Richard C. Clark Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Clark, Richard C. “Dick” Saline, MI Age 68, passed away peacefully Monday morning December 8, 2014 at the Saline Evangelical Home. He was born on November 14, 1946, in Detroit, MI, the son of James and Doris (Davis) Clark. Richard “Dick” grew up in Detroit, MI, and attended Henry Ford High School. He attended Eastern Michigan University and began a career in sales, working with a major food distributor and then many years in motorcycle dealer supply. Dick also worked with his brother in design and furniture distribution for another 17 years. Dick prided himself on his work ethic and independence throughout his life. Though enjoying work as a means to support himself, his true passion was sports, mostly baseball. Dick spent almost 40 years as a baseball historian and a major contributor to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). Dick was a chairman of the Negro Leagues committee and helped many black ball players to find their home in Cooperstown in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Dick’s knowledge of the game, its history, as well as, current and past teams and players was unmatched. In addition to his passion for baseball, Dick was a fan of most all sports. From his local favorites of the Tigers, Red Wings, Lions and Pistons, he also became a fan of European football, and his favorite team was the Manchester United. Dick spent most of his “free” time watching and supporting youth sports and activities. Anyone that knew Dick, knew about his grand kids and their respective sporting events and activities. From dance to music concerts, soccer, swimming, basketball and baseball, Dick was at most all of his grandkids games and events with supportive comments throughout and encouragement and guidance after. Dick was a fan and even coach to many within the community as a whole. It was expected that his grand kids would call him “Grandpa Dick”, but it was also special to have the kid’s friends and teammates calling him “Grandpa Dick” as well. Dick had a big heart, a great sense of humor, and was a friend to many. Dick was a loving brother, father and grandfather. He is survived by his brother, Charles “Chuck” Clark and Step Son, Kristian (Tara) Holmberg, and four grandchildren: Macy, Kelsey, Chloe, and Nathan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Society for American Baseball Research, SABR, 4455 E. Camelback Road, Suite D-140, Phoenix, Arizona 85018, with funds earmarked to the Jerry Malloy Conference. Or click here to donate: https://sabr.site-ym.com/donations/donate.asp?id=6149 A memorial service on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center in Event Room #300 -EMU Student Center 900 Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197. Please check back for additional details. To sign Dick’s guestbook, to leave a memory, or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com

Tributes

Richard C. Clark

November 14, 1946 - December 8, 2014