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1922 - 2010
Age: 88
CLARK, John Jefferson
Marcellus
Formerly of Paw Paw
John, a gentle giant from Kalamazoo passed away Thursday morning, March 18, 2010 at the Kairos Dwelling Home in Kalamazoo. He was born December 30, 1922 in Shrewsbury, MA the son of the late John G. and Addie Mae (Jefferson) Clark. John was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving as a Torpedoman on the Destroyer Gregory in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. During the war he married Clara Nell Clark Nov. 7 1943 of Daytona Beach, FL and they were married 40 years. They enjoyed the First United Methodist Church and Dance club together. John started the Oakwood Little League Baseball Program and was one of the umpires. He obtained his D.V.M. degree at the University of Georgia in 1953 and did his Research Fellowship and Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, 1953-1957. He was a veterinary pathologist with a distinguished 45 years in pre-clinical research with The Upjohn Company (TUC) and Pharmacia/Upjohn Co. before his retirement in 2002. He received the Upjohn Award for Small Animal Medicine in 1957. During his career he conducted on-going surgical technique workshops for Bronson Hospital physicians, as well as a spokes person introducing veterinary medicine as a career option to local elementary, middle and high schools. He proudly served on TUCs Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that over saw ethical standards and enforces Federal laws in research. Pfizer Inc., continues to honor him annually by presenting The John J Clark Veterinary Animal Technician Award to recognize employees upholding Dr. Clarks highest standards of animal care. He was passionate about wilderness adventures: canoeing, kayaking, organizing white water raft trips down the Youghioghany River, Rio Grande, lower Colorado, and the New in Arizona. He floated the Nile and returned several times to Mexico & Alaska in fascination. He was a skilled leather craftsman and his Civil War Reading Group buddies deeply inspired him. Surviving are his daughter, Kimberly Clark of Texas Corners; 2 sons, John (Karen) Clark II of Kalamazoo and Jay (Jane) Clark of Decatur; 3 grandsons, John (Stephaney) Clark III of Kalamazoo, Jared Clark and Mitchell Clark and 2 great granddaughters, Haven and Haily Clark all of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Nell Clark and a sister, Virginia (Thomas) Sawa. Family will receive friends for visitation Tuesday between 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where funeral services will be held Tuesday the 23rd, 2 p.m. following the visitation. Interment will follow in Charleston Cemetery (18500) Dewey Lake Road) in Volinia Township with military honors. Memorial contribution suggestions are to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Humane Society or WorldVision.org to donate a goat/chicken to help sustain 3rd world villages |
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There are currently 16 condolences.
Yashdeep Kumar
Sunday May 23, 2010 at
12:24 AM
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To: Clark Family
It is with great grief I read about the peaceful demise of my friend John. I now live in India. The time spent with him canoeing in Michigan was priceless and one of my most fond memories of my time there. May god give him peace and he will remain an inspiration to me. Regards, Yashdeep
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JoAnn Scott
Tuesday March 30, 2010 at
9:00 AM
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I had the honor and pleasure to be John's first secretary when he was made the manager of Lab Animal Medicine in 1978! Dr. John carried all his papers in his pockets, assigning animal rooms on the fly. He had a special touch with animals, big or small. I remember his old van always was filled with an array of instruments, medicines and bandages, etc.,ready in case he was needed at the farm. He was such an easy going guy with a good heart, a great sense of humor and a willingness to help anyone who asked. He never quit learning, whether it was canoeing, motorcycles or leatherwork, but computers always frustrated him. He used to say the reason computers were placed by the window so it was handy to throw them out! John Clark was truly one of a kind and I am proud to have known him and to say he was always a good friend to me. I am sorry to have missed his funeral as I am in Florida until mid-April. Sincerely, JoAnn
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Erik Larsen
Wednesday March 24, 2010 at
1:55 PM
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Kim and family I was very sorry to hear of John's passing; though I greatly relish the many memories shared of him and his life. He lived it to the fullest. Many great stories of the times spent together in old Building 17 from goat urine coming down the walls when water overflowed on 3rd floor to the time Jack Gray threatened to line the corridor with rabbit cages if John could not get us a room and all the characters in Animal care.
A good life with great memories and friends.
God Bless
Erik
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Judy Campbell
Tuesday March 23, 2010 at
10:49 AM
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We shed tears at his loss but celebrate his life. He was one of the best veterinarians because the animals all responded to him whether pet size or horse size. He cared about all of them. He taught all of us and always answered our thousand questions. We envied him his adventures and knew most of us could not have kept up. Take care John!
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Dottie Sutter
Monday March 22, 2010 at
6:03 PM
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I don't have to tell you what a wonderful dad you had and how lucky I was to know,learn and work with him. Whenever my animals were sick or I was having problems with a procedure, it was John to the rescue. I send you my thought and prayers.
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Sharon Mensch
Monday March 22, 2010 at
5:25 PM
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What a great man. John interviewed me for my job at Upjohns. He was a gentle giant. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Deb Baird
Monday March 22, 2010 at
3:34 PM
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I was saddened to learn of Johns passing. I worked with Dr.John at the Upjohn farms for years, and he always made me smile. He sure enjoyed people, animals and lived life to its fullest! My thoughts are with his family during this time of sadness.
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garry degraaf
gldegraaf@yahoo.com
Monday March 22, 2010 at
1:56 PM
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dear Kim and the rest of the clark family; I was supprized and saddened on reading of John' passing but it also brought back some very fond memories of our interactions at TUC. he was one of my favorite people not only there but of all time. his knowledge of animal care was a constant resource for all of us that interacted with him. in addition to his endless knowledge and experiences his friendship and kindness are something i will always remember and be grateful for. i wish i could be there in person but i have to be in chicago tues and wed. i hope you are all coping well. he led a very long and exciting life and we will all miss him....love,garry
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Madeline Cimini
Monday March 22, 2010 at
10:51 AM
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It was an honor working with John, and he was a wonderful mentor to me when I was appointed to the IACUC. He was generous, genuine, charming, knowledgeable, patient, and oh so full of life. He was the proverbial "one in a million" and I am so fortunate that our paths crossed. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the visitation or service, but I send my deepest sympathy to his loved ones.
The Wizard of Oz and Lennon and McCartney knew that what really matters in life is not how much we love, but by how much we are loved. Rest well, John.
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Bob Rush
Sunday March 21, 2010 at
9:23 PM
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John Clark was a man of great quality and one of the nicest people that I have had the pleasure of meeting. John was so helpful to me when I first came to Upjohn. He was always willing to give generously of his time and knowledge whenever he was asked. I am greatful that I was able to get to know him. Definitely an example of a life well lived.
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Cleo Lancaster
Sunday March 21, 2010 at
8:40 PM
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I worked with John on many research projects and as a member of IACUC starting in 1971 at the Upjohn Company until his retirement. He was brilliant, tenacious and kind. I offer my heart felt condolences to his family.
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Paula Locker (nee Kane)
Sunday March 21, 2010 at
1:32 PM
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I had the privelege to work with John while at the Upjohn Company. His kind and gentle manner and his advocate role for animals used in research will long be remembered.. by many. My prayers are with his family.
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Kelsey Hovey
Sunday March 21, 2010 at
12:29 PM
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I work at White Oaks, where John stayed until his death. I was very impressed with his obituary and never realized he had such a strong passion for animals. He was a very gentle and kind man when I worked with him. My thoughts go out to his family. I'll definitely miss taking care of John and always saying hi to him when I went by his room.
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Deb Barrett
Saturday March 20, 2010 at
11:04 PM
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Dr.John hired me from the high school co-op program at Upjohn when I graduated in 1974! I had always had a passion for all animals, and wanted to work with them. He helped me with the AALAS testing and always made sure that I looked at all sides of any critter's dilemma! When I decided to switch careers, he told me I'd regret it - and he was right! I will never forget him, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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Cindy Hoorn
Saturday March 20, 2010 at
6:05 PM
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I worked with John during the 'Pharmacia' phase of TUC history, as a fellow veterinarian and IACUC member - so many great (and often funny) memories! My last memory of John was from when I saw him at the 2009 Tech Day luncheon at Pfizer where he was the guest of honor, on hand to present the John J. Clark Animal Care Award. He was so evidently delighted to be there, and when people would say, "John, it's so good to see you!" he would respond, "It's good to be seen!" He was a very kind, gentle man and I'm so glad I was able to know him and work with him. He will be missed...
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Nancy Pochron and John Weir
Saturday March 20, 2010 at
11:56 AM
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Dr. Clark was part of our extended family (our Stephanie is John III's wife). We always enjoyed our annual Thanksgiving get together at Steph and Jeff's. Dr. Clark's accomplishments at Upjohn are world renown. John and I want the Clark Family to know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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