Thomas E. "TC" Clark's Obituary
Thomas E. “T.C.” Clark, age 89, passed away early Saturday, November 14, 2020. He was born on July 2, 1931 to John Clark, Sr. and Mary (Kamp) Clark in Clinton, Iowa and grew up spending time on the Mississippi River. He was a proud veteran, serving his country in the U.S Air Force during the Korean War. He received his bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose College. He married the love of his life, Suzanne in Waukon, IA on July 8, 1953 and together they spent endless years traveling and cherishing memories filled with love and laughter. She preceded him in death on September 18, 1992.
Tom and Sue opened a pool hall named the Cue and Cushion in Davenport, IA when their children were young. Tom loved having a young employee by the name of Steve Mizarek working for him. If someone tried to hustle anyone at the pool hall Tom would have them play "TheMiz". Steve would win quickly and later became a profession billiard player. Tom loved boats and worked for The Buehler Jet Boat Corporation while his family lived in Indianapolis, IN. He earned a plaque that said, "Krinkle, Krinkle Little Jet How I Wish We Never Met". This was given to Tom after the jet boat he was transporting flew off the trailer while going down the highway and crashed.
Tom started Midwest Marketing and was a sales representative all throughout the Midwest for companies such as Nike, Bonna Skis, Coleman and Peter Storm. Never one to sit, Tom opened T.C.'s Game Room and Supplies in downtown Grand Haven at the age of 85! Tom won first place at the Spring Lake Heritage Antique Boat Show two years ago with one of his Buehler Jet boats that he collected and restored.
Tom and Sue loved to travel together. Among some of the places they visited were Norway, Australia, Finland, The Bahamas, Hawaii, Russia, Alaska, Italy, France, Sweden and at the tender age of 80 he made a trip to Germany, Poland and England. Tom said his favorite trip was his visit to Ireland.
Tom loved music from Al Jolson, watching the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Braves. He had such a quick wit. In late October we asked if he wanted to watch the Detroit Lions on t.v. and he jokingly asked what high school they were playing this week. He was always one with a funny response. All who knew Tom knows that he loved The American Legion and a Legion size pour by Kelly of red wine. So, please take this time to pour a glass of red wine and toast to T.C. in his memory.
He will truly be missed by all that knew him. Thomas is survived by his 5 children, Daniel (Raili) Clark, Kevin (Darcy) Clark, Matthew, and his dog Harley, Clark, Lisa (Brian) Sabo and Patrick (Jacquelyn) Clark; 12 grandchildren, Josh, Seth, Tiffany (Kenny), Brandon, Jackson, Grace, Steven (Tara), Christopher (Rachel), Anthony, Chelsea (Travis), Daniel (Anna) and Payton; 7 great-grandchildren, Brody, Kaitlyn, Nash, Rylee, Jonah, Ansley, and Ida; cousin, William Clark and his daughter Carena (Chris, Katy, and Mason French). He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Suzanne Clark; and 2 brothers, John Clark, Jr. and James Clark. A Graveside service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Spring Lake Cemetery, 17181 N. Fruitport Rd., Spring Lake, MI 49456. A special thank you to Rev. Anthony Vainavicz for his private mass for Tom and to Rev. Charles Schwartz for holding Tom's graveside service. Military honors will also be held at the service. Memorial contributions in Thomas’s honor can be made direct to American Legion Post #28. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Please share memories with the family and www.sytsemafh.com.
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