Clark always made me feel like I was important when we were talking, and I am so in awe of his vision and his ability to think through and explain the most complex problems with ease. I am so lucky to have had time with him while he was here, and while I miss him terribly, I love the legacy he left through his family and his company. Love to Sandy and the innumerable members of the global community who are missing him.

- Chris Boivin
Jacksonville Public Library

Dear Sandy, 

May good memories of your beloved husband comfort you during this difficult time. Sending my condolences, thoughts, and prayers. 

I am truly shocked and saddened by this news. I admired Clark for his curiosity and business acumen. He and the OrangeBoy team helped turn statistics into successful and exciting decisions. I always looked forward to meetings with Clark and Sandy. We have lost a brilliant business partner and close friend. 


Sandy, this is heartbreaking for me and for everyone who was lucky enough to know Clark. A brilliant, funny, warm, and wonderful person who always inspired greatness and innovation.

Clark told the story of George Brett at the Idea Exchange last year that will forever live rent-free in my head. How the manager wanted Brett to sit on the bench for his last game so he would keep his .401 career average into retirement, but he didn't take the easy way out, played the last game, and fell below 400, but did it honestly and with diginity. 

I'll always aspire to live by Clark's words: don't be afraid of failure, don't be afraid to ask for help.

I hope you and your family are able to make it through this difficult transition, Sandy. Take care, and I look forward to talking with you again soon. - Chris 

Be at peace, Uncle Clark. We love you. 

Nathan, Vania, Elden, and Bea

I'm so sorry to hear of this loss, Sandy.  We only met once, at one of the OrangeBoy annual meetings (at which the social gathering that you hosted at your home was the highlight), but you both made an impression -- engaging, generous, down-to-earth, bright, creative, vibrant, visionary. With Savannah, the two of you provided to public libraries a game changing tool for corralling and utilizing the mountains of usage data that we collect, and it is much appreciated.

My deepest sympathies go out to you -- and to all who are grieving at Clark's passing -- and my best wishes for the continued growth and success of OrangeBoy, but mostly for the next phase of your life without him.

I was so sadden to hear the news of Clark passing. Clark had a tremendous impact on my career, he really gave me my first chance. I cannot thank him enough for his belief in me and giving me opportunities to learn and grow. He will be missed but his impact can be seen everywhere, whether it be in the libraries and organizations he passionately fought for or with the people his influence made better. 

Sandy, I'm so sorry to hear of Clark's passing. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling... I can only say that I appreciated Clark's enthusiasm and passion for libraries so much.  He was one of a kind. I wish you much love and my sincere condolences.

I am so sorry to hear of Clark's passing. He was a true innovator for public libraries and in every conversation you had with him, he would always make you feel like you were the only person in the world. 

Deepest condolences to Sandy and his professional family. I will always fondly remember Clark insisting that I let him refill my wine glass  at receptions he would hold at his house.



We are so sorry to hear of Clarke’s passing. I used to babysit the Swanson children years ago. Such a sweet family. Sincere sympathy to the family.   Mary Steele Hensley, Webb City, Missouri .

I am so deeply sorry, and send all of my sincerest condolences to Sandy, Clark's friends and family, the OrangeBoy family, and the Library world at large who has lost such an ally.

As he was rightfully regarded by so many, I too considered Clark a dear mentor. Clark and Sandy were my first bosses in the 'real world,' the first guests to arrive at my wedding (after Clark's teasing for years about the need for proper stemware), and a presence I assumed I would continue to cross paths with every once in a while forever. I learned so much that I take for granted now from my time at OrangeBoy.

I'm so glad that his work will live on and grateful for the community he helped to found. May his memory be a blessing.

Dearest Sandy: We will remember Clark with great fondness and respect. Our sincerest sympathies to you and to all those Clark loved.

David and John

I first met Clark when I was the Library Director in Orangeburg. Clark was so excited to present Orangeboy to me and I think we were the first library system in South Carolina to sign on with them.  Clark cared about people, the work that library's do and  what Orangeboy could accomplish  for the library field.  Orangeboy was also our partner at Prince George's County Memorial Library System.

My love to Sandy and the Orangeboy team.  Clark was a pioneer and he will be missed.

Warmly,
Roberta Phillips





This is a picture from the first time we met with Clark at New Braunfels.  I was fostering a litter of orange kittens, and happened to have one with me on that day.  He sat in on our initial meeting, and we knew this was a partnership that was meant to be!  We loved his insight and vision for how libraries can work at their best, and his tools that helped us communicate with our patrons with maximum effect and minimum effort.  Our work with OrangeBoy has made such a difference for our library and our community.  We will miss Clark's passion and humor, but we are confident that the team he and Sandy assembled will carry on with excellence.
Til we meet again, Clark!
Gretchen and the team at the New Braunfels Public LIbrary

I'm shocked to read about Clark's passing.  
I remember him as vibrantly alive man, always thinking about how to improve Savannah and OrangeBoy.  I admired his passion for libraries, and how he not only created a wonderful tool for libraries, but also brought all of the libraries together, to share ideas and techniques for the betterment of all of us.  
I also remember his unflappable character, and his loving devotion to Sandy.
We lost someone very special, and I'm very sorry for all of us.  
Much love to his family and coworkers from the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.  


Clark was a friend and a mentor.  On his many visits to Kansas City he would reach out to have coffee.  Those conversations always stretched well beyond the one hour I set aside in my calendar.  Without fail each time I saw Clark the first thing he did was ask about my children. He was genuinely interested in their lives as he was in my life and career.  Clark was an innovator who was passionate about libraries and he worked tirelessly to help his clients succeed so the communities we serve can succeed. 
My condolences to Sandy, his family and the Orangeboy team. 

We at Kenosha Public Library are deeply saddened by the news of Clark's passing. We will always be grateful for his vision and dedication to libraries everywhere. Our heartfelt sympathy to Clark's family and to the entire Orange Boy staff.
Barbara Brattin
KPL Director

It is with great sadness that I write this note. Clark was technically a vendor to me and my library, but truthfully he was so much more. I considered him a friend, a mentor, and a strategic partner. 

I feel, together with his colleagues, his life/business partner Sandy, and four other libraries, we built something great. Clark was also my biggest fan. So, selfishly, I am going to miss him mostly for that reason.

I appreciate that what he and others built lives on. What a legacy to leave to libraries, other governmental agencies, and to nonprofits. We all should have such an impact on the world.
In memory,
Gary Shaffer


Calvert Library in Maryland sends our deepest condolences to Sandy, Clark's family, his friends and co-workers. He was a passionate believer in the power of public libraries and built a company that is terrifically supportive of the work we are doing in our community. So very sorry to hear of his passing and for your loss.


My deepest condolences to Clark's family and his Orangeboy family. I had the privilege to meet him last year at the Idea Exchange in Ohio, which was consequently my first, and was instantly blown away by his passion and wisdom surrounding what he has built with loved ones and talented colleagues. I pray that everyone will find moments of comfort and peace during this period of mourning.

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts  are with the entire OB team.

Clark wasn’t just family but a mentor. The conversations and memories we shared will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the guidance he provided.

Although it is difficult to imagine a world without him, I take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Rest in peace, Uncle Clark. You will be missed.


Deepest sympathies to Sandy and all of Clark’s family, loved ones, and colleagues. I always enjoyed our meetings and going through the building process with Clark. He made his mark on this world by sharing generously of himself. May he Rest In Peace and in the Eternal Light of Christ. 

OBITUARY

Marvin "Clark" Swanson

July 26, 1959 – March 10, 2023

Schoedinger Midtown

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation