William Arthur Clark

Moose was born in Buffalo, New York, on April 4, 1928. He attended Amherst Central High School through the eleventh grade, but moved to Utica, NY, with his family and graduated from New Hartford High School in 1946. Moose aspired to be a professional baseball pitcher like his father. Although he received two major league contracts with the Detroit Tigers and Brooklyn Dodgers at the age of 17, his father, Dr. William T. Clark, insisted he receive a college education first. He continued on to play baseball and basketball at Colgate University. During his college summers, Moose played professional baseball in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and throughout the Northeast U.S. However, he sustained a career-ending shoulder injury during his junior year at Colgate. He graduated from Colgate University in 1950. Moose spent his professional career as an industrial relations manager for several companies in New York State.

Moose served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and, in addition to his duties, also acted as the baseball coach for his camp team, which played other Army teams across Europe. Following his honorable discharge, Moose married Irene L. Stanton in Utica, NY, on October 13, 1956. He was a loving and devoted husband for 60 years and a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He took much joy in watching his grandchildren compete in athletics across New York, Ohio and Michigan.

Moose is survived by his wife, Irene; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine & Scott Lyon of East Lansing, MI, and Diane & John Hannon of Clemson, SC; his grandchildren, Jake (& Rebecca) Hannon, Luke (& Lindsey) Hannon, Caleb Hannon, Jay Lyon, and Katie Lyon; his great-grandchildren, Grace, Daniel and Gabriella Hannon; his sisters Marilyn (& Fred) Dunlap and Diane (& Earl) Duck; several nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. Moose was preceded in death by an infant son.

Although we have suffered a tremendous loss, we rejoice in his gain and will be forever grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. Our fondest childhood memories include Dad often acting as ‘official pitcher’ in summertime neighborhood kickball games where kids flocked to the Clark house. He once allowed his wife, Irene, to sew a donkey costume for his daughter Elaine’s kindergarten birthday party, where the partygoers played ‘pin the tail on Mr. Clark.’

We fondly remember Dad shoveling off the neighborhood pond to skate with us, tobogganing in the Adirondack Mountains, taking us on picnics at Chestnut Ridge Park in southern NY, going for a drive in the country to the Alabama Hotel for a coke and chips, and dancing to old jukebox hits with him at the White Lake Inn. He loved Colgate football and watching his brother-in-law, Fred Dunlap, excel as head coach and athletic director at their alma mater.

He always had a joke, a kind word, and encouragement for all who crossed his path. Loyalty was one of his greatest gifts, caring for his wife for over six years prior to his passing. He was strong, honest, funny, life giving, encouraging, and had great integrity. His greatest legacy is his selfless devotion to Irene and his family as well as his firm belief in the Kingdom of Heaven where he was excited to see God face to face. His faith made it easier on all of us who now experience the deep, deep pain of loss but the security of knowing where he lives! We are grateful for his life, generosity, and influence on all of us. May you rest in peace, dear Dad. As shared in many private conversations with Dad in his waning days, we will always love you a million, billion, trillion times over!

There will be no services, only a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: McLaren Hospice, 1515 Cal Drive, Davison, MI 48423.

The families of Elaine & Scott Lyon and Diane & John Hannon wish to thank McLaren Hospital of Lansing, Independence Village, McLaren Hospice and especially the staff of The Willows of East Lansing.