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Stuart “Stu” Clark, 87, of Centralia, Washington, was born in Portland, Oregon. He was a devoted husband to Vicky Clark, a proud father to Brandy and Tim Clark, a loving stepfather to Jimmy, a grandfather of seven and a great-grandfather of eight.
Stu was hard-working, energetic, courageous and unmistakably his own person. His professional career began as a district service manager for General Motors, setting the course for a lifelong connection to automobiles through mechanics, racing and classic cars.
His knowledge and passion for automobiles eventually led him to education. Stu earned a master’s degree in industrial education from Cal State Long Beach and became an auto mechanics teacher at Beaumont High School. He took pride in teaching practical skills, serving as a mentor to his students and helping them develop knowledge they could carry with them throughout their lives.
In 1980, Stu was featured in The Record-Gazette when a new auto shop facility was being built at Beaumont High School. The expanded facility provided students with more room and equipment for hands-on learning, something Stu strongly believed in.
Stu was also an adventurer at heart and loved being outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing and driving off-road, exploring from the sand dunes of Baja to the mountains of Washington. He embraced new experiences and approached life with courage, always willing to take on a challenge and see where it would lead.
His gregarious nature made it easy for him to connect with people. He even went by the alias “StuMagoo,” and he rarely remained a stranger for long. Stu had a lot of friends throughout his life, including former students, coworkers, neighbors and others who appreciated his energy, enthusiasm and unmistakable personality.
Stu will be remembered as a teacher, mentor, adventurer, car enthusiast, husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was a man who worked hard, stayed active, embraced life on his own terms and left an impact on the many people whose lives he touched.
Stu leaves behind his beloved wife, Vicky Clark; his children, Brandy and Tim Clark; his stepson, Jimmy; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; along with many friends, former students and others whose lives he touched.
He did everything he wanted to do. His adventures may have come to an end, but the lessons he taught, the friendships he made and the memories he created will remain.
Rest easy, Stu. The road was long, the adventures were many, the friends were plenty, and you made your mark on everyone fortunate enough to know you.
Another article on Stu can be viewed through this website: https://obituaries.recordgazette.net/obituary/stuart-clark-1094041712
