Obituary of George Calvin Clark

George Calvin Clark

April 7, 1937 - June 18, 2024

George Clark, age 87, passed away at home in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on June 18, 2024. Born April 7, 1937, in Port Chester, New York, George was the eldest child of S. Cushman Clark and Helen Baker Clark. He spent his youth in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he graduated from Deadwood High School. He was active in school, especially in the band, where he played the tuba. He went on to major in music at Colorado State College and became a school band director.

George met Elizabeth Jane Taber during her family’s residence in Deadwood. They continued with a long-distance relationship, falling in love over shared letters and photos and marrying after George graduated from college. George’s music teaching took him and his young family to several small schools in Colorado and Wyoming before he opted for a career change. In 1969, he completed his master’s degree in library science at University of Denver and secured a job in North Dakota at Minot State College (later Minot State University).

George and Jane raised their family and thrived in the Minot community for more than forty years. George was active as a tuba player in many music organizations, including the Kiwanis Band, American Legion State Band, Minot City Band and the Minot Symphony Orchestra. He was occasionally seen in the student section at Minot State athletic events, playing tuba in the pep band when needed.

After retiring from Minot State University Library as the head reference librarian, George accompanied Jane on adventures throughout the United States and the world. They often visited family or former foreign exchange students who had spent time living with the Clark family.

He was always curious and well-read. He enjoyed listening to band music (particularly Sousa marches), working on old cars, and collecting antique shaving items. He used his librarian skills to document and catalog his collections.

Following the catastrophic Minot flood in 2011, the Clarks sold their beloved home and moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota, to be closer to family. Though George was diagnosed with dementia, they continued to live independently and joined a church within walking distance, where they could sing in the choir. George also continued playing tuba with the Lex-Ham Community Band, and together they sang with the Giving Voice Chorus, a local group for people living with dementia.

Jane cared for George at home and then in their Episcopal Homes senior living community until a few months before her passing in April 2024. They were well-known in their communities and are always mentioned together. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this August.

George is survived by his children: Bob (Monique) Clark, Ken (Lynn) Clark, Ned (Anne) Clark, Julie (Jeff) Steiner, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings Herb (Eve) Clark, Julie Clark (Jim Joyner) and Margaret Clark-Coutts (Ken Coutts), as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Jane.

No services are planned at this time. The family will gather for a private burial in the Black Hills at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Episcopal Homes Foundation, earmarked for Katy’s Cottage, or to a music charity of the donor’s choice.