Gary was born to Champ and Louise (Donoho) Clark on March 18, 1945, in San Diego, California, and was raised in Marion, Illinois, where he met his wife Carol Shillinger whom he married in 1967. Known for his sense of humor, Gary often jokingly referred to Carol as his first wife. They were married 52 years and raised three children together.
Gary and Carol were married on the morning of their graduation from Southern Illinois University where he received a bachelor’s degree in zoology. The next day they set out for Fort Collins, Colorado, where he earned a master’s in wildlife biology and a doctorate in medical/veterinary entomology from Colorado State University. He was highly regarded and known around the world in his field. He held several positions including research entomologist in the U.S. Army at Fort Detrick, Maryland; Chief, Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Research Leader, Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture in Gainesville, Florida. He also served as President of the American Mosquito Control Association and held consultative positions for many organizations, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and serving as president of the San Juan (Puerto Rico) Rotary Club.
Gary was a caring man known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and positive attitude. He knew that, although we all come from different backgrounds and have different life experiences, everyone appreciates a smile or a funny anecdote as we cross paths in this world. He loved all sports (especially his St. Louis Cardinals), travelling and experiencing new cultures, and most of all spending time with his family.
He is survived by Carol; sons Matthew (Natalie) of Oro Valley, Arizona, and Stephen (Jennifer) of Austin, Texas; and daughter Alison (Andrew) Elliott of Belmont, California. He is also survived by his grandchildren Madelyn and Sophia Clark, Emerson and Parker Elliott; and his sister Sandra (Thomas) Leidenheimer of Green Valley, Arizona; along with many beloved relatives, friends, and colleagues.
A private memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (https://www.alzinfo.org/) or the Humane Society of the United States (https://www.humanesociety.org/) would be appreciated.
