Obituary : William I. Clark Jr.
William Irving Clark Jr. 73, of Marstons Mills, died suddenly on January 22. He was the eldest son of the late William (Bill) and Louise "DZ" Clark of Blacksmith Valley, Chilmark and distant relation of his namesake, writer Washington Irving.
Bill "Pops" was born December 28, 1936 in Albany, N.Y. He attended the Old Farm School in Avon, Conn., where he excelled in sports. He then went on to attend Parsons School of Design in New York City. After serving in Korea, Bill married Nancy Guild, of Needham, and they settled in Marshfield. Bill had a true passion for the Early American period of art and antiques and he and Nancy raised their three children Billy, Greg, and Laura in a house built in the early 1600s, on an idyllic spot sweeping down to the North River. Bill had summered as a boy, and later with Nancy and the children, in the original 1700s house at the Clark estate at Squibnocket Pond, and this left an indelible impression on him that would color all his days to come.
Bill worked as an advertising executive, and was a gifted photographer. He enjoyed taking his children fishing, and was an avid gardener, with a genuine flair for design. Bill had impeccable taste and was a true gentleman. He could always be counted on for a kind, soft-spoken word, and heartfelt compassion. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by his wife Nancy, of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; son Billy, daughter-in-law Tricia, and their children, Katie and Anna, of Holliston; son Greg, daughter-in-law Maureen, and their son Gregory, of Aquinnah; and a daughter Laura Chesman, son-in-law Scott, and their children Heather and Elizabeth of Sandwich. Bill was predeceased by brother Tim, and is survived by a brother, Larry, and sister Robin.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held this Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 am at the West Parish of Barnstable, located at 2049 Meeting House Road in West Barnstable. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The American Heart Association.
