were spent with him and Joyce; be it watching the Trail Blazers, brewing homemade wine, picking berries at night, dinners at your doing room table..... I feel fortunate to have spent the better part of my life as an extended part of this family. Sending you all my love!

The Sacchi Family extends great sympathy to the family of Gary Clark.

I have very fond memories of Gary Clark and his lively wife Joyce. I have enjoyed the friendship of all three of their daughters over the years.

A very lovely family is in our prayers as they cherish their memories.

Sincerely,
Ron & Tamra, Stephen & Emily, Joe and Gemma Sacchi

Lots of winter weekend evenings playing cards and sharing laughs. We were a group of young farmers and this was the only entertainment most of us could afford on a regular basis.

Raised with Gary & Joyce's daughters was a great asset to my childhood. Watching Gary work long and hard days farming. At a young age I was taught to pick strawberries in the MANY fields he planted. My parents knowing them for many long years. I fondly remember him as a "somewhat" serious man and respected him always. Judy, Robin and Suzan, yes he loved you girls. With your heavy hearts please remember he is no longer in pain. God Bless you all.

Gary was always welcoming when we visited at holidays and was always a great personality!

I knew Gary as a loving father to his daughters, a technology wizard, and with an infallible sense of humor met the trials of his aging body with a smile. My thoughts are with his loving daughters.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to know this family most of my life. Hugs and prayers to you all. He truly will be missed.