Dick Thompson Clark Together Again Dick Thompson Clark passed away September 9, 2005, at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has been just short of a year since mom left and he was eager to be with her again and start their next 63 + years of adventures. Dad was born December 7, 1922, to William Henry Jr. and Susie Thompson Clark at Trenton, Cache County, Utah. The family later moved to Tyhee, Idaho, which is just 10 miles north of Pocatello, where they started a concrete pipe and culvert company. Dad grew up pouring concrete, however one of his major accomplishments was in music, specifically playing the clarinet and saxophone. Dad played the clarinet throughout his time at Pocatello High School, winning several contests and placing first in many events. Dick was a member of the Pocatello Musicians Union for over 30 years. For the last 35 years or so, dad has turned his considerable musical talent to the electronic keyboards and played for many functions at Salton Sea City (during the winter), but often just for the enjoyment for himself, mom, and family. Dad married his high school sweetheart Dona Beth Cutler on August 15, 1941. When World War II began, dad joined the U.S. Marines and served as a Bandsman and stretcher-bearer and was involved in the major military battles in the South Pacific Islands at Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Later, while signed up for the Marine Corps Reserve, his Division was activated and dad spent almost a year in the Korean War, this time as a Machine Gunner. With dad, it was always "Semper Fidelis" and he was a U.S. Marine to the end. Dad was in construction for many years in Southeast Idaho, both as a carpenter and as an Owner /Contractor, starting out initially with Melvin Johnson to form Clark and Johnson Construction, later moving on to just contracting on his own. In the early 1950s, dad and mom started up a burial vault company and furnished vaults and later headstones to many of the funeral homes and mortuaries in Southern Idaho, finally selling out the company and becoming "Vagabonds of the Road". After living in Pocatello for many years, mom and dad purchased a fifth wheel trailer rig, took the high road and traveled the United States for three years (being the "Vagabonds"), eventually settling in Macks Inn (Island Park) Idaho during the summer and migrating to Salton Sea City, California to become "Snowbirds" in the winter. The years spent at the "Sea" and "Macks" were some of their most enjoyable. Dick is survived by his son, D. Richard of Layton, Utah; his daughter Rochelle (Mike) Saville of South Jordan, Utah; his daughter Rebecca (Becky) Stern of Coos Bay, Oregon; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grand-children, and four great-great-grandchildren. A special note of appreciation to Dick's granddaughter and constant caregiver Hope Saville for the many weeks of dedication, love, and never-ending support. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday. September 15, 2005 at Grace Lutheran Church 9800 South 1815 East in Sandy, Utah. Friends and family may attend a viewing Wednesday, September 14, 2005 from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. at Redwood Memorial Park, 6500 South Redwood Road and one hour before the church service on Thursday. Interment will be at the Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road.
Obituary: Dick Thompson Clark
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