Eugene R. Clark

EUGENE (GENE) R. CLARK, JR.

LITTLETON, NH  Eugene R. Clark, Jr., age 82, died peacefully in his sleep on November 30, 2008, in Littleton, NH, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family. He was born in Waltham, MA on August 20, 1926, the son of Eugene R. Clark Sr. and Evelyn (Lane) Clark. Gene and his wife, Peg, have lived in Littleton since 1960.

Gene graduated from Waltham High School in 1944, having played on the Waltham High School State Championship football team. Immediately following high school, he served two years in the Navy, stationed in the Pacific Theater as a radar operator. After the service, he first attended Brown University and later graduated from Boston University with a Bachelors Degree, playing varsity football at both schools. After graduating from BU in 1950, he married his wife of 58 years and began a lifelong career in the YMCA. From 1950-1953, he served as Assistant Physical Director at the Newton Massachusetts YMCA. In 1953, he became the Head Physical Director for the Attleboro Massachusetts YMCA, where he coached the undefeated high school varsity championship swim team in 1959.

In 1960, Peg and Gene moved their family north to Littleton, NH, to become the Executive Director of the North Country YMCA and Director of YMCA Camp Belknap, where he served for 29 years retiring in 1988. During his tenure, Belknap experienced the greatest growth and expansion in its history. Most notably, Gene will be remembered for his vision, his land acquisition, and his leadership development, which is still the cornerstone of the Camp today.

His accomplishments throughout his life include Littleton Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1977; Member of the Littleton Rotary Club for more than 40 years, serving as President and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow; running the Rotary Santa Program for more than 40 years; Chairman of the Littleton School Board; 25-year Littleton Hospital Volunteer; Member of All Saints Church and Choir, serving several terms as Warden of the church; 20-year volunteer of the Red Cross blood bank; a lifelong avid sportsman, golfer, skier, jogger, and volunteer coach.

Gene is survived by his adoring wife, Peg, his three loving children, Gene III and wife, Caryn of Wolfeboro, NH; Debi Valentine and husband, Mike of Lincoln, NH; and Pami King and husband, Rob of Bradenton, FL. He also leaves behind his three beloved grandchildren, Sean Clark, Christian Clark, and Morgan King.

Gene will be most remembered for his leadership by example and for living the YMCA Camp Belknap motto  God First, The Other Person Second, Myself Last.

SERVICES -- There will be a Celebration of Life at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2008. At All Saints Episcopal Church in Littleton, NH, with Rev. Carl Schaller and Rev. Noel Bailey officiating, followed by a family reception in the church parish house.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to YMCA Camp Belknap, P. O. Box 1546, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 or All Saints Episcopal Church, 30 School St., Littleton, NH 03561

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to the Pillsbury Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Inc. To view an online memorial or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.pillsburyfh.com.