Barton P. Clark

Bart Clark passed away peacefully at his Harrington residence, on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 .  He made Harrington DE his home, for the last 20+ years.  Before moving to DE, he resided in Perrineville NJ, for a number of years. Born to Paul Clark and Matilda Clark (Hauke), in Woodbridge, NJ; he grew up and graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1958.  Upon graduation, Bart, like his cousin Billy, joined the IBEW; he was a member of the IBEW union for over 40 years. Bart became a journeyman and later a project manager, and supervised sites throughout Manhattan.  Bart was also a member of the Local Perth Amboy Electrical Union 358.

Bart was a lifelong outdoorsman.  He hunted as a young man with his uncles and cousin Bill.  He enjoyed hiking in New England and out West.  When living in Reno, he climbed Half Dome, in Yosemite NP. This, one of the most difficult and dangerous hikes in North America, Bart said was the most beautiful, majestic place that he had ever witnessed; “Heaven on Earth!”

Bart was an avid retriever field trialer; he bred, trained, and competed with his dogs and friends, from FL to ME, DE to CA.  Bart trained a number of field champions and numerous QAA and derby dogs. He bred, trained, and ran the 2012 National Derby Champion, the coveted #1 Derby dog in the country, his beloved “Arrow”.   This dog is memorialized in the Retriever Hall of Fame, in Grand Junction TN.

 A member of the South Jersey, Del Bay, and Maryland Retriever Clubs; he was very active in the field trial community. Bart was a tireless supporter of our sport; he was an AKC judge and the chairman of numerous AKC trials in NJ, MD, and DE. He was quite fond of the summers spent in Tug Hill with Bob W, Bob L, and Rex B. (who would have thought!) As well as winter trips to Bruce and Betty Hall beautiful grounds in Americus GA spent with Bruce, Alex A, Drew C, and the MN boys. Always had insightful observations to share for any/all that would lend an ear, Bart was a student of the sport, always learning, always evolving. He continued to get out in the field, training with his friends, as recently as July! Bart’s zest for life and tenacity was truly remarkable. Bob Willow introduced Bart to Tug Hill.  Bart purchased a property in Tug Hill, NY, for training retrievers; he was proud of the fact that this property, that he started developing, has evolved into one of the premier retriever trial grounds in the country.

Over the years, Bart had a keen eye for unique automotive finds.  Earlier this year he finished restoration of a 1941 Ford pickup that he had been working on, his 10-year project.  Cameron said that Bart was beaming when he took him for a ride in the 41!

Bart was preceded in death by both his parents.  He is survived by Sarah Camp, his sister, and her husband (Lake)VA and their sons; Cousin, G. William Clark of DE, and his children (Debbie Bailey, Dawn Schlauch and Partrick); cousin, Cathie Cullen and many other cousins.
 
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the McKnatt, Carpenter & Baker Funeral Home, 50 Commerce Street, Harrington, DE  19952 (302-398-3228).

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