One last encore: Past students hold memorial for Port Huron Band Director Robert Clark
The memory of a late Port Huron High School band director will live on through the many students he taught and inspired over the years.
A memorial was held for Robert Clark on Friday evening in Port Huron. From 1983 to 1998, Clark conducted countless students and, according to band alumni, influenced their lives in an impactful, positive way. When his past students heard about his death, a planning committee was formed to bring the band back together and give their director one final encore.
"He was such an amazing force in our lives, and he will continue to be for the rest of it," committee member Mike Thomas said.
Clark died April 17 at the age of 68.
The memorial took place at the Blue Water Convention Center, located at 800 Harker St.
The memorial started with a group of band alumni playing the Port Huron High School Fight Song. Committee member Stacy Elliott said some haven't played in instrument in 10 years, but because of how often Clark made them practice it, the song swiftly came back to their memories.
"It came back instantly," she said. "It's like riding a bike."
Clark's wife and sons were also at the memorial. Rebecca Clark said her late husband was a generous man who was passionate about music. She said he would have loved to see all of his students back together.
"He would have loved this event," she said. "Over the years he loved reconnecting with all of his students over Facebook. This would have made him happy."
Clark's son, Russell, said his dad was a cultured, open-minded man. He said his dad helped him a lot when he was learning to play the piano and trombone.
A slideshow of photos contributed by band alumni was also shown during the memorial. The planning committee said the point of the event was to reminisce on the great memories they created with Clark. Committee member John Fisher said Clark was a great friend and mentor to all the alumni.
"He's just one of those people who you never lose a bond with," Fisher said. "We're here tonight to honor him and his family."
Clark's legacy will not only continue through his students. The Blue Water Music Awards will be creating the Bob Clark Memorial Fund, which will financially help high school band students receive their instruments and other music equipment. Tim Hunter, co-founder of the Blue Water Music Awards, said the organization plans to get in touch with local band directors to help those students as well.
"We want to keep his legacy alive," Hunter said.
Clark was much more than a teacher to the alumni- he was a mentor, friend and father figure. Committee member Carrie Stokan-Hoot said he made band fun and taught them about more than just music. Clark taught them to never give up in their lives.
Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.
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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Robert Clark memorial
