Robert Clark, 82

Robert’s life is best described by periods in time shared with others.

Born during the humble depression, he shared a generational home of time-worn living items with his twin sister and a second set of twin sisters.

Robert developed into a young man who appreciated learning and working with others, thus earning his education.

He first began working with children, tutoring and customer service employment. Later he began more physically challenging service at railroad yards, national park road construction and forest fire fighting.

Time-worn school items put to en-betterment use created, among academic achievements, a proficient musician who shared his love for music with others and became a chosen soloist for a Montana Symphony production.

Robert’s time background was totally a sharing experience. He was active in early Lutheran education, Luther League basketball, skating and ice hockey games, which expanded to skiing, racketball, social dancing, Lutheran choir/administrative committees.

Robert’s service period began after graduation from the University of Montana Math/Sciences, when he joined the United States Navy.

During the span of four years, he began first as a medical corpsman, second a commissioned officer, next graduate of the Air Technical Training Academy and last NTDS Air Intercept Control Supervisor.

He had achieved the highest civilian educational level and served as a commissioned officer on the USS Chicago, which awarded him 1. National Defense Medal, 2. Vietnam Service Medal, 3. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Robert’s continuum in time became a period of pride by achieving his goals and sharing unconditional love with his children.

The pinnacle of Robert’s was becoming a publish PhD of Organic Chemistry, but true joy came from celebrating students’ achievements, then coming home to his children at the small family farm in Kentucky.

Eventually, he returned to Coeur d’Alene and began a new period.

Six years prior to Y2K New Year, the period of time shared together suddenly took wing. Robert’s tenure with NIC students was paramount, while the beautiful Northwest expanded his athletic and photographic skill.

Robert explored education, history and traditions in China, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and across the United States to spend precious retirement years photographing and sharing in his grandchildren’s early lives.

The last seven years of Robert’s life can only be described as a period in which time stood still. The moments he had shared with others close to him have become memories that have left loved ones with a shortened period of a brilliant, curious, humble young boy who made the most of life’s struggles to become a gentleman with an enormous love for children.

On New Year’s Day 2022, time stopped for Robert and he succumbed to Alzheimer’s, finally giving what he had shared with others his entire life: mind, body, loving spirit.

Robert Lee Clark was born Nov. 5, 1939, in Chariton, Iowa, and died Jan. 1, 2022, in Gallatin, Tenn., surrounded by his children.

He is survived by his wife, Gerda Chapman, his children Matthew (Angel), Nathan and Sushannah (Stephen), his stepson Jason (Sean) Chapman and the mother of his children, Carol Parkey.

He also leaves behind his grandchildren Lawren, Jared, Sam, Maggie, Olivia, Houston, Orion and Liam. He is predeceased by his father Francis R. “Jack” Clark, mom Katherine, twin sister Sally Miller and sister Barbara Benner. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Lambrecht and 13 nieces and nephews.

He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.

While it’s impossible to sum up a person’s life in just a few paragraphs, the most important aspect of Bob’s life was that he was loved by many and returned that love. He will be remembered for his kindness, warmth and wonderful sense of humor.