Paul K. (PK) Clark
July 26, 1962 - September 2, 2019
PK left us peacefully on September 2, 2019, after courageously fighting a rare disease for the past eight months. His tenacity and toughness afforded his family more time with him, which they cherished. This last October, Paul was in the best shape of his life and completed a 50 mile ultra marathon as the pinnacle of his numerous running achievements and multiple RAGNAR races. While our family is devasted by his early departure, we are comforted that he’s finally at peace.
PK was born July 26,1962 in Salt Lake City to Paul Monroe Clark and Patricia Jean Gardner. As the oldest of the three Clark boys, he could always be found with his Irish twin brother, Mike getting into mischief. He also dumped countless quarters into the Asteroid machine for his younger brother, Brian. He spent hours with his two brothers and dad helping to build the little league baseball complex at St. Ann. When the boy’s dad passed in 1981, PK was the rock that kept the family together. As his mother battled dementia, he was by her side, making sure she was well taken care of each and every day. PK could be found the Friday before every St. Paddy’s day, painting shamrocks on the parade route and making sure this tradition lived on.
As a perennial Catholic school kid, PK attended Cosgriff and Judge Memorial where he played football, baseball and wrestled, graduating in 1980. His acceptance to The Citadel Military College of South Carolina was one of his dad’s proudest moments. He received his degree in History from The Citadel in 1984. He then followed in his dad’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. PK built lasting friendships during his time in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after eight years. He touched lives from coast to coast and had a special skill of making friends wherever he was.
Paul’s proudest accomplishment were his two children, Paul and Shannon. Their mental fortitude and grit are a direct result of his influence. PK cherished his kids and could always be heard from the sidelines, cheering them on. Over the past few months he drew strength from Paul and Shannon.
PK spent the last seven years chasing adventures with the love of his life, Evilyn, from the desert to the sea. While they met later in life, PK had found happiness. Always the explorer, PK and Evilyn would travel by plane, train or automobile for an adventure. A lover of history, every weekend brought a new discovery of remote trail, mine, or ghost town. When PK got sick, Evilyn was by his side day and night as best friend, cheerleader, drill instructor and advocate.
In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his children Paul and Shannon and their mother Nancy; brothers Mike (Tammy) and their children Alexandra and Dillon; Brian (Jennifer Layman) and their children Jack and Lily; and his mother (Patricia Clark). He is preceded in death by his dad (Paul Clark).
Friends are invited to an Irish Wake to celebrate his life on Saturday, September 14 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Casual attire preferred per PK’s preference, his favorite color was orange.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in PK’s name to the Amyloidosis Foundation.
Friends are welcome to share phone video memories with Paul's family by emailing them to shayneh@starksfuneral.com where they will be posted for all to see.
In Loving Memory
We are sending prayers to the Clark family. Love to all!��
"Neither fire, nor wind, birth nor death, Can eras our good deeds." PK's deeds will be remembered, his memories will be dear, PK will be missed but, He will always be Near. Thanks for everything my friend !! Sincerely, Sergio Fraustro.
I am so sorry for your loss Evilyn and the loss of Paul to his children and family Only met him a couple times but it was hard to see how happy you both were
My prayers are with you & your family Evilyn. There is comfort in knowing he is at peace & out of pain. I never knew PK but I know he was an amazing man! Stay strong! ❤️
To say that I am so sad to see this is an understatement. Paul was a good friend and co-worker at Harman. He ran Ragnar with all three of my children. Rest In Peace my friend.
We send you our deepest condolences and many prayers to lift you up during this very sad time. Kevin was such a good man.
My neighbor, my friend. Always willing to lend a helping hand. We had lots of good times throughout the years. I shall miss our Christmas Eve toasts. Evilyn is Paul’s angel. Much love to her and his family. RIP dear friend. We’ll talk again soon.
Mike, I didn’t get to know your brother in high school but I got to know your brother on Facebook. I’m really glad and kept up with his posts and antics too. Brenda and I are very sorry for your loss. I lost my sister last year, it’s so hard to loose a sibling. Prayers to you and your family.
Mike & Brian, I usually never write. Your dad was as cool as Steve McQueen. Your mom was beautiful and graceful. Your brother was always true to his family in his life and my experience. Lucky for you guys. The Pelley family.
I roomed with Kevin Clark during our first year in college at The Citadel(in Chasn, SC). I remember spending many nights talking with Kevin at length about everything in life, both the good and bad. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend, roommate and classmate. He was a great guy, respected and loved by all his Citadel brothers. I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to Kevin’s family and close circle of friends. He will be greatly missed.
I have many memories of the Clark family. We grew up just blocks away from each other and I remember many days at the old house over by Skyline H.S. Our Dad, John Welsh and Paul Clark were dear friends and I have very fond memories of your Mom, Pat. I always remember her as one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Of all the boys, I have the most memories of Kevin as we were closest in age. I saw him numerous times over the years, usually at the St Paddy’s Day Parade and was so sad to hear of his passing. He was a very kind and compassionate man and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers going out to the Clark family. Jayne (Welsh) Surbeck
Kevin and I are Citadel classmates, both from T Company. We also did the Marine Corps option together (many very early mornings getting very tired before class). I have always valued seeing Kevin and admired his ability to be a friend and make everyone feel better in his company. It was ALWAYS good to see Kevin, and get a great handshake, a hug, and laugh at something together. I think we all felt we could talk about anything with Kevin, and he would be that steady friend. I have fantastic memories of doing outrageous things with Kevin while we were in college. You could always count on Kevin to say, “I’m In!” and off a bunch of us were to sneak off campus for beers, which involved climbing over poorly lit barbed wire and sometimes through ponds of muck. I can’t believe he is gone; I was counting on many more conversations with him. Kevin you are dearly missed. Our reunions will be less without you.
My prayers and deepest sympathies to the Clark family. God Bless you all during this very sad time. Fondly Mary Simos
Paul, Shannon, Evilyn and the Clark Family: There are no words to express how truly sorry we are for your loss. Kevin was a great guy and we enjoyed spending time skiing and going out to dinner with him. Kevin always made us laugh with his quick wit, humor and of course, his undeniable sarcasm. He brought us joy and laughter and would always talk about his two beautiful kids. He was so proud. Eveilyn, you stood by Kevin through the darkest of times and your love for him is undeniable and to my dear friend Michelle, I know how close you and Kevin were. May you find peace in the love that surrounds you with family and friends.
Brian - this is a note which comes from across the globe with a tight hug and lots of love to give you the strength to endure the loss of your elder brother. I cannot begin to understand what the grief would be for you. Take solace in the family you and Jen have built around you and let it envelope you with the love and comfort you need. Denise & Kevin Ireland from India
To Kevin's family: We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many cherished memories with your family. We laughed a lot and cried when we shared sad times. We are keeping you all in our prayers. God Bless you all. Love Helen and Jim Genetti
It is with a heavy heart and sadness to hear the news on the passing of “PK” aka Kevin to San Diego family and friends. I was introduced to The Clark Family 20 YRS ago when I met my wife. Since Kathy and Michelle (Kevin’s cousin) are close friends it was not long before I had the privilege and honor to meet Kevin. I instantly liked him and I especially loved his sarcasm which I personally found humorous. Kevin was always welcoming to Kathy and I on the handful of trips we made to Salt Lake City. We reciprocated when he would visit San Diego. Kathy and I especially remember Kevin sailing with us and educating us on all the military Naval infrastructure at the North Island. His smile was contagious and love for family unconditional. His love for life and the way he lived hopefully will bring everyone who knew him comfort and peace. Kevin was truly very special and will be missed tremendously but NEVER forgotten. May Kevin Rest In Peace knowing the impact he had on all those who had the privilege of meeting him including his San Diego friends. Much Love to The Clark Family.
So sad to learn of PK's passing. He was the first person I met when I reported into Fox Co 2/1 back in June 1985. We quickly became friends and along with Nick Hirsch we worked through the trial by fire of being Marine 2ndLts in Fox Company. I'll always remember the good times with PK at the apartment on Victoria Ave in San Clemente. John Cougar on the new CD player, Jack Daniels on the table and playing the "drinking pigs" game. PK was a "rock" while serving under some tough circumstances. Condolences to his family. Semper Fi- Todd Parker
In Loving Memory
