Former school administrator and Carmel graduate Eric Clark, 73, dies of cancer

The night of Oct. 7, 2009, Class of 1953 graduate Eric Clark died of a lifelong battle with cancer.

IN MEMORY OF: Eric Clark, 73, died of cancer on Oct. 7. His lifelong dedication to Carmel High School spanned generations and resulted in an activity center in his name. EMILY PUTERBAUGH / PHOTO

He was a former administrator, teacher and coach at Carmel, according to Principal John Williams. Just prior to becoming principal, Williams said he met with Clark to discuss his upcoming position. “You couldn’t be a part of Carmel and not meet Eric Clark,” Williams said.

Funeral arrangements have been made at the Friends Church on Main Street for 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12.

The 73-year-old who chopped wood during his retirement and whose name is memorialized on the building’s activities center, held a genuine love for the school, Williams said. “It helped me to immediately fall in love with Carmel High School,” he said.

Clark devoted several decades of his life to Carmel, and his granddaughter, senior Molly Clark, is a current student. Williams said the fact that his children and grandchildren attended Carmel schools was a symbol of his devotion to the system.

Williams also recalled a story of Clark that showed his trust in the community. Upon his retirement, Carmel staff pooled together money to purchase a blue-and-gold-painted truck for Clark. Clark kept the truck in his driveway with the keys in it for the community to use if there was a need. Williams said Clark invited him to come over and drive his truck once.

Williams said, “(He) was a true gift to our community.”

By Michelle Hu <mhu@hilite.org>