Tom B. Clark, 64

Tom B. Clark, a machinist, woodworker, motorcyclist, outdoorsman and 20-year resident of Clark Fork, Idaho, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2010, with family in Oregon after a brief battle with cancer. He was 64.

Tom was born on July 22, 1945, in Inglewood, Calif., to Corley and Jean (Walker) Clark. He spent his early years in San Lorenzo, Calif., where he learned to be an adventurer: his family did a lot of camping, hiking, hunting and fishing in the California mountains.

The family would take frequent trips on his Dad’s airplane, often visiting other family members at various locations.

Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965 and had many stories about his tour in Germany. He spent a number of years in Sonoma, Calif., working as a machinist, telephone cable splicer and woodworker.

In 1992, Tom moved to Clark Fork, where he fulfilled his lifelong dream of building his own cabin on his own property.

Tom’s family remembers him as a happy child who always had a lot of friends, a lot of fun and one who couldn’t resist an opportunity for a good teasing!

Tom’s friends in his later years remember his zest for life, his sense of humor and his easy way of enjoying life. He loved music and could play a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano and especially a selection of harmonicas that he was not reluctant to bring out to add spice to any musical occasion.

Tom also had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles which began as a young man. He was often seen driving around Idaho and Montana on his classic Harley or on his other bike sporting a sidecar. His dogs, Blue Heelers, were his close friends and frequent companions on these tours on nature’s highways.

Tom’s other passions included cooking and brewing. Friends lucky enough to receive a bottle of his rewards considered  him to be a master wine maker. (His beer was pretty good, too.)

Tom Clark leaves behind his parents, Corley and Jean Clark of San Lorenzo, Calif., a sister, Ginger Zuppan of Oregon; a nephew, Ken, and a niece, Jennifer of Oregon.

When a friend or relative passes on, we all feel sad when we lose a loved one and look back and remember a smile, a look, or a laugh. With Tom Clark, his friends are also blessed because he made our lives a little richer.

A gathering in celebration of Tom’s life will be held in Clark Fork on a date to be announced.