Though we lost touch for a time, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend in highschool.  He was such a kind soul, and always had my back.  I’m so grateful we reconnected in recent years.  My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Clark meeting the monks that walked through town - he encouraged everyone to go meet them and to bring them water and supplies for their journey.

Corrected message (please replace previous version): I knew Clark from the BRMS mushroom club, and I am still in disbelief at his sudden passing. Such a generous and lovely soul. Just a few months ago, in October, we were on the club foray together, finding a cache shrimp of the woods hidden under a pile of leaves. He was so happy. I also saw how excited Clark was to attend the West Virginia foray in September, enthusiastically offering to share food with everyone. Whenever I saw him he was always ready with a warm hug and lots of observations to impart. He also attended our spring “mushroom melodies” gathering at Lina and Isaac’s both years, bringing his energy and his homemade mead to share around the campfire with pride. Clark clearly basked in the fun of it all, in mutual enthusiasm for fungi, for the natural world, and for all of what caring for the earth means for our lives in these times. We will miss him so much, his bright smile and sparkling eyes are imprinted in my mind. My deepest condolences to Kelsey, Clark’s parents, and all who knew him. A person who had so much to give to the world and the future; such a loss.

I knew Carl from the BRMS mushroom club, and I am still in disbelief at his sudden passing. Such a generous and lovely soul. Just a few months ago, in October, we were on the club foray together, finding a cache shrimp of the woods hidden under a pile of leaves. He was so happy. I also saw how excited Carl was to attend the West Virginia foray in September, enthusiastically offering to share food with everyone. Whenever I saw him he was always ready with a warm hug and lots of observations to impart. He also attended our spring “mushroom melodies” gathering at Lina and Isaac’s both years, bringing his energy and his homemade mead to share around the campfire with pride. Carl clearly basked in the fun of it all, in mutual enthusiasm for fungi, for the natural world, and for all of what caring for the earth means for our lives in these times. We will miss him so much, his bright smile and sparkling eyes are imprinted in my mind. My deepest condolences to Kelsey, Carl’s parents, and all who knew him. A person who had so much to give to the world and the future; such a loss.                                                                                                                                 I am sorry I will not be able to attend the Celebration of Life, as I will be out of the country. I will be thinking of you all.

Dear Mrs. Bechtel , Ford and the family 
I’m very sorry for your loss   About Clark. He was one my good buddy friend at school. I went to western albemarle high school with Clark and Ford. I can’t not  believe that Clark is gone. Clark I will miss you lots.

My deepest and most sincere sympathies for the loss of Clark. 

He was an extraordinary person, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

There are no words that can fully express the sadness I feel for your loss, but please know you are not alone.  
May the fond memories of Clark bring you comfort and peace.

Leslie McDonald

I met Clark in 2022 when he attended a fall meeting with the mushroom club. From the first time, he brought a refreshing and infectious level of enthusiasm and kindness. Whether it was knowledge, mead or a listening ear, Clark was always quick with his generosity. On multiple occasions he would ask me how he could help. He saw that I struggled to ask so he made it easy. One of his favorite roles was getting an accurate head count before each walk. Something I almost ALWAYS forgot to do. He loved having that number for me as I started to flounder trying to count mushroom people as they scattered into the woods. I feel so fortunate to have shared space and time with him even though it was short. I watched him grow and heal as an individual but I also got to watch his love of mycology evolve and fruit into something more exciting than he could have imagined. In addition to his big personality Clark also lent the club some much needed wisdom and expert advice. As I write this, we are right in the middle of implementing a membership management platform that Clark urged us to get. Every step of that process has and will continue to bring Clark to mind. I will always remember his balance between being a complete goofball and the next minute a shoulder to cry on. Not many people do that as fluently as he did. 
He is going to be greatly missed by myself and other club members. We are going to do the best we can to continue his legacy and celebrate how much better we are because of him. 
If Clark could’ve made such an impact on a little nerdy community of people in such a small period of time, I cannot comprehend how devastating this must be for his family and friends who have spent many more years with him than we did. I’ve been thinking a lot about you all these last few weeks. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful person with us.

I just found out about Clark's passing from a mutual friend & am heartbroken. I met him (& immediately clicked) when he came to my home in Charlottesville, while working for Vernon Cobb, in 2023. He was going to help create a 'food forest' at my newly purchased home in Stanardsville, but shortly after, he was hired to work at MACAA. Life became even busier for him & I lost contact. He was a SWEET heart. I simply can't imagine the grief of his young wife, family & friends. My heart goes out to all of you. Clark's memory will be cherished forever. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏼❤️‍🩹

Sending so much love and light to Kelsey and the Bechtle Family during this difficult time.  We are so very sorry for your loss.  

All our best,
Evianna’s family, the Van Santvoords

I knew Clark from our days at The Citadel. We shared many classes both as knobs, and as upperclassman regularly climbing “Mt. Capers” together, or passing each other in the process. Clark always stood out among his classmates as a great guy and someone you enjoyed being around. 

I’m deeply saddened to hear of his passing and offer my heartfelt condolences. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve his loss. 

Sincerely,
Jordan Gwaltney
The Citadel - Class of 2014

I met Clark through the Make-a-Wish, during their Trailblaze Challenge in 2022 and 2023. I only met Clark in person maybe 2 or 3 times, but in that short span of time I felt like I knew him deeply. He was a very loving and caring man, who had such a positive affect and influence on the people around him. In the time I knew him, he shared with me his love for and gifted me several home-made meads, talked about his experience mushroom foraging and the property in which he foraged them with friends. We sat on the deck of a cabin in the Shenandoah National Park, looked up at the stars and talked about life, our challenges, and our loves. I wish I had kept in closer contact with Clark, as I live in Northern Virginia, our paths haven't crossed since then. I only just discovered his passing, because I had joined the Blue Ridge Mycological Society facebook group, which he had suggested to me. I feel for his family, for his friends, and while his soul is never lost to us, I know he has left a vast void in his absence, and will be deeply missed.

Dear Bechtle Family,

My name is Aryan Chadha, a former student at The Keswick School. Clark was more than just a mentor to me; he was a father figure to me and 35 other young men who called Keswick home. His kindness and wisdom reached everyone—students, staff, and even the horses on campus. He had an extraordinary ability to make every one of us feel valued and understood.

Clark not only shaped the man I have become but also profoundly influenced the lives of all the Keswick students fortunate enough to learn from him. He taught us not just academic lessons but life lessons—how to lead with kindness, how to face challenges with grace, and how to always strive to be better versions of ourselves.

I will always cherish the memory of one particular evening during lockdown when Clark decided to try Indian food with me. We laughed as he navigated the spices, debating whether the butter chicken or the naan was his favorite. His curiosity and openness to new experiences, even something as simple as exploring a new cuisine, reflected the way he approached life—with joy, humor, and a desire to connect with others.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

May his soul rest in peace, and may you find comfort in the love and memories he leaves behind.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Aryan Chadha

Clark was always so upbeat and positive about his work for MACAA and the people we serve.  He genuinely cared for them and certainly made a difference as we helped them with his energy, enthusiasm and demeanor.  I  wondered how we got so lucky to have him and retain him until his illness.  I am incredibly saddened by Clark's untimely passing and share my condolences with his family.  He will be greatly missed by all of us who worked with him.  Rest in peace, Clark.

Such sad news!  I had the privilege of leading a Sunday School class in which Clark was a member. His contributions were always so thoughtful. He was a wonderful young man... the Bushrow family is so saddened by his passing. Our love and prayers and support to the Bechtle family.  We are holding you all close in our hearts.

Clark always looked out for me in high school and college. Even making stops on his way home from the Citadel to see me at Radford. I’m so grateful for our young years together! He cared so deeply about his friends and family and I loved that so much about him. My heart goes out to his wife and family and I pray for their healing ♥️

To the Bechtle family 
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. 
RIP Clark

OBITUARY

Clark Moore Bechtle

February 21, 1992 – December 5, 2024

Teague Funeral Service

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