Gilbert Francis Clark

      “Anything is possible.” That is what Gilbert Francis Clark believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Gilbert thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Gilbert was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

      Gilbert was born on September 18, 1926 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents were Russell L. Clark,Sr. and Lillian F. Blaszak (Clark). Gilbert was raised in Grand Rapids West Side. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Gilbert could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

      This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Gilbert's family relationships. Gilbert was raised with two brothers and two sisters. He had 2younger brothers and sisters Helen, Agnes, Russell, Jr., Raymen and Mary. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Gilbert was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

      As a young boy, Gilbert could be found building and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Gilbert took part in bsaball, Hiking, Taf and enjoyed olaying in the backyard. He was a Hub Boys Club and Boy Scouts. In his spare time he liked reading books, baseball cards, marbles, he also sold newspaper for the Grand Rapids Harold (now Grand Rapids Press).

      Endowed with an appetite for knowing how his world worked, Gilbert enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Gilbert was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. He graduated from Davis Technical High School in 1944. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was shop class. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most were Clerance J. Brouwer and John Frank Carter. First chair clarinet in band class and orchastra.

      Gilbert was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him. Always interested in his friends’ activities and interests, Gilbert was uncritical of his acquaintances. He was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Gilbert to be very stimulating company. Gilbert's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ed gressner, Eugene Harmsen, Bob Habelhorset and Richard Wiest. Later in life, he became friends with Bob Stoutjesdyk (who turned out ot be his 2nd cousin) Gordon and Lorraine Russsell (Gordon actually died the same day as my mon (Esther Clark).

      On February 07, 1948 at 8:00 a. M. During a terrible snow storm no heat in the Polish Falcon's Hall had to build a fire in the pot belly stone. Gilbert exchanged wedding vows with Esther Teresa Barscewski at St. Isidore's Catholic Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gilbert was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Gilbert was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Gilbert was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to his spouse’s needs. He was a vibrant personality and he enjoyed verbally sparring with Esther. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that Gilbert loved to argue for argument’s sake. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Esther's.

      Gilbert's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Gilbert was blessed with six children- one died in infantacy., Thomas, Teresa, Margaret (deceased), Kenneth, Ruthie and Carol. They were also blessed with 10 Granchchildren and 19 Great-Grandchildren, Brian, Thomas John, Jill, Julie, Jeremy, Jennifer, Kyle, Tyler, Thomas. Someone who was quick to laugh, Gilbert found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them.

      As a born inventor, Gilbert was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Gilbert was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. Gilbert was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. His primary occupation was Machinist. He was employed at McInery Spring and wire (first real job 3 months), also for 35 years at Kelvinator. Gilbert always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Gilbert's “never say die” attitude and his ability to face any challenge no matter how difficult it might be were tremendous assets that Gilbert carried with him into the military. Gilbert was an U. S. Navy. He was in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. Gilbert saw action for World War ll for one year and ten months. Through his hard work and dedication, he earned not only the respect of his fellow service men and women, but also was presented with various awards, including Asiatic Pacific Area Campian Medal, Victory Medal, and American Area Campaign Meda. He achieved the rank of Seaman First Class.

      Gilbert's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Gilbert was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Gilbert simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite pursuits were watching old movies.

      Gilbert's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served him well in sports. In high school, Gilbert helped to take care of his family. Gilbert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football.

      Gilbert's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Gilbert could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing his novel ideas and problem solving strategies. In high school, Gilbert was a member of the Davis Tech Orchastra. Throughout his later years, Gilbert was an active member of the Catholic Foresters, Rockford Senior Center, (called bingo) Kelvinator Quality Cirle, Northview Senior Center (called bingo), Co. Chairman along with our Mom of the St. Patty,s Day luncheon. On March 17.

      Gilbert was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. His keen interest and strong values led him to become active in his community. Serving on committees for the Nothview seniors. Politically, Gilbert was ran for political office in 1948 - Drain Commisioner.

      Faith and religion were important to Gilbert. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church for 31 years then St. Jude Catholic Church for 53 yrs.

      With all of his talents, his ingenuity, his solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Gilbert received public recognition for his competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Gilbert accumulated a long list of achievements throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included citations for improvement to production at Kelvinator, leading the quality Circle,.

      Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Gilbert. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Gilbert to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Hawaii and South Dakota.

      Gilbert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Gilbert's favorites was Dogs: Tippy beagle mix (14)years) and Prince - Coon hound (20years).

      Even while in retirement, Gilbert never stopped exercising his inventive talents, and this new phase of his life provided new opportunities for stimulating his interests. In 1991 but continued working for a gas station., his new life involved relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan. In retirement, he found new pleasure in helping out at church - ushering very activewith northview seniors as driver for their dancers (fancy steppers). Even in retirement, Gilbert continued to stay in touch with his old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Gilbert passed away on November 17, 2010 at Santuary of St. Mary's. He was always trying to cher up fellow residents at St. Mary's until he suffered two stokes and respritory failure. He is survived by his children Tom, Teresa, Kenny, Ruthie, and Carol. Services were held at St. Jude Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gilbert was laid to rest in Ressurection Cemetery in Wyoming, Michigan.

      During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Gilbert. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Gilbert was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Gilbert, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Gilbert Francis Clark, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.