Clarks legacy of community service spurs legacy endowment
By Shelley Farrington Lincoln News • November 29, 2023
MILLINOCKET – Friends and family of the late Herbie Clark recently celebrated the creation of the Herbert E. Clark Memorial Endowment Fund (LMF) with Millinocket Regional Hospital’s Legacy Foundation Fund. The money to create the endowment was provided by the Katahdin Federal Credit Union (KFCU): Clark served as both a trustee on the MRH Board of Trustees and a director on the KFCU Board of Directors.
The Clark Endowment is extra special in that it represents the first such investment fund set up and managed by the hospital’s LMF.
Clark’s commitment to service and his community was highlighted in the creation of the fund as it tied together two important paths of service. It was also a chance for the family to get together and reminisce about his remarkable life.
According to information provided by LMF President Michael Crowley, the Clark Endowment Fund honors his proud connection with his community. He graduated from Stearns High School and attended the University of Maine. He was a Vietnam veteran and retired from Great Northern Paper after working 41 years and 11 months. Clark served 12 terms in the Maine House of Representatives. He was a past chair and member of the Millinocket Town Council; a Grand Knight and Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus Council #680; a board member of Maine Avenue Manor; member of the AARP Millinocket; the Cancer Support Group; American Legion Post #80; VFW; DAV and BPOE Lodge #1521.
Clark most of all enjoyed his camp on Ambajejus Lake boating, swimming, fishing and watching the beautiful sunsets. He also enjoyed fishing at Nesowadnehunk where he kept a camper.
The Clark Endowment is specifically earmarked for the Oncology Center at MRH.
“I know my father would be very proud because it was his life dream to help his community and help the people that helped him throughout his life,” said son Joe Clark. “This is just one part of him giving back to people who helped him through the years. With oncology being here at MRH, it helps a lot of people in our area so they don’t have to travel to places outside of town that may be hardships for them. This money will go a long way to help them.”
Joe Clark thanked the hospital, its employees, the credit union, the foundation and all involved with honoring his father.
“It all starts with community and friends and family. If it wasn’t for them then we wouldn’t be here today,” said Clark.
“Herbie” – as he was best known by friends and family – is survived by his wife Ellen; son Joseph and wife Missy; daughter, Tammi McNeelly and husband Gary; grandsons, Nathan and Michael; granddaughter Casey and great grandson Lane; sisters, Elizabeth and Shirley; brothers, Ludgie and wife Mary, Stephen, Jimmie , and Michael; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Loretta; brothers and sisters.
Anyone interested in donating to the endowment can send contributions to: Legacy Medical Foundation, 200 Somerset Street, Millinocket ME 04462. For additional information, you can visit the foundation office at White Birch Medical Center, 899 Central Street in Millinocket, call (207) 723-7419 or email our fund representative Michael Crowley at mcrowley@mrhme.org