"I am privileged to consider Wayne a friend to Pendalouan as well as to myself. Condolences and well wishes to Terri and Dale as well as the rest of the family as you celebrate and share memories of his life. Bruce Spoelman"
In loving memory of
Wayne Arthur Clock
July 19, 1931 - June 9, 2022
Clock,
Wayne Arthur
Muskegon, Michigan
With a warm smile and a full heart, Wayne Arthur Clock lived a life rich in family and friends. Called to a life of service, Wayne dedicated himself to being a steadfast source of comfort and companionship. Wayne led by example, greeting each person as a friend, cherishing every moment as a gift, and generously giving of his blessings. In his good company, challenges were met with confidence, and good fortunes were fully celebrated. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Wayne will long be remembered and greatly missed.
Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, the power of hope undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in Muskegon, Michigan, as Thomas C. and Addie (Pattenger) Clock Sr. welcomed their son, Wayne, into their family on July 19, 1931.
Along with his older brother, Thomas Jr. and younger siblings, Jack and Ruth, Wayne's early years were centered on family values. His mother was a homemaker and his father operated the family Clock Funeral Home which his father, Tiede Clock, established in 1897. The family made their home in a house attached to the funeral home on Grand Ave. in Muskegon and spent most of their summers at their cottage on Beach Street at Lake Michigan's shore. There, Wayne would play with neighborhood boys, climb nearby Pigeon Hill Sand Dune and take part in annual sessions at YMCA Camp Pendalouan on Big Blue Lake.
Wayne attended McLaughlin Elementary, Muskegon Junior and Senior High Schools. He was on the swim team at the YMCA in Muskegon and played clarinet in the high school marching band. He learned to snow ski on the dunes of Muskegon State Park and had a very active social life with lots of friends, many of whom would remain friends for life. He also worked for a time as an orderly at Hackley Hospital.
After graduating from high school in June of 1949, Wayne furthered his education as a pre-med student at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. After two years of study, he decided to return to Muskegon and join the family funeral business with his father and brothers. He attended Wayne State University for schooling and graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science.
Not quite ready to settle down after mortuary school, Wayne enlisted in the US Navy and focused on flight school to become a pilot and officer. He trained in Florida and Texas before being stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock CVA-19 based out of San Diego, California, flying the AD-Skyraider aircraft.
It was during these years that Wayne rekindled his relationship with high school classmate Carolyn VanDyke, who was in nurses training. The pair began dating long distance, and Wayne even "borrowed" a Navy plane to go see her while she was working at a Denver hospital. Committed to sharing the future, the couple married in Muskegon at Samuel Lutheran Church on November 27, 1954. The newlyweds moved out to San Diego, and when Wayne went out on a six-month deployment, a pregnant Carolyn returned to her parents' home in Muskegon. Daughter Terri was born while Wayne was overseas in 1955. Once Wayne safely completed his deployment, the family returned to live in San Diego. Once Wayne's active duty commitment was up, they returned to Muskegon to join the family business. Wayne continued to fly in the Naval Reserves and once almost took a job with United Airlines before deciding to stay in the funeral business.
Over the next few years, the family grew to include son Dale and daughters Kay and Ann. They eventually settled into the house Wayne grew up in next to the funeral home and as a family, attended Samuel Lutheran Church, where Wayne served on the council and sang in the choir. In the mid-1960's they had a cottage built on Big Blue Lake, north of Muskegon, where for many, many years, the family spent summers sailing, waterskiing, boating and making treasured memories together.
Wayne and Carolyn had a great group of friends that gathered regularly to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Over the years, the group enjoyed ski trips up north with the children and sailing trips to the Virgin Islands. When the wives group, "WOTS," got together, the men, "MOB", would head off on their own sailing excursions around the Great Lakes. Many a good time was also had on the local golf courses too. Wayne's life-long friends from grade school, Tom and Char Connell and Jim and Pat Hopkins, would annually visit the cottage on Big Blue Lake for many years, creating wonderful memories.
Eventually, Wayne and his brother Tom Jr. took over operations of the funeral home when Tom Sr. retired, and their sister Ruth joined the firm as the office manager. Brother Jack, unfortunately, died from cancer at the age of 30. Over the next 20 years, the firm grew to include branches in Whitehall, Fruitport, and Grand Haven. Wayne was an active member of and served a term on the Board of Directors of National Selected Morticians. With utmost patience and dedication, Wayne proved a powerful mentor for others.
Wayne was very active in the Muskegon community, often volunteering his time and talents in the service of others. He was a member of the Rotary Club and Muskegon Country Club. He served on the boards of several organizations, including Muskegon Federal Savings and Loan, the Hume Home, and the Muskegon Public Schools Board of Education. As the school board's past president, he was able to give each one of his children their high school diploma at graduation.
In time, son Dale joined the family business and took over operations when Wayne retired, while Terri, Kay, and Ann established their own families. As his family grew and grandchildren were born, so did Wayne's delight. He absolutely loved spending time with his grandkids and proudly attended their special events. He relished time spent building model train sets, teaching them to drive, and was thrilled to have everyone visit the cottage for summer trips and "Paddle Pop" rides on the pontoon boat to Turtle Bay or the sandbar.
In retirement, Wayne picked up his clarinet again and joined the Scottville Clown Band. He enjoyed many summers performing around West Michigan and marching in parades. He took up fly fishing as a hobby for a few years, which resulted in several fishing trips out to Maine. He and Carolyn wintered in Florida at The Villages for several years, where he also played clarinet in the community band. They also took regular trips to Arizona to visit the Hopkins and escape the winter snow.
In 2013, Carolyn died unexpectedly. Wayne kept busy maintaining the cottage and wintered at daughter Ann's house in Tampa, Florida. Seven years ago, while in Florida, he had some major health issues. After recovering, he returned to Muskegon and moved into Sanctuary at the Oaks assisted living. He enjoyed his life there and participated in many of the community's activities. He took trips out to the cottage with daughter Terri, developed a wonderful friendship with Virginia Reece, and liked having Dale come and play piano for the other residents. Eventually, the years started taking their toll and as he required more support, the staff at the Oaks met his needs with great care.
Wayne Arthur Clock, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 9, 2022.
SURVIVORS
Children, Terri Clock of Muskegon, Dale (Jodi) Clock of Muskegon, Kay (David) Douglass of Brewer ME, and Ann (David) Eddins of Odessa, FL; grandchildren, Andrew (Jamie Rabach) Ruthkoski, Eric (Kelsey Rhoda) Ruthkoski, Chelsey (Jake) Pellerin, Kristen Douglass, Chloe Douglass, and Kellie (Eddie Lewis) Clock; great-granddaughters Carra & Cait Pellerin, step-grandchildren, Brett (Kelly) Wright and Gavin & Nolan; sister, Ruth (Robert) Kramer and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Bigelow; and several nieces and nephews and special friend, Virginia Reece. He was preceded in death by his wife and brothers, Thomas Jr. and Jack.
SERVICE
Friday, June 17, 2022, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Christopher Anderson officiating. Interment in Restlawn Cemetery.
VISITATION
Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Camp Pendalouan or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.
Tributes
"My condolences to all of the Clock family. Wayne leaves a great legacy and reputation in our profession. Dale is certainly carrying on the reputation of excellence! Sincerely, Tom Antram (French Funerals-Cremations) Selected Group 5 Board Member. "
"Another excellent mentor lost. Fond memories of being taken under his wing at meetings. Very caring."
"Christy and I extend out deepest sympathy to the entire Clock family. Mr. Clock and my father were good friends in the old NSM days and I enjoyed his company at subsequent meetings. Eternity gets a fine eternal soul. Kent Trimble Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home Jefferson City. MO"
"I'm so sorry to learn of your dad's death. I'm sorry I never had a chance to meet him. Sending you and all your family love and hugs. Amy Hunt"
"Dale & family, My memories of your parents began 40 years ago when I met them through NSM. The friendship grew after your dad became a board member. Wayne was a perfect gentleman, bright-minded and downright fun. His humor was non-stop. I think everyone just loved being in his company. Like many in your community and beyond, I had deep admiration for your father as a fellow funeral professional and friend. May you savor all the wonderful memories as you mourn his death, giving thanks for his fine example. Bless you and yours in the days ahead. Thanks be to God for the life and witness of Wayne Clock, an unforgettable fellow. Mark Higgins"
"Terri, Dale and family my condolences ??. I remember your father being a very kind man. May God give you peace with his decision and joy as you share memories??"
"My sincere sympathy to you and your family Terri. George E Thomas & Family"
"Dale, Annette and I hold you and your family in our prayers as you say good-bye to your dad and former business partner. As a funeral director, we sometimes forget that we need to grieve because we're too busy making sure everything is just right, that's how we were taught. I hope that we can spend sometime together this summer and that you can find time to grieve, it's part of life - just as it is for everyone! You have much to be proud of in your family heritage and how you've maintained the business with all of the challenges. Our best, Bob and Annette Jenkins"
"Terri, Dale and family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. He sounds like just an amazing man and the loss a tremendous one. Prayers for strength and peace in the days ahead. "
"I am so thankful that Jan and I visited Wayne last summer when we were in Michigan. He remembered Jan and I and had a great visit. The best part was the opportunity I had to both reminice but eapecially thank him for giving me my start in funeral service. He was a patient teacher and a great example as a funeral director and embalmer."
"Mr. Clock. One of my best friends of all times (Ann's) daddy. I will never know exactly why Mr. Clock liked me so well and treated me with so much respect, but I will forever be grateful. He and Mrs. Clock raised such a beautiful daughter. Thank you Ann, for your friendship and sharing your wonderful dad. Turn on the box and let him know, he's the best! Rhonda"
"In loving memory of a very special person with a very special place in my heart. Pilot; Photographer; Sailor; lover of Labradors; a funny man who helped shape my young life. He taught me to sail and to water ski. The Fun Uncle. Summers at Big Blue Lake were the best. He leaves a legacy of love and a beautiful family. With all my love, Patsy Van Dyke"
"In memory of your loving family... The cottage days were the best ! Your dad was always kind and fun.. Hoping the good memories keep you in smiles. Love & hugs, "m&m"..Mardi Monroe Williams"