Arthur L. Clark

BELGRADE – Arthur L. Clark, “Uncle Artie”, 99, passed away peacefully Aug. 15, 2024. Born in Augusta, he was a standout football player at Cony High School. Upon graduation in 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy and became proficient at morse code and remained stateside to train others.

Following World War II, he married Eleanor Wentzel and attended the University of Maine Orono, playing football and earning a teaching degree in mathematics. He taught math and coached football at Williams High School in Oakland for 10 years before taking the same teaching position in Winslow. He also became a well-known and respected football referee.

Beginning in 1949 he joined the overnight boys Camp Kennebec staff in North Belgrade. He spent 30 summers teaching and leading an 18-day canoe trip from Chesuncook down the Allagash waterway to Fort Kent.

Retiring from teaching and counseling, he then explored the world on numerous bicycle trips, but always came home to the Maine woods.

He held the Boston Post cane for several years as Belgrade’s oldest citizen.

Revered as an outstanding educator, counselor, woodworker and woodsman, he touched many lives in a positive way. His lasting motto was: “leave the campsite better than you found it.”

Arthur was predeceased by his wife Eleanor and daughter Barbara Collins.

He is survived by son Donald Clark, daughters, Peggy Contreras and Nancy Clark, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at The Center for All Seasons in Belgrade, Oct. 13, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Coffee, tea and cake provided.

Any donation in his memory may be sent to the McGrath Pond Salmon Lake Association (MPSLA),

P.O. Box 576,

Oakland ME 04963.