Timothy "Rhys" Clark Obituary (1956

Timothy Olds "Rhys" Clark was born on September 11th, 1956 to William G. Clark Sr. and Mary Ellen (Jones) Clark in Aurora, Colorado. He spent his early childhood in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at the Air Force Academy where his dad was a professor of English. His family moved to Iowa City in the late 1960's. Tim graduated from Iowa City High School and attended University of Iowa, receiving a BA in Theater Arts and a Master's in Fine Arts. Tim's passion for theater and song was reflected across stages from the Midwest to New York. In the early 1980's, he moved to Seattle where he was active in the local theater scene, including playing the role of Claudio in a production of "Measure for Measure"at New City Theater. He was instrumental in building the award-winning drama program at Bishop Blanchet High School where he worked as a choreographer from 1989-1991. Tim's love for choral music was resonated with his membership in several choirs, including The Esoterics and more recently, the Northwest Chamber Chorus. Tim will be remembered for his dedication to serve others, both on his job and through volunteer work, to which he generously gave of his time. From 1985-1991, he worked at Shanti/Seattle as a volunteer providing emotional support to clients living with a life-threatening disease. He moved to a staff position with Shanti as a Volunteer Coordinator and Training Facilitator from 1991-1995. Tim is remembered for his gift for instilling confidence in volunteers about their ability to do this work. He also volunteered at the King County Crisis Center as a crisis hotline counselor. Much of his life was concerned with caring for others. In the late 1990's, Tim attended Antioch University in Seattle where he studied Systems Design, followed by Life Coaching education through the Coach Training Institute completed in 2001. Over the last 13 years, Tim spent his professional life first at the United Negro College Fund, Seattle office, where he served as office administrator, and more recently at the Saybrook University LIOS Graduate College. He initially worked as a Systems Consultant for students and then as Director of Admissions. Faculty, staff, and most importantly, the graduate students, found him passionate, creative, and fiercely committed to their success and well-being as professionals. Tim Rhys was a creative spirit, a sensitive collaborator, and a loyal friend. Wherever he went, he left a trail of smiles, warmth, and inspiration. His humor was irreverent, he was wickedly funny, and he never left a good pun or a bit of black humor rest. He could be goofy, annoyingly silly, and in a flash, offer compassion and heart to anyone who was in need. And when all else failed, he was willing to do a repertoire from "Hair" to lift your spirit. Tim Rhys was connected from his heart center to God. His spiritual journey took him to join the Roman Catholic Church two years ago. He became an integral part of the St. Joseph Parish community, where he is remembered with warmth and respect for his desire to serve and minister to others. Tim Rhys never stopped growing, and never stopped nurturing others in their growth. He was deeply present to many people, one person at a time. Way too soon, Tim Rhys died suddenly and unexpectedly. With great sadness and grief he is survived by his big brother Bill Clark (Sandra) and niece Lindsey Levitan (Sam), as well as by his large and loving circle of friends. A funeral mass in his memory will take place on Saturday, February 15th at 11AM at St. Joseph Parish on 732 18th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) and the Lifelong AIDS Alliance (http://www.llaa.org/).