Clarke M. Schumacher

September 25, 1947 ? January 30, 2001

Singer, Actor, Designer, Computer Instructor/Consultant and award winning Director, Clarke Evans died after a short bout with lung cancer and the progress of his HIV disease.

Born in Vandalia IL on September 25, 1947. Clarke was raised in nearby Altamont IL. His parents are Virginia & Forrest Schumacher of Altamont IL and Edward R. Evans, Jr. of Clearwater, FL. He graduated in 1965 from Altamont Community High School and was awarded Salutatorian. He attended the University of Illinois and the Southern Illinois University.

Clarke and his close friend, Roger Edmonson traveled to Seattle in 1969. Clarke took a big risk one night and went for auditions. He then started to act and work as a stage technician and designer in local productions with Michael Brill and his ?The Enchanted Theatre Company? at the Bathhouse Theatre. Clarke had said in a interview with a Reno paper that he ?had know for a very long time that he wanted to be in show business but being from a small town, he doubted the possibility.? Clarke had studied the piano. Played the organ at basketball games at his high school games. He took dance class and did everything possible there was to do musically and theatrically in his small hometown.

In his early days in Seattle, he performed in A Cry of Players, The Masque of Beauty and the Beast, Poe: Master of the Macabre, The Miser and his Caliban in The Tempest is still talked about in the Seattle theatre crowd. He co-wrote The Fool and performed in the Bathhouse production. Clarke also performed in Great Catherine, Oscar Wilde?s Salome, I Can?t Hear the Birds Singing and Let My People Come. Even the masks and props that Clarke created have become theatre collectibles in Seattle.

Later, he joined Greg Thompson?s Follies at the great Music Hall. First as a tech and latter as a touring performer. He performed in ?Follies on Broadway? in Reno, Bermuda and the Playboy Resorts as Harold Hill from The Music Man, the emcee from Cabaret, Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof, and as Pickering from My Fair Lady.

In New York, Clarke graced the Off Broadway stages including The Glines production of Pines ?79 about several gay men who shared a house on Fire Island. He also performed in the workshop productions of The Rise of David Levinsky, Melvin L. Cooperman?s Dispatches from Hell, Progress: A New Muscial Comedy. He ?paid the rent? by word processing. Again, he found a field that he excelled in and soon was teaching word-processing and spreadsheet software at Arthur Anderson and later worked as a consultant for their Manager?s Project.

In 1984, Clarke had a life-changing meeting with the director, Martin Scorsese. It was from Clarke?s performance in Pines ?79 and his willingness to be an openingly gay man and play a gay man that caught the eye of the Scorsese?s people. He was cast as Gay Neighbor #1 in the Joe Minion?s black comedy After Hours starring Griffin Dunne & Patricia Arquette with Teri Garr, Catherine O?Hara, John Heard, Cheech & Chong Richard Cheech Marin &Thomas Chong, Linda Fiorentino and Clarke?s film partner, Gay Neighbor #2, Victor Bumbello.

The following year, Clarke?s other life changing event in New York was meeting his partner of over 15 years, Joel Ewing. They met at an est seminar on ?Relationships?. Thank Maurice! They moved together to Seattle in 1987 where Clarke continued as a consultant to Arthur Andersen. He later worked at Senior Services of Seattle/King County, the temp agencies of Parker Personnel and Woods & Associates and in the last few years with his friend, Becky Sonsalla at Acordia NW as a computer educator. Becky is a friend from The Cry of Players days at the Bathhouse Theatre. He just had the best of times working at Acordia.

During these years in Seattle, he owned his own business: The Perfect Page. He designed logos, letterhead, brochures, and flyers for his Perfect Page Company. He even designed can labels for a brand of fruit pie fillings. While in Hawaii, he designed the logo for the Gay Pride Parade and Festival of 1999.

Clarke would occasionally return to his first love, the theatre. He performed with Kelly Lloyd in State of the Union, Alan Barlow in CLO?s West Coast Premiere of Baker Street, Captain Intrinsic directed by Jerry Lloyd. In Hawaii, Clarke jumped in at the last moment to perform with Gary Anderson in ASATAD?s production of Staircase. He opened the 5th Avenue Theatre?s production of The Music Man singing the first lyrics from the curtain raising number of the first act. He later performed at Village Theatre, for his friend from the Greg Thompson days, Steve Tomkins, in Bells Are Ringing. He so loved singing for David-Edward Hughes and Maggie Stenson Pherson?s, new company, Showtunes: Musicals in Concert. He was in their concert version of Stephen Sondheim?s Any Can Whistle at the new Town Hall. He last public performance was with Jim French?s syndicated radio show, The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

In Hawaii, Lance Bateman, also from the Cry of Players days at the Bathhouse, introduced Clarke to Gary Anderson of the ?All Singing, All Talking & All Dancing? ASATAD Theatre;. Clarke started to direct. On Oahu, Clarke directed The Boys in the Band for ASATAD, Jeffery for Manoa Valley Theatre, Born Yesterday at Diamond Head, Love! Valour! Compassion! for ASATAD, Master Class at Diamond Head Theatre, and Jake?s Women at Manoa Valley Theatre. Each of Clarke?s plays was awarded at least one of the Hawaii State Theatre Council?s Po?okela Awards. Including ?Excellence as Director of a Play? for Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class in the 1997-1998 season and Neil Simon?s Jake?s Women for the 1998-1999 season. The ASATAD?s production of Love! Valour! Compassion!; also won the Best Production Po?okela Award.

In Seattle, Clarke directed ?The Yellow Bench? for the Seattle Fringe Theatre Festival. It is the first act from Melvin I. Cooperman?s Dispatches from Hell. Alan Barlow and Charles Leggett won Best Actor awards with the incredible support of Sharon Galloway and Laura Kenny. He also directed Starry, Starry Night by Tom Orr that starred David-Edward Hughes.

Clarke was preceded in death by his grandparents, his Uncles; Robert Hoffmeister & Paul Schumacher; cousins, Jan Martin and Kevin Hoffmeister; his step-mother, Marge Evans of Clearwater, FL and his partner?s mother, Jeannine A. Beshire. He was met on the Rainbow bridge by our pets: Shawn, the Irish Setter, Mr K, Shawn?s pet cat, K2, Mr K?s daughter, from his youth on the Moundside Farm: his collies and his 4-H calf, Princess,.

Clarke will be mourned. His parents, his brother, sister in law, Kenneth & Sherry, and his nephew, Bradley have expressed their sorrow. His Aunts LaJuanta, Bette, Audrey, Dorothy, Dot, and Ruth; his Uncle Warren; and by his many Schumacher, Hoffmeister and Evans cousins have honored their relationship with Clarke.

His passing has had a deep impact on the lives of his past partners, Tracy Brown and Justin Ferrare. He will be deeply missed by his partner?s family in Ohio, Aunts Ruth & Doris, Aunt & Uncle Linda and Larry and the best of cousins, Shirley, Joyce, Lauri and Laren. His mentor, Michael Brill, has lost a valued student and friend. His ?girls?, Shannon and Freckles, know that their ?Daddy Clarke? does visit them. His partner, Joel Ewing of Seattle is lost without his physical presence.

Joel had the opportunity to meet Clarke?s father, Ed R. Evans, Jr. at the St. Louis airport. Joel drove Ed to Altamont. He had the chance to get to know Ed Evans. Ed Evans flew glider planes on D-Day. He landed this huge glider filled with a troop of solders and a jeep into the farmland behind the lines. His father was the unknown factor of Clarke?s life for so long. Then suddenly they started to communicate and last February Clarke went to say goodbye to Ed?s wife, Marge. That was just a miraculous visit for all of them. Clarke took his framed headshot theatre slang for the photograph that entertainers send to producers and directors and take with them to tryouts. Sometimes this photograph is then published in the program of the show. Marge was so thrilled by Clarke?s visit and talked so much about him. She loved to show his photograph to her visitors. It brought her great joy. We all have had those wonderful simple joys from Clarke. When Ed called Clarke to tell him that his stepmother died, it was a tremendous tender moment in both of their lives. After Clarke?s diagnosis, Ed sent Clarke his photograph that was an empowering moment when Clarke pulled that photograph out of the envelope. Joel now knew where Clarke?s tenderness came from his Pop.

In his hometown of Altamont IL, his parents held a service on Monday Febuary 5th, conducted by the Reverend Pinckey Love of the Altamont Methodist Church. This man so touched on the heart and soul of Clarke?s existence and meaning of why he was on Earth. We can only hope and pray that the lessons that Clarke taught us will continue to grow in our hearts, souls and in this earthly presence. We need to remember to ?step out and stand up with the talents that we have left hidden away?. To take the opportunity of risk just like Clarke did by leaving Altamont. He left to increase the value of his talents and the chance to show audiences his level of entertainment.

After nourishing our souls, we nourished our bodies at the most wonderful and traditional memorial dinner provided by the Women?s Club of the Altamont Methodist Church. We had the delightful basic Midwestern comfort food. There was so much food that we took food back to his folk?s home. Joel was given the cake to carry to the car. How well does Clarke?s mother know me'

The wonderful people of Altamont were so wonderful to his family in their grief. Joel wants to thank them for extending their deep sympathy to him. These town people so wonderfully took Joel into their hearts and their prayers for Clarke and Joel. They have truly taught us a valuable lesson about Christian love.

In Seattle, on Monday, February 19th, we celebrated Clarke and the gifts that he gave to us. The Village Theatre in Issaquah was the setting for a musical and theatrical event. Thank you to Steve Tomkins and his staff at the Village Theatre Denise Martel -- the Production Coordinator and Stage Manager, Dan Littrell -- Sound, Ben Rust ? Lighting, Grant Knutson ? House Manager, James Spear ? Florist and the best caterer ? Zul Megji and his restaurant, Fins Bistro.

How can we ever thank the performers and their accompanists a copy of the program will be added to this obituary at a later date. Then the best, Joel?s co-producer the most wonderful and talented David-Edward Hughes. Pre-show music chosen and recorded on a CD by David-Edward Hughes and James Spear. The reception music was chosen and recorded on a CD by Jonathan Frank, his partner Tom Vercillo and Joel. This memorial benefited ?Showtunes: Musicals in Concert? and the Friends of Greenwood Park. www.greenwood-park.org

Let?s give a standing ovation to Chris Benjean ? being the photographer and Dennis Brightman ? for filming the performance. You contact Chris at 206.526-9981 and Dennis at 206.281-1196.

There were order sheets at the memorial and you can prepay for copies of anyone of the three CD?s and a VHS video copy of the show. $10 will be added to the cost and you can chose which charity that you want the donation to go to.

There will be another celebration in Honolulu at a later date. Our Aloha friends will dedicate these performances to Clarke?s theatre endeavors in Hawaii. Clarke?s very close friends, Lance Bateman, Stephanie Anderson, Eden Lee Murray and Chuck Anctil are helping Joel to arrange this celebration.

One third of his ashes will be interred in the family plot in Altamont IL; where his Grandparents Hoopes lie. Another third will be scattered at ?his beach? on Oahu. The last third will be scattered under the memorial tree in Greenwood Park, a dogwood tree that his partner gave to him on their 5th anniversary and in the Shawn, Mr. K and K2 memorial white floral garden.

Donations can be made to your local pet rescue center or to:

PAWS, PO Box 1037, Lynnwood WA 98046 Please indicate ?Paws Cat City? in Greenwood, the Animal Companion Rescue Program or the Wild Animal Rescue www.paws.org

Seattle Animal Control, 2061 15th W, Seattle WA 98119 Please indicate either for Pet Rescue or for the Seattle Parks Off Leash Areas,

The Humane Society for Seattle/King County, 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue WA 98005

Showtune: Musicals in Concert, attn: David-Edward Hughes, CherryLane Place S, Seatle WA 98144

Friends of Greenwood Park, c/o Beth Pflug, Greenwood Service Center, 8515 Greenwood Ave N., Seattle WA 98103 Please indicate Clarke Evans Memorial Fund www.greenwood-park.org

or to any charity or foundation of your choice.

We want to thank the staff of VMMC, especially the brilliant David Aboulafia MD, the ever caring Carrie Horwitch MD, the remarkable Berit Madsen, MD, David Springmeyer, MD who just keeps showing up in our lives, the straight forward, Bev Linkletter, PA-C and the take charge, Denise Bundow ARNP. God bless you! Angel appeared to Clarke. There are: Sandy the miracle maker; Tangella the most loving; Zelda who showed us an easier way? Joan who took such excellent care of Clarke and Joel; Mar your special touch at the MRI site will never be forgotten and the best nurses and most wonderful patient care technicians on the 15th Floor. With the deepest heart warmed gratitude to the staff that worked in the Oncology Ward January 29th and January 30th, 2001. Speical thanks go to Drs. Della Simon, Peter Kennedy, Theresa Chapman and Stephen Springmeyer MD. All of the staff at the Canlis Oncology Center, the Infusion Center and the Radiation Department; they have won our devotion. An honor should go to the American Medical Response Team that came to our home and transported Clarke with the most tender of care.

And Joel?s staff at VMMC, who made sure that Joel took care of himself Suzanne, Suzette, Steve and David. God has blessed us with very special people in health care.

A heart full of gratitude to Eleanor Kelly RN, Dana Strandjord PT, the Gentiva staff, Eric of Bellvue Heath Care and Kevin and the staff at Health Team NW.

Joel would like to sincerely thank the super former acting student from the Bathhouse Youth Summer Program Gerrianne Nelson, RN. You care of our Clarke in such a remarkable manner and the caring and passionate approach to his partner, friends and families are to be commended. Thank you from the very being of our souls.

Clarke loved to his actors and designer progress in a production and took what he had given to them and saw them applied those ?Clarke touches? to their future endeavors. Just like he loved to his see ?students? at Acordia NW, Seattle/King County Senior Services and Arthur Anderson take the energy that he so freely gave to them. Not only apply this energy to their computer skills and work But also to apply the magic to their lives. He truly empowered us to go further and further.

Most of all, Clarke was blessed with the best family, friends, boyfriends, lovers, neighbors, directors, co-stars, designers, stage crews, co-workers, writers & composers, artistic directors, producers and the critics that taught him and told the populous about the talent of Clarke?s acting and directing. Thank you for your kind deeds, flowers, cards, performances, blessings, prayers and love.

We are grateful for the gift of his life and love.

Joel found this in Clarke?s ?To Do? list:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow;

I am the diamond glints on the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there; I did not die.

You can contact:

Joel Ewing

751 N 86th Street

Seattle WA 98103

206.782-3181

[email protected]