Allen Thaire Clark

Allen Thaire Clark of St. Johnsbury, Vermont passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2026 from an adverse reaction to medical treatment.

Born 1949 in St. Petersburg, Florida, Allen was a quiet and gentle embodiment of human goodness in a world sorely needing more of it, flashing smiles from a loving heart. He had a soft voice, a tall reach, a quirky, mischievous sense of humor, and possessed a combination of contemplative intellect and practical skill. He was spiritual, serene, and humble, a steadfast man of simple needs who found contentment in a warm meal or a sturdy pair of boots. He was a master of tools, builder, gardener, photographer, lover of sunsets and stars, nature, music, and stories. He took the time to recognize and marvel in the extraordinary magic of the every day, with the imagination to explore the otherworldly.

As a boy, Allen often looked after his younger siblings while his parents worked. He was involved in Boy Scouts with his Scoutmaster father. He was elected to be a member of the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of the BSA.

Allen enlisted in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War after graduating high school. He was stationed at Hurlburt Field near Eglin Air Base, Florida, assigned to the 603rd Special Operations Squadron, the 4407th Combat Crew Training Squadron, and 547th Special Operations Training Squadron, working as a reciprocating engine aircraft maintenance specialist on T-28A Trojans and A-26 Invaders.

Following military service, Allen went to college on the GI Bill and worked in a variety of interesting jobs. He settled into aerospace engineering, designing parts for filtration systems. He later worked for decades as a telecommunication technician, traveling to worksites throughout the US to install systems in large facilities. Allen was a true workplace alchemist who brought expertise and vigor to his work. He led crews in physically demanding jobs until he was almost 70, when he suffered a work injury and the long tide of his robust health began to recede.

He endured the illness and pain of his last years with great fortitude, able to joke with family, friends, and medical staff until minutes before his death. He was comforted by his beloved and vigilant ESA cat Gracie, his shadow familiar who now thinks all remaining humans are second-best.

Allen was predeceased by his parents Thaire and Ethel Clark, and a brother, Charles Clark.

He is survived by Cathy, his devoted wife and soulmate of 29 years, his daughter Dawn Clark (Matt Richardson) of Pinellas Park, Florida, his sister Lynda Wales of Keystone Heights, Florida, his brothers Dani Clark (Sandra) of Firestone, Colorado, and Tim Clark (Ginger) of Holland, Michigan, his many nieces, grand-nieces, nephews and grand-nephews, many cousins, and his in-law family of Vermont and Florida. Allen loved deeply, and everyone whose life was touched by him will miss him dearly.

Allen’s family wishes to thank the valiant efforts of the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital emergency department, and the organizations who provided assistance and comfort to Allen in his final years living in St. Johnsbury, including St. Johnsbury Meals on Wheels, who shared daily smiles and visits; HealthWell Foundation, who provided financial assistance to cover copays and insurance gaps; and NEKCAN (Northeast Kingdom Cancer Action Network Inc.) a nonprofit funded by local businesses, providing support and financial grants to local patients undergoing cancer treatment. Please consider making a donation to these organizations for the assistance they provide to families confronted with major medical challenges.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at saylesfh.com.