Sunday, February 3, 2019
We had two Uncle Ken's in our family in our parent's generation. Both had a terrific run at being world-class uncles. One was my father Ken McClave, Jr. Much on a positve note has been expressed for his uncling skills. Today it is time to sing (what an appropriate word for our beloved uncle) the praises of Kenneth Clark. Although he was by profession a scientist, an expert chemist, and by nature precise and methodical, full of logic and curiosity, Ken had a good bit of the artist in him. Alternating with Uncle Will he played the piano and with his voice would have improved any barber shop quartet, professional or amateur. Like Leonardo he was a model builder, whose works included a spot-on replica of the house on Lake Bomoseen, complete with vintage slides set behind the windows. In addition to being scientist/researcher and artist, Ken was above all else a great humanitarian, whose mission and passion in life was care-giving. He cared for and provided for his wife Ginnie and their ten children. Later he cared for his grandchildren and after Ginnie left us, he turned his attention and love to his companion of decades, Joan. That's why I firmly believe that after he arrived in heaven, after he was re-united with a beautiful healthy Ginnie, he asked around for someone who needed help, and got back to his central mission and passion. In our far-flung diverse family we will continue to be inspired by both Uncle Ken's intelligence and wit and his compassion and service to those in need--in other words, everyone. May God bless Uncle Ken, Ginnie and Joan, and the Clark family.
