Kenneth W. “Kenneth "Captain Casey" Clark ” Clark

January 2nd, 1938 - September 6th, 2020

Kenneth 's Memory Wall

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Hello. My condolences to the entire Clark family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Clark was in my thoughts just recently. He had made a lasting impression as a teacher while attending Coloma HS (class of 78). I'm currently a BSA Scoutmaster living on the east coast and while on a hike with our Troop recently we started talking about favorite teachers and I immediately thought of Mr. Clark. I shared some stories about things we did in his classroom (taxidermy) and watching him test the action of his homemade lures in a large fish tank at lunchtime. He was also the 'sponsor' of our Outdoors Club (I think that's what we called it) - basically an excuse to raise money at school and spend it on outdoor activities like shooting clays off the bluff of Lake Michigan. It's funny, sorry, not really funny, but interesting to learn that Mr. Clark was an Eagle Scout. I kind of wish I'd known that as a kid, but it makes sense in hindsight knowing what kind of person he was, and the positive influence he had on many of us. My deepest sympathies for your loss. Regards, Barry Baugher

Barry Baugher

September 15th, 2020 at 1:11pm

To Alice Clark and family: I had the distinct privilege to be a colleague for many years at Coloma High School with Casey. His knowledge of the sciences and the effect they had on future medical students was indeed a joy to behold. His courses were some of the hardest , most informational and interesting,. My son John Thomas was a member of his basketball team and also a fishing buddy. He respected Casey as a man of high intelligence and leadership with his team.. I just lost my husband Andy a year ago and so I am very sad to hear that you have lost yours. Alice I miss your smiling face at the bank and I will remember you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Joyce Thomas

September 11th, 2020 at 12:54am

Mr. Clark was one of my favorite teachers, one that made a profound impact on my high school experience and how I viewed science. There was nothing stodgy about his advanced biology class; I mean, who else would make stuffing a fish (and a duck in my case) part of the classroom experience. I can still see him using the scalpel to point out a muscle or nerve or organ on our very pungent dissection specimens (many of you will remember that smell and how Casey put Vick’s or something similar in his nose to mask the smell). He had a wry sense of humor, and I think his students often amused him or exasperated him. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family. Thanks for sharing your husband and father with the rest of us. Cindy (Clark) Bogner - Class of ‘83

Cindy Bogner

September 10th, 2020 at 1:50pm

Casey was the best teacher in Coloma schools. I took all of his classes and was known as his teachers pet. When we had to prick our finger for blood typing I passed out. What a shock to wake up to all your classmates and Casey trying to get you to come around. We never forgot that and always had a great laugh about it. I still have my fish hanging up in my basement from taxidermy class. I'll never forget you Casey. I also had the pleasure of knowing Cat and Jim so sorry for your loss your family is in our prayers. Sincerely JoAnn (Schroeder) Ertman class of 1988

joann Ertman

September 10th, 2020 at 1:36pm

I have told so many people over the years about the most impactful high school biology teacher, Casey Clark. I took every class he offered and was motivated to repay the opportunities he gave us by learning every detail. On the cat test, I answered each question drawn, and then he asked me other structures - I said that was not on the list but he told me to reason it out and I did. He inspired curiosity and taught me that there is always more to learn. My family never understood my passion for topics like comparative anatomy so his mentorship meant so much (my mother was not fond of finding the cat in the basement workroom). He inspired me to major in biology in college and go on to earn a Ph.D. in developmental biology. I now teach embryology, a topic he introduced me to, and I think of him often. He also was kind when I was terrible at something, like the B string on the bowling team. His teaching inspired so many and we were lucky to have him. I cannot imagine the loss of those who had him as part of their life every day. He had a gift and he shared it with enthusiasm.