Donald Robert Clark
September 2, 1944 - October 12, 2023
Donald Robert Clark died peacefully on October 12, 2023 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was comforted in his final weeks by his steadfast family and the many friends from all stages of his life. He received additional support from the staff of Cherry Hills Assisted Living where he had been residing for 14 months and Namaste Hospice.
Don was born on September 2, 1944 and spent his early years on a farm near Leavenworth, Kansas. He graduated from Jarbalo Elementary School in 1958 and from Leavenworth High School in 1962. Childhood struggles with asthma, hay fever, and allergies caused farm work to be doubly difficult and convinced him a life of farming was not in his future.
Don’s mother, Delia Papen Stillings, and his step-father, William Stillings, were especially kind and generous enabling him to attend Kansas State University and graduate with a BSEE degree in 1967.
That same year Don began a career in Denver with Public Service Company of Colorado. Over a 35 year career he worked as an engineer and engineering manager, retiring from Xcel Energy in 2002. Don worked on many interesting assignments during that time, but especially enjoyed the opportunity to recruit and work with young engineers, several of whom became lifelong friends. Don spent an additional 8 years as a Sr. Engineer for Denver International Airport consulting on utility energy supply, renewable energy, and energy conservation projects.
Following retirement in 2010, he was a frequently requested volunteer math tutor at the Littleton Bemis Library. Later, he enjoyed writing a science column in a community newsletter. His passion for math and science education was lifelong and shared with many others.
In August 1975 after a long bachelorhood, he met Holly Harkness, newly arrived to Colorado from North Carolina, while playing volleyball. It was almost love at first sight and they became acquainted playing tennis and he introduced her to his favorite cuisine, Mexican food. Their marriage occurred the next summer and was long-lasting and successful. Don was extremely proud of his three children - a daughter and two sons- and was involved in all aspects of their upbringing and education. With his family he shared his love of the outdoors, camping, cars and driving, and road trips through the Southwest. Don was unassuming yet extremely knowledgeable and never ceased to amaze with his explanations, theories, and random fact recall.
He will be remembered for his work ethic, quick quip and humor, generosity, love of his career, and devotion to family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Holly of Highlands Ranch; daughter Lisa, husband Jack Croissant of Golden; son Loren, wife Tina of Denver; son Adrian, wife Cara Pierce, grandchildren Wilder and Holiday Clark of Huntington Beach, CA.
A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to support the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society (PES) Scholarship Plus Initiative at the link below
