Henry William Clark

Henry, or as many called him “Hank”, lived a long and interesting life. His parents, Foy and Mildred, came to California as part of the Great Migration from Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl era. Henry was born in Bakersfield, growing up in the small towns of Lamont and Greenfield. Most of his childhood was spent on the family’s small farm in Greenfield, raising hogs and playing with his brothers in the surrounding desert. Henry had one older sister, Vesta, and two younger brothers, Foy and Danny.

After graduating from West High School in 1970 Henry enlisted in the Marine Corps. Days after entering Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, California he received his draft notice! Henry served in the Quang Tri Province of Vietnam as a Wireman earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Marksman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. After returning home from Vietnam, he served in the Marine Corps Reserves for two years, then enlisted in the Navy SeaBees for another two years. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California doing plumbing work as a Utilities Service Mechanic.

Following his discharge in 1976, the Bureau of Land Management in Bakersfield hired him to be part of the crew building the Pacific Crest Trail. This is where he met Mary, and they were married July 23, 1977. Three months later Mary received a permanent appointment with the Bureau of Land Management, so they moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Here he was installing plumbing for new homes until Wendy was born in 1979. Henry was the original Mr. Mom – choosing to be a Stay-at-Home Dad with Wendy.

The family moved to Union, Oregon in 1980 when Mary received a transfer to the Forest Service. Once Henry had the urge to reenter the workforce his jobs included a ranch hand and dog catcher, eventually finding a good job with the City of LaGrande. He found time to volunteer as a Reserve Police Officer in Union, a service he was proud of. If this wasn’t enough, Henry was also the VFW Commander for the local Post in Union and coached the local Little League baseball team. Peter joined the family in 1981 when he was born in LaGrande.

Duchesne, Utah was the family’s next move in 1985 when Mary received a transfer with the Forest Service. Henry worked for the Bureau of Reclamation on their high elevation dam construction projects. For fun Henry and Mary volunteered to coach the Little League team and joined the local bowling league. Mary received an offer with the Forest Service in Boise, Idaho. So, in 1988 the family moved again, at the time not knowing Boise would become their forever home.

Henry really wanted the Warehouse Manager position with the Forest Service. While waiting for the position to open he did maintenance work for an apartment complex and worked at NIFC (National Interagency Fire Center). A Forest Service position finally opened at the Lucky Peak Nursery – a job he liked but was still hoping to work at the warehouse. His wish came true, and he finally got his dream job of managing the Forest Service warehouse. He cleaned up and straightened the warehouse so items could actually be found. He designed an area where people could rest, especially during the long days of fire season. Mary would bring food so they could still have supper together, along with others who were working around the warehouse. Henry turned the warehouse into a well-functioning space that was clean and welcoming. Henry enjoyed being the Warehouse Manager but could not pass up the opportunity for a promotion to an auditor position. As Auditor, he traveled to various Forest Service offices in Idaho, Utah and Nevada, upgrading and maintaining an accurate account of all property in each office.

With over 30 years working for the Federal government Henry retired in 2012. He worked the longest for the Forest Service, but he was most proud of being a Marine --- Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine!

After retiring, Henry volunteered at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Together with his team, they developed a very respectful way of honoring Veterans and their families. Henry felt the Cemetery was his “peaceful place” and thought he would work there until he was buried there. Unfortunately, his health would not let him fulfill this final dream, retiring after 10 years of working at something he truly loved.

Throughout his life Henry developed long and lasting friendships. He could start a conversation with anyone. He showed all who crossed his path kindness and respect. He loved, and was loved, by neighbors. His good nature, along with his social and community commitment, was shown by his involvement with the Cemetery plus memberships with Patriot Guard Riders, the antique engine and tractor club, and joining activities with the local H.O.G chapter.

Regardless of the adventure - travel, camping, day trips, fishing, gardening, running his Hit’n’Miss engine, many family parties for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings – Henry was ready to go. He and Mary wandered through the New Mexico desert; played along the Northern California Coast; marveled at nature’s beauty in places like Carlsbad Cavern, the Redwoods, Yellowstone, Craters of the Moon, Alaska; had fun in Montana; visited Tennessee for the first time touring many distilleries and of course sampling their goods, and taking in all the history of the area; crawdad fishing in Utah; drove across the Owyhee Backcountry Byway; traveled to Fortuna, California; drove to Bogus Basin for the kid’s ski lessons; and Henry even took ice skating lessons! Henry and Mary also enjoyed several trike rides with friends, the Patriot Guard Riders and the local H.O.G Chapter. A few reunions were held over the years – one in Union, Oregon where most of the people camped out at the family home; another was on a 2-week Alaskan cruise; and one was a long weekend campout along the Lochsa River.

Fishing was a big part of Henry’s life. Anything from a quick trip to the Boise River or Salmon fishing in Alaska or taking a short walk to the creek behind the house in Oregon suited him just fine. Gardening was Henry’s passion, and his yard was his pride and joy. He spent as much time as he could taking care of his flowers, vegetables, berries, and his apricot tree.

Although there were tough times to get through, Henry’s home was always welcoming. There was good food and always cold beer. Henry inspired people to graciously accept what life gives and to move on. He asked for very little but was always willing to help anyone when they had a need.

Following his long battle with respiratory issues, Henry passed from our world with family by his side at 1951 hours. The time he passed is the same as the year he was born – both are 1951. His passing was one month after his and Mary’s 48th Anniversary and one month before his 74th birthday. Wendy and Peter have always been a big part of his life as well as his Grandchildren – Christopher, Piper, Lilly and Levi. Henry lovingly welcomed Audry (Peter), Darren (Wendy) and Miranda (Christopher) into his Family. Henry carried many rolls – he was Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle – he was the Family’s Patriarch.

Rest peacefully Marine. Semper Fi

A Committal Service will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho with a celebration of life to follow the committal service at Bowman Funeral Home located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Garden City, Idaho.