Saturday, February 28, 2009

In Loving Memory

On Friday, February 27th 2009, Robert Clark was caught in an avalanche while snowmobiling near Alpine, Wyoming. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert's family. His beautiful wife, Sue, and three beautiful daughters, Kaycie, Quincie, and Sydnie will need all of our love and support at this trying time in their lives.

Robert was one of the most lovable, funny, happy people around. I'm sure everyone that knew would agree. Feel free to offer your condolences or leave a memory of Robert in the comment section below.

The funeral will be held in Soda Springs on Tuesday at noon.

42 comments:

  1. i hope someone has his chicken dance on video - one of my favorite memories. loved to snowmobile with him and loved the time he called me "crazy"! - nic

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  2. I remember when Robert and Sue watched Camryn & Brooklyn overnight for us while we were staying at the Pineview house. They got up with them during the night and made them bottles and everything. Robert, Sue, Kaycie, Quincie and Sydnie have always been SO SO good to our girls. And our girls have always LOVED them right back.

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  3. We have so many good memories of Robert. We looked forward every year to a funny Christmas song that he would come up with. We remember when Trae was a baby and Robert held him til he fell asleep during the fireworks at the 4th of July, and then how he wouldn't let anyone else hold him. We also remember how hard he tried to win Kira's affection this year at Christmas and how he tried everything (finally holding her and letting her play the piano did the trick!). We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the girls (even Sydnie) at this difficult time.

    Matt, Tia, Trae, and Kira J

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  4. My first and last memory of Robert is the look in his eyes whenever he watched his girls do anything!!! He was so proud. I know he will still be watching and beaming! We love the Clark family and their example of fun and love! Our prayers and hearts are with them!
    Love,
    The Randy and Sheila Lowe Family

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  5. Don't worry, the chicken dance has been preserved. I have taken great care to keep that one saved.

    We remember that Robert perfected a move when pulling tubers called the "Tear Drop"--He could throw the best tuber. No one did it better until one day when Sue was pulling Robert and I. She easily surpassed Robert's best attempt... leaving me absolutely dizzy and putting Robert in the surgery room. That one topped all.

    Love, Matt & Kate

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  6. I absolutely loved this year's Clark family Christmas song. I've listened to it over and over and laughed my head off. My favorite memory is standing outside their window and listening to him playing the guitar and singing. He was not always so willing to sing in public, so usually he didn't know I was listening.

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  7. I have too many memories to pass along but one of my favorites is one Sunday I was staying at Grandma Clark's and I snuck home after sacrament, to my surprise I walked into the kitchen and found Robert ransacking Grandma's kitchen cupboard while he thought everyone was away. I must have startled him so much he almost dropped his armload of stolen goods. He just looked at me with a mouth full of German Chocolate Cake and said," Ohh, I didn't think any one was suppossed to be here"
    - Ashley Clark

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  8. Sue, I just wanted to let you and your girls know that you are in our prayers and that we are so sorry for your loss. I have truly enjoyed getting to connect with you and your family through your blog. I have been inspired by how close you all are and I hope and pray that I can help my girls develop loving relationships like you and Robert were able to help your girls develop. Thank you for your example and I know it's not much but we are thinking of you and your girls, and keeping you in our prayers.
    Love Charlotte

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  9. Sue, Kaycie, Quincie, and Sydnie, our thoughts, tears, and prayers are with you. We love you and appreciate all you've done for us through the years. We are so thankful for the many fun memories we have with Robert. We can only think of happy times with him. We pray the Lord will grant you comfort and solace during this difficult time. Gabriel says Robert is funny and he will miss him.
    Love Blake and Gabriel Peterson

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  10. We are so sad about the passing of our Robert. He took me wakeboarding so many times, made us laugh, told funny stories, played with Gabriel, made game nights fun, attended our special occasions, and served us. When we recently moved, he hauled so many heavy things for us. He let us borrow his snowmobile trailer and drove it to Kemmerer when the truck we planned to take broke down. He never complained about spending his whole day off helping us, but was glad to do it. Robert demonstrated his love for others and for life and we will miss him dearly.
    Love, Amanda Peterson

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  11. Robert and Sue took me and my sisters camping, sleigh riding, rock pickin, water skiing, wake boarding, hiking, snowmaching, trips to lake powell, the 'dam' and so much more. He helped me a lot with work so that I could spend time with my family. We love you Robert and Sue.
    Love, JD (Jeremiah) Clark Family

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  12. Dear Sue and Family,

    My heart is deeply saddened at the passing of such a good man, a loving husband and father, and a friend. I will always cherish the times I spent with Robert, usually snowmobiling, but often just with the extended Clark family. I loved his good nature, his fun-loving spirit, his willlingness to help others, and his love of life. He was a pick-me-up for all around him. May the Good Lord stay close to your family, as you stay close to Him -- not just now through these dark days, but guide you all throughout the days and years to come as life moves on for you. remember the love Robert has for each of you, and know that you will have the opportunity to be with him again.

    Peace be yours.
    Dan and Marian Sellers (Nic's in-laws)

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  13. In the Clark Family tradition, I have to share a bathroom story. Robert and Sue were watching Jeremiah, Tonya, and I at Grandma Clarks house when we were little and somebody went number 2 in the bathroom and didn't flush. Robert and Sue made us all sit on the couch and wouldn't let us leave until someone confessed and flushed it. We sat there for a LONG time, finally Sue pulled me aside and said I should just say it was me so we could all go play again. I was sad because it WASN'T me, but I said it was and all was well. I still think it was Robert and he was just messing with us...
    We love you guys so much,
    Love,
    Jess and Aaron

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  15. My favorite memories of Sue and Robert, would have to be when they would come home from their date night and the girls were alseep, Robert would tease me about being lola which little sydnie would call me. I always loved watching them when they got home after there time away they were always so in Love!!!
    Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

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  16. One of my favorite memories was when Robert told me about his run in with the vacuum, in the middle of the night after he got home from work.... the vacuum won. He was such a good story teller though, he had me laughing till there were tears in my eyes! I also don't know if I will ever be able to get this year's Christmas song out of my mind! We love you guys!

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  17. Robert has been and always will be one of the most caring, kind hearted people I have had the chance to know. He accepted others and made them feel welcome whenever he was around. His compassion for others was demonstrated on the running field as well as daily life. The love he and Sue had for one another was an inspiration to me, and my heart is broken for his family. But, when I think of Robert I will always smile.... for his memory will always remain with me.........

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  18. We don't know or understand the loss that you are feeling right now.
    We know it's a big one because my cousin Robert was one incredibly bright spot in this world.
    He made family reunions fun.
    I do know that our Father in Heaven knows and loves every one of his children and that he is mindful of the pain and emptiness that fill your hearts as you mourn and remember what a great father, son, brother, friend that he was and always will be.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.

    Gina Hirst (cousin) and family

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  19. Dear Sue
    I'm so sorry to hear about Robert. I can't imagine the the loss you are feeling right now. I know I would be totally lost without my wife Susan. I didn't know Robert very well, but the few times I did meet him he came across as a great guy. I hope at this time you remember the love our Heavenly Father has for us and the blessing of the plan of salvation. I was in the temple with you as you were sealed for all eternity. Remember the blessings promised to you and Robert on that day, and use it as a source of strength. I know that even though he has passed from this mortal life all those blessings are still in force. Our hearts mourn for you and your girls. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reed Chandler (cousin) and family

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  20. Sue and family,

    The FBI Pocatello Analytic Unit wants to send our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. We work with Patti. There has been a donation made from this unit under the name of Jan Shackelford but it comes from everyone here.

    May God grant you the strength and courage to endure the difficult days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

    Mary Blattner
    Ellen Carlson
    Julie Hamilton
    Cathie Jones
    Tammy Lepisto
    Jolene Mecham
    Nicole Mennear
    Robert Myers
    Brenda North
    Michele Olsen
    Darren Taysom
    Gina Whitworth
    Jan Shackelford
    Kathy Bell
    Vivian Brecht
    Marla Hanson
    Patty Harbour
    Becky Layton
    Wendy Price
    Alison Rodriguez
    Linda Spicer
    Scherryl Tanner
    Cathy Terrel
    Mary Weber
    Kayla Clayton

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  21. Dear Sue -

    I was saddened to hear of your loss last Friday. I hope you don't mind if I tell a few stories about Robert below. He was my good when I was young. I thought he was so much fun to be around - everything everyone says above is totally true. I hope my stories reflect his good nature, kindness, great humor, and willingness to help others.

    My earliest memory of Robert was in Sunday School when we were 8 or 9. He was always joking around. Otto Munro (our teacher) asked him if he planned on being a comedian when he grew up. Robert thought about if for a minute and said: "You know, I think I will". The way he said it was funny - I've never forgotten.

    We started hanging out just before we both became deacons. I would go to his home between Sunday School and Sacrament meeting (before the block schedule) and we'd eat dinner with his family. His Mom was a good cook.

    Eventually he invited me to come pick rocks for his cousin Craig Godfrey on their farm. We'd ride the farmhand out into the fields and throw rocks into the front loader. Cleston would drive the thing and lift the bucket and act like he was going to dump us out of the bucket while we were tearing along through the fields. Robert thought it was great fun and showed me where to hang on in case it went all the way over. It scared the crap out of me. One time after we got finished picking rocks, Craig took Robert, Cleston, and me to Lava in the Cuda. That was cool. He got it up to around 120 - which was a total adventure since my Dad never drove over 55.

    After being in the fields we'd each eat a piece of toast with honey and a glass of milk at his Mom's house while we waited for my Mom to come get me. Robert would say: " That was good, I think we'd better have another". So we would. I still like toast and honey with milk.

    One time Wade (or Lyle) took us out North to pick rocks and after we got done we went swimming in one of the hot pools he knew about out there. I think it was swimming - or maybe it was more like skinny dipping. It didn't matter though, there was no one but us for miles around. It was great fun - and a great memory. I've never been back there since.

    My best memory was when we were 17 at the Quality Inn in Pocatello. We were there with the Pops to sing for a Future Homemakers of America (FHA) covention. I think there were about 1000 girls. Robert, Todd Summers, and I noticed the Pool was empty, so we climbed inside and started jumping over the water left over in the deep end. Mrs A saw us and had a conniption and told us to get out before we all got wet. We crawled out on the opposite side and as we left the pool Robert just couldn't walk away without saying something back to Mrs A. Well, as he was walking at talking back and looking over his left shoulder at her he couldn't see where he was headed. He took a few steps and fell smack into the jacuzzi, which was still full of water. His eyes were as big as saucers and he back-peddled as hard he could but it didn't help - he went right in up to his neck. His brand new brown corduroy suit was soaked - every body howled and Mrs A threw her books down and went stomping off. They laughed until they cried. Poor Robert went out back and stood on a pallet and tried to drip dry. Eventually we had to go in and sing for the girls. I think there were a few comments about one in the back that was dripping. It's a great memory I'll never forget - Mrs A's plan backfired on her. It was poetic justice. Every time I drive past the Quality Inn sitting there on the Pocatello Creek exit I have to smile.

    I wanted you to know some the good memories I have of Robert. I would love to have lived in Soda, but I’ve ended up in Boise. I for sure would have gone riding with him. I ran into him gassing up the sleds at the new Maverik a while back. You guys were going riding. We visited for a minute and he asked my if I was getting wealthy. I don't know how I responded, but I can you you're wealthy beyond measure if you have good friends, a temple marriage, a family, and the Gospel. You and Robert have all the basis covered.

    May God Bless you - we'll keep you in our prayers.

    Don Curtis

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  22. Everyone at Rolf & Goffman (we work with Lyle) would like to express our sympathy for your loss. We have made a donation under the name Aric Martin, but it comes from our firm.

    After reviewing your memorial website, it is clear that Robert enjoyed the life given to him, and that he was blessed by a loving family and friends.Our thoughts and our prayers are with you all.

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  23. I will always remember him, especially his sense of humor! He was always teasing mom, and us girls! I will always remember the friendship that my parents have with Robert and Sue! My thoughts and prayers are with you always. You will always be loved.

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  24. So many wonderful things were said about Robert today at the service. I will add my thoughts...
    Rarely do you find a couple that enjoy each other as much as Robert and Sue did. It was always "Robert and I will do that, or Robert and I are going somewhere". You rarely saw one without the other. They worked together, from blowing up gophers to making cement floors with style and class. It was always a partnership. They helped lay the hardwood floor in my dance studio. They helped my kids move. Robert teased about how many times he had moved Mandy's many bags of rice, beans, and wheat in her food storage, but always had a smile and willing heart.
    They ran together. Sometimes just the two of them - plus Tibbie. Sometimes with the girls, and often with the entire SSHS Xcountry team. So many kids were influenced and encouraged to be better and fulfill their potential by this couple.
    They played hard together. We enjoyed many trips to Bear Lake with them. Those weeks were filled with fun food, water skiing, volleyball, laying in lawn chairs, and alot of teasing and laughing.
    Our family game nights are all memorable. Robert walking in with his mug and a smile. Always the life of the party and ever the comedian. He and Sue played off of each other telling stories until we laughed until tears ran down our faces.
    He loved our kids and they loved him in return. He took them all for snow machine rides this past Christmas that they will always remember. Saxton said that knowing that he was gone 'hurt in his heart'. We all understand that hurt.
    He was an amazing husband. But watching him be a father to 3 girls was a treasure. He had a very tender heart when it came to his girls. Even to the point that he would be angry if any of his friends seem to favor their sons over their daughters. He was always defensive of situations involving girls where they had been taken advantage of by boys. He sometimes had angry words with coworkers defending young women. All of these feelings came from loving his own daughters so very much. He teased them, played with them, and adored them. He leaves a big hole in their hearts.
    To his parents - I can't imagine your loss. Losing a son that was such a bright spot must be davastating. You raised a wonderful man, and you have our deepest sympathy.
    The world lost an amazing man on Friday. His shoes can never be filled. We can only hope to follow his example and be more like him and bring joy and love to those around us.
    To my sweet friend, Sue. I love you and the girls. I know the void he leaves in your life is devastating, but I will be there for you with all I have. You and the girls are amazing and we need you all in our lives. May God bless you!!!

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  25. I was one of Roberts missionary companions in England. What great memories I have of seving with him. We were in the small town of Lowestoft together and Robert had only been in the country a couple of weeks. Late one night we were riding our bikes home through thick fog. Robert, not quite used to cars being on the wrong side of road, accidentally cut off a couple of cars as they were coming into a roundabout. They honked and cussed but continued around the roundabout. About the time they got to the other side they must have decided it would be fun to chase down a couple of mormons. Both cars stopped and about eight or ten guys bailed out and headed for us on foot. We put the pedals to metal so to speak and headed off into the fog. They weren't very hard to outrun on bikes, and from the way the were running I'm sure they'd been down to the pub doing thier own version of getting "full of the spirits". We had good laugh about that after we got some distance between us and them. Robert was good man and good missionary, he taught me a lot about determination and duty and honor. It was a privilege to serve with him. I wish we could've stayed in closer contact through the years. He spoke so highly of his family then, and I can see why now. I was fortunate to attend his funeral services today, What an incredible family and community. Once again after so many years, I came away a better man for having know Robert Clark.

    Dave Ovard

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  26. I have such a love for Robert and all of you. We love you and we will be there for you in the many hard days ahead. Thanks for allowing us to be apart of your lives and share in the life of such an incredible man, father, husband, and friend. We love you.

    Greg, Lisa and the kids

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  27. From Goob,
    Robert truly was the human Prozac. I have never known anyone who could make even the darkest day seem ok with just one of his looks or silly comments. Although it didn't always contribute to our grades in class or getting us the best jobs at work we had a blast together none the less. I was reminded at Robert's funeral that we all leave some thing behind. Some end up in history books or on monuments, but others like Robert leave a mark the hearts of all those they have touched. I was so impressed with all the people that truely loved him and cared about him just like I did. Listening to Wade also reminded me to call my big brother to let him know how much I love and care about him as soon as I left. I can't help but smile whenever I think of how many times I heard the same jokes but laughed just as hard as I did the first time that I heard them. For example: The elderly lady that told her doctor how she was amazed that she no longer made noise or smelled bad when she passed gas. The doctor sent her home with a prescription and told her to come back the next week. On her return she said whoa doc, I don't know what was in that prescription but my gas smells terrible. The doctor says good now this week we will work on your hearing...Life like a good joke is all about delivery, and Robert really did deliver on both accounts.

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  28. Sue,Kaycie,Quincie and Sydnie,
    Wow what a week! Over the past few days I've been thinking alot of the memories our families have shared. One of my earliest memories is when my sister brought home my future brother-in-law from Ricks Collage. I was thrilled to have such a fun and outgoing new brother. As time went by I found myself living with Sue and Robert at a difficult time. Robert was the best baby sitter Ty could have ever had. He would take Ty in the big grain trucks and would put him in the sleeper where he would be safe. One time,
    Robert had left Ty in the sleeper and had come back to check on him and could not find him, but could hear him somewhere in the truck. Robert searched the sleeper only to find Ty stuck down between the mattress and the side of the sleeper covered in sweat and grain chaff.

    Boy, the hikes, the bike rides and the boating at Bear Lake when I would come to visit were some of the best times remembered. The Family outings at Brownlee will always be some of my most favorite times. The boating, the singing, the swimming, the sking, the tubing and how about that 'Sisterly Love Competion'. SLC was
    the way that Robert would get all of us girls to go just a little bit farther each time we would either ski or tube. He would tell the last one off that the previous one had gone alot farther and surly they were'nt going to let them beat them. He sure could get us wore out.

    Robert alway made Ty,Tanner,Lexcie and Trayce feel Special, whether it was cheering them on watersking, showing their animals at the fair or at a cross country meet. Robert made a great example for my family. I will always love and cherish Robert for helping me see the path I needed to take with my life.

    I will ALWAYS LOVE the Robert Clark Family.
    LOVE, Jenny

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  29. Sue,

    You don't know me, but your father, Casey&Patty, Jennifer&Bruce and their kids are
    like family to us. They move our cattle for us,
    and are so kind as to brand for us as we are
    short of "cowboys". My father, mother and myself (Harlan, Ingrid, and Craig Crawford)
    extend our deepest condolences, and prayers
    of comfort, peace and healing through God's infinite grace and love, for you and your girls.

    Sincerely, Craig

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  30. I will always remember the time that Uncle
    Robert held me on his lap on the tube and we would spray Ty and Tanner on the other tube. He was also the greatest at helping us younger kids at getting started sking on the horse shoe. I do love him and will miss him.
    I love you guys, Trayce

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  31. When I think of Robert I think of a smiles, jokes, and laughter.. He always made life so much fun.

    Whether it was spending time at Bear Lake or helping with dance recitals, laughter abounded.

    You are both such great parents and have raised such wonderful daughters. Coming from a house full of girls and having a house full of girls, I know how fun girls are to have around.

    You all are such a special part of Suzie's family, helping with dance recitals, tending Tiffany's kids, and much, much more.

    You and Rober have put countless hours into the Teen Center that is a benefit to all of Soda Springs. Robert's help with the track team. You have certainly made the world a better place

    I look forward to sitting in the warm sunshine with you at the lake this summer.

    Hugs and much love,

    Earlene

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  32. I had to write a poem in school and i wanted to do it about robert. this is cody carlson by the way.

    ROBERT M. CLARK

    His name was Robert Clark
    Who sparked the world with joy
    He will be remember, that old Clark
    His personality was defininitley not dark
    Hark! Hark! That was Clark
    He might have been a nark, when he barked
    But. Hey! That was Clark
    Clark had many remarks good and bad
    Sometimes it might have made you sad
    He set out on many larks
    Maybe to an amusement park
    He was never acted like a stark, he was Clark
    I always loved to embark on a trip to see Clark
    When I think of old Clark, I think of an exclamation mark
    That was Clark!
    He was an electrical quark
    After all that has happened to that wonderful Clark
    I think of the things that Clark did for me and everyone else
    Whether it be a good joke or a touch of asperity
    I loved Clark
    He left a mark
    On my heart
    That old Clark!

    -Cody Carlson

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  33. Dear Sue, Quince, Kaycie, and Sydney,
    These past few weeks have been the rockiest and most emotional weeks of Cody and my life. After this tragic event we have been sharing all of the fond memories we have had with Robert. He was a mentor, friend, and dear family member. Robert has taught Cody and I to water ski, tube, boat, and run. Not to mention the help he gave us in life. Robert helped aspire Cody and I to try new things and grab life by the horns. I can remember when Cody and Quincie got lost for an hour or so in the forest. When you guys found him he was outraged. In rage he grabbed the huckleberry basket from Quincie and forced a rather large and peculiar looking berry into his mouth shouting, "Ew, this isn't even a huckleberry...What is it?!" Another memory was this last October, when Cody and I went up to Soda for a short weekend trip. We were out for a run and we're humiliated when Robert lapped Sue, Cody, and myself multiple times, but with the support from Robert we finally finished the run. My fondest memory was last trip as well. Kaycie, Cody, and I were in the living room watching tv. Robert had gotten up to grab a diet coke out of the fridge when a fruit bowl fell from the upper shelf of the refridgerator and landed on Robert's foot. We learned a few words that night! With rage Robert came back into the living room, with his frustration at the end of his sleave, Robert let out his steam on Kaycie. Oh what seemed like 20 minutes went by and Robert announced he wanted some food. Robert opened the fridge and yet again the fruit bowl landed on his foot. We all coudn't help, but giggle. What was special about Robert was his devotion and love he had for Sue, and the girls. They were truly a family. Robert always welcomed us into his home willingly and graciously. He was family man.
    Love,
    Holly and Cody Carlson

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  34. He was pure magic! He was the person we would all watch with avid interest as he told a story or a joke. He lifted everyone around him, and I don't have a single negative memory.
    After attending his viewing, Brinley (my daughter) cried in her bed: "What are we going to do without Uncle Robert? He was the funny one!". Saxton wept for days at his loss-- I think because in each interaction he'd had with him, he had felt love. We all are so very sad to think of those beautiful girls without their man...it's just plain not fair.
    I am so so grateful to have known him. He makes me want to do all I can to create great family memories.
    We love you, Sue and the girls! Remember we are here for you!
    Love, Tiff

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  35. The Mendenhall family will always remember the family trips to Lake Mead, Lake Powell, and Mohave and even Brownly with very fond memories of Robert. We just feel so fortunate to have shared so many great times with great people. Robert will always be remembered as the life of the party. The boys just loved Robert and the time he spent helping them learn how to water ski. He just had the ability to make each one of them feel special in his own little way. Like the personal touch he put on the little songs he would make up about each one of them when he would break out the guitar and sing on the beach. Darik and Kellan have both taught themselves to play the guitar, as a result of Roberts influence. You guys were with us when we purchased our boat what a fun day. That was just the beginning of so many great times shared with the Clarks on the water. It really did change our lives.
    We remember that time at the Sandy Beach on Lake Mead when Robert was racing down the sand mountain with the intentions of diving into the lake. His body couldn’t catch up to his legs at the bottom and he decided to dive. He came out a little short, face planting in full dive position a few feet from the waters edge. That was hysterical. Todd remembers pulling Robert skiing and Sue recording an epic event, But Todd thinks there was something missing and only Sue knows what.

    The Clark family is very special and we feel so blessed to have you as some of our most cherished friends.

    We are so very sad for your loss. Robert was truly a great man.

    Todd, Kim, Darik, Kellan, and Zach

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  36. Whenever Robert ever borrowed something he always returned it in the same shape or better. If he borrowed our car it was always full of gas when he returned it-even if it wasn't when he got it. He always took our kids boating, camping etc. and was there whenever Wade needed him. I never thought of him as a brother-in-law, just as our brother and Wade's best friend. Pam

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  37. Robert was…I don’t even know how to begin or end because he was so much to all of us. He always made me laugh. The one that stands out the most is at the Clark Family Christmas Party. I had already laughed so hard because of the chicken dance, I didn’t think I could laugh anymore, but then came the song. The song that year was “Christmas Party at the Clarks today” done to the tune of “R-O-C-K in the USA.” I laughed until my cheeks hurt. I happened to here that song over the loud speakers the other day. I didn’t recognize it until the chorus. A tear came to my eye and a smile across my face. I thought; leave it to Robert to make me cry through a rock song. I am very glad Robert left me with a great memory.
    Robert also taught me how to waterski. I wouldn’t be the skier I am today without his help. I never did perfect the beach start, so Sue I need your help with that one. Ty was also helped by Robert when he skied for the first time. He was only 2, but he wanted to do it. After Robert had pulled him around the lake, I started to pull him in and pulled the ski right out from under him. Ty started to panic but Robert was right there with words of encouragement… “You’re a cool dude!” and “You are the ski king!” After that everything was ok and he (4 years old) still loves to ski. Ty loved Robert, when I told Ty once we were going up to see Robert and Sue he got very mad when we did not turn and go to the dam. I’m so glad that he has memories of his uncle Robert.
    Sue, my heart aches for you and the girls. I am truly sorry for your loss and it’s not fair, but I hope that through time and the love that you have surrounding you that you can find comfort. I love you Sue… I love you Kaycie, Quince & Sydney.

    Love, Tonya and Family

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  38. We hope you and the girls are doing well and getting more adjusted to the new life.
    We wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and praying for you too
    Love you
    Scott, Claudia, River & Amanda Schmitt

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  39. Whether you are riding a snow machine for the first time, waterskiing like Frankenstein or jumping off a bridge, Robert was always there helping you supporting you and leading the laughter at your expense for the rest of the family. I experienced all of these activities with the Clark’s. Robert’s patient attitude and inexhaustible enthusiasm for these and many other outdoor events made the family activities a blast. Robert was the Clark family entertainment director; he was good at his job.

    Whether I did these things to “get into” the Clark family or to look good (which I did not) for Patti or to prove my bravery (which I did not do either) I am not sure. I know I participated because it was fun and we were doing it as a family, and because Robert made you feel like you were good at it, what ever it was.

    Robert, Lyle, Wade and Patti are the type of people we all wish we could be. I have always loved and respected them. I know that their strengths come from Marion and Janice.

    During this trying time of Robert’s passing I have witnessed the love that makes people great. The support for each family member from every other family member amazed me. I sat and listened during the funeral those that spoke made Robert shine, for those who may not have known him, as brightly as he does for Sue, his daughters and the rest of the family. I am raised up by the Clarks; they inspire me and accept me. For that I am grateful, for Robert I have memories that will fill the sadness in time. I am better to have known Robert M. Clark He was a man that I would like to be.

    Kurt Norgard

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  40. Sue and girls,

    I have many, many memories of Robert and I think all of them make me smile or laugh. I was very fortunate to spend a lot of time with the Clark family. I don't necessarily remember this event but Robert in the last year had told it to me several times. When Sue and Robert were first married they came up to visit the family in Weiser. Well he was going to the bathroom and the doorknob was broken and off of the door so you could see through it, he said he looked over to see this little eye looking in and saying, “Uncle Robert this is how you open the door!!” And the next thing he knew my finger was unlatching the door. Needless to say he fixed the door that day.

    Another memory was on my wedding day, in Crossley tradition the bride is kidnapped and held for ransom. After Keith and mines first dance here came Uncle Robert (I thought to dance with me) but no he flung me over his shoulder and took off running and threw me into the get away car. We laughed the whole way.

    I can’t think of two people more in love. You were always catching Sue and Robert kissing in the kitchen while the rest of us were watching TV.

    I have never met a man that could shop like Robert. It doesn’t matter what store you were if there was something for him he loved it. The last time they came to Boise and spent the weekend with us we were out shopping and I swear he spent 30 minutes in the glove aisle, trying on every glove in the store. We played cards that weekend and Quincie and the rest of us learned that you do not hold on to a card that he wants!!!!!
    We love you girls.

    Love, Jessie

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  41. One of our very first memories about Robert and Sue goes back to about 1990. We were living on North 7th East in Soda Springs, and we had new neighbors move into the duplex behind us. We had family over for a summer holiday and we were cooking on the grill out in the back yard. Robert and Sue appeared in their little back yard and we said “Hello there! Have you had lunch?” Up to that point in time, we really didn’t know our new neighbors that well. Our impressions of Robert and Sue were cast when they not only accepted our invitation, but climbed right over the six-foot wooden fence without hesitation! From then on, we were neither bashful with them nor they with us.

    Robert Clark will always be one of our favorite people we will ever have the chance to associate with in this life. No matter where he was, a glint of mischief was always in his eye, a smile on his face, and a ready hand to help regardless of the challenge. His sense of humor livened up any party we had – and we had many! For a couple years straight, every Sunday night seemed to be “game night” for the Clarks, Mendenhalls, Barkers, and Johnsons. Conversations over cards are now cherished memories. Robert always had a story or a question for the group. No subject was ever off limits. We had some pretty funny discussions between rounds of Nerts.

    Starting in 1994 and for many years afterward, we started a multi-family tradition of spending the last week of May or the first week of June at Lake Mead. All of our kids grew up knowing that summer began with our annual trip. One year we went to Flathead Lake in Montana (which was also fun, but not as warm), another year was at Lake Powell, and another at Lake Mojave. WE LOVED THOSE TRIPS!!! We really learned to love and depend on each other as friends while on those beautiful lakes. Some days, when the sun was hot and the wind was calm, all it took to build our relationships was handing over a cold Diet Coke from the cooler to the person in the next beach chair. Our attachment to these friends was solidified on the stormy nights when it took all of our combined strength to move the fifty-foot houseboat back into a safe position after the wind and the waves had pulled up her stakes while the children slept. We even helped other folks with similar situations. Sandy Point tells many tales. Each evening on the houseboat, Robert would make up songs from our daily activities. Two songs that made us all roll on the floor were “Dung Beetles in the Sand” and “Moki and His English Gal”. What a hoot! He had great wit. (A short example of his talents are posted at gallery.me.com/mchasej/)

    I'm pretty sure Robert and Sue were coaching us one day in 1996 when we decided to purchase two new Polaris snow machines so we could go with them to places like Sherman Peak and Caribou Mountain. We saw the spectacular beauty of those places that we never would have seen, had it not been for our great friends who led us there. Even though our love affair with sleds was short-lived, we had tons of fun and always felt we were with an “expert” when we were snowmobiling with Robert. He knew everything.

    We watched as Robert and Sue brought their children into the family. For a guy who was a true “boy”, it was kind of poetic justice that Robert would sire a “house full of girls”. But we all know that Robert liked it that way. He loved those little girls to the degree that if they needed to be treated like boys, then he did! No special treatment when they had to buck-up. As Kaycie, Quincie, and Sydnie grew a few years older, we noticed Robert’s love for his girls also mature. He loved to watch them, tease them, and defend them. He was so very proud that they were his girls.

    Robert’s love for his wife, Sue, was really unequalled. “Robert-n-Sue” or “Sue-n-Robert”; it really didn’t matter. They were synonymous; partners in the true sense. More than once they would drag up together late at night, having cleaned grain at some remote location together. Dirty faces and bone-tired, smiling and joking about their accomplishment. They worked hard and played hard. Sue’s love for making “one more run” around Alexander Reservoir was matched by Robert’s love of driving the boat and pulling her until her arms and legs were rubber. More than once, they ran out of gas getting in that last run. Through the years, we watched them bicker like normal married folk and Robert occasionally “threw himself”, but none of us ever doubted that he loved her. Robert’s love was fierce and tender.

    We sorrow that we cannot be with him any more in this life. However, we were privileged to know him here and we will take pieces of him with us throughout our lives while we tarry.

    We love you and miss you Robert Clark. – Monty and Lisa Johnson

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  42. Robert's sincere heart has always touched me and my family.

    He always had time for you it didn't matter if he had a million other things to do he would make time.

    I will have to say that I have never seen him more nervous than when he helped me move during my divorce. Sue and I was loading stuff as fast as we could, Robert did a lot of pacing. It was the funniest thing!

    When Robert and Sue started bike riding I will always remember going to Lava and picking them up as they biked from Soda to Lava the back way. They were tired but better yet they were so energized from the accomplishment!

    My Husband will always be greatful for his sincere welcome to him everytime we visited Soda Springs.

    Dee said he can always remember Robert pulling him and girls around and around in the back yard on the sleds when they were little and the many times Robert tried to talk him into water sikking, never did get him talked into it but he did get him on the tube and I think he wished he would of chosen to ski!

    Robert was the true example of having fun, loving his family and serving his friends.

    Melody & Russ Davis
    Dee Hunsaker

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