CALAIS – Robert Vaughn Clark, 88, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Calais Regional Hospital. Robert was born Aug. 24, 1921, in Debec, New Brunswick, son of the late William and Avis (Gass) Clark. He graduated from Madawaska Training School, Class of 1940, and attended the University of Maine, Orono, for two years, until he was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served as a radio operator in World War II with the 132nd Army Airways Communication System Squadron in Azores, Casablanca, Algiers, Italy, Corsica and France. While in the Army, he married Wilmagene Ramsay, Nov. 3, 1943, in Leavenworth, Kan. Bob returned home to Maine and continued his education in Orono, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a minor in business in 1950. He was hired at Denny’s River Electric, now known as Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative, where he served as the first general manager. Bob retired in 1984 with more than 30 years of service. He loved to stay active in the community and was a member of many organizations, including the Rotary for more than 50 years, serving as president from 1964 to 1965; Calais Federal Savings Board of Directors; Calais City Council and Planning Board; Calais Chamber of Commerce, where he was a past president; trustee for First Congregational Church, Calais; NRECA – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where he was the director for 24 years; Washington County Vocational Technical College Advisory Board; Northeast Public Power Association, where he was a past president; Gov. Reed’s Passamaquoddy Tidal Power Committee; Mark Maine Committee for Gov. Curtis; and he was named the 1981 Northeast Regional Power Conference Man of the Year. Robert enjoyed photography, boating, fishing, gardening, woodworking, golfing and spending time at their camp in Robbinston. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a brother, William Clark and his wife, Mary. Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Wilmagene Clark; two daughters, Carol Ann Smythe and her husband, Walter “Pete,” of Standish and Sherry Gene Pierce and her husband, Richard, of Oakland; four grandchildren, Shannon Gorman and her husband, Christopher, of Windham, Derek Smythe of Philadelphia, Nathan Pierce and his wife, Jody, of Winthrop and Benjamin Pierce of Vassalboro; four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Kayla and Dylan Gorman and Alexander Pierce; a brother, Douglas Clark and his wife, Margaret, of Meadow Vista, Calif.; many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. Burial will be afterward at Calais Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to First Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 21 Calais Ave., Calais, ME 04619 or Calais Regional Hospital, 24 Hospital Lane, Calais, ME 04619. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
ROBERT V. CLARK
