Thursday, October 10, 2013

In Memoriam Count Robert Clark

October 2013 (ORCNS) - The Patriarchal See is sad to report the death of one of its most distinguished friends and supporters, Count Robert L. Clark, in October of 2013. A resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, he was reported missing from his cabin in the Apache Springs Ranch area in late September. After an intense search and rescue effort, he was found in the wilderness on 3 October.


Robert Clark's life was one of accomplishment and adventure. He was known for his inquisitive mind, his sense of loyalty, and great personal honor. Clark graduate in 1968 from Virginia Institute of Technology and served in the Vietnam War as a Captain in U.S. Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal. He flew private aerobatic aircraft for some years. In civilian life, he worked as a CPA and wrote a book, Crossing Wall Street - The Road to Independent Financial Security, in which he hoped to help people gain financial independence and not to be manipulated by the corporate system and financial marketplace. Clark was also a man of very high intelligence. He was a long-time member of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry and served as its ninth President. Clark was a hereditary Companion of the Most Honorable Legion of the Eagle and an Italian Count.

The coat of arms of Count Robert L. Clark.

Friends of Clark knew him to be dedicated, loyal, and always up for a good intellectual discussion. He was someone who always loved to learn something new and from whom others could learn a great deal. He was not one to stand by idly as others behaved dishonorably. He was always quick to rise to the defense of the falsely maligned. His words carried great weight wherever he went, and many people followed his excellent example.

Shortly before his death, Clark came to Catholicism and believed in the benefits of the rosary. He had begun the initial stages of discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood. As a scientist himself, he was particularly interested in the Saints and clergy who were involved in making scientific contributions.

Two of Clark's quotes were "War is hell" and "Man is a fragile commodity." He was equally qualified to comment on both accounts.