IT IS not until we sit in a church at the passing of a loved one, friend or relative that we realise what that individual achieved in life, and what strong impressions they leave on you until you no longer have the privilege of their company.
John Clark will be remembered as a committed volunteer, always wanting to improve things, straight to the point, independent, and a jack- of-all-trades with a sense of humour that charmed all.
“He achieved what he wanted in life and could be perceived as a tough taskmaster, who displayed tough love with a gentle side, especially for his eight grandchildren,” one of his four sons, Darrell, said.
John met the love of his life, Trish Henery, in 1956 and they were married on Australia Day, 1957 at Gundagai.
The child rearing and cooking was left up to Trish and they managed to raise five children under the age of seven.
In 1969, Trish and John drew Farm 522 out of a ballot and slowly developed the land that was made up of open grassland and timbered areas into a very productive and successful irrigation property.
This was John’s greatest achievement, although entailing many hours of blood, sweat and tears.
A second property, known as Schuberts, was purchased in 1976.
In order to purchase this property, house plans were put on the backburner as John’s ambition for providing for his family’s future was his main priority, and a house was considered a luxury in those early years.
A few more years were spent living in the shed. The farm took precedence over everything back then, but a house was eventually built in 1981.
John loved everything to be spot on; he was a well-respected and admired farmer who took great pride in his land, growing crops while also running sheep and cattle.
John loved his dogs and had a very close relationship with “Melissa”, who proudly rode in the front of his ute.
In 1991 at the age of 64, John and Trish decided to sell their farms to Kevin, who worked along side his dad for a number of years. After settling in Coleambally, John enjoyed a more relaxed life while still giving Kevin a hand with the farm.
John plassed on his good looks and mannerisms to all of his five children and taught them important values, one of these values being the importance of a strong work ethic and the need to do everything properly, never anything in halves.
John loved sport (golf, cricket, bowls), and was a born sports leader. He captained the Tallimba Golf Club in his young years, and was later captain of the Coleambally Golf Club.
He also loved horses, including gallopers, pacers and trotters.
John’s competitive streak has been passed on to his children and grandchildren.
This can be witnessed every time the family gets together whether it be carpet bowls or backyard cricket at Christmas time, “it’s no use playing if you don’t win” can quite often be heard.
John was a dedicated volunteer, committing many hours to things he thought could be made better.
John always put his hand up if there was a job to be done, and was a committee member of the Bowling Club.
A very independent man, John loved to do everything himself but would always be the first to lend a hand to neighbours and friends, whether it be lending equipment or helping out when required.
His ability to stand on his own two feet has not gone unnoticed, and his children have developed the same independence. John was great with his hands and a natural at anything he tried.
His passion for history and vintage equipment developed when he became a committee member for the Vintage Club of Coleambally in 1991.
The restoration of his 1952 Morris Minor and, more importantly, the “pride of the pack” – his 1928 Whippet – made John very proud and carried him to his final resting place last Wednesday.
John had strong faith, not in a religious sense, but always thought deeply and knew right from wrong.
The desire he had for his children to achieve something worthwhile in life was something he was rewarded with and he always respected their choices, never questioning why those choices were made.
John’s deep connection and knowledge for the land and his family have left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him.
In the last few months as John’s health deteriorated, the Clark family has had time to reflect on all the lasting memories John left with them, and how fortunate they all were to have such a close relationship with John, the loving husband, father and “Pop”.
John’s charisma will be a lasting endearment to all who had the opportunity to cross paths with him and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
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