Gary Neil Clark was born in Chicago, Illinois on Monday August 23, 1954 to parents Milford 'Al' Allen Clark and Katherine Clark just a mere two blocks away from 2122 North Clark Street the site of the both famous and infamous Thursday morning February 14, 1929 Saint Valentine's Day Massacre of seven members of the North Side Gang by Al Capone's enforcers dressed up as Chicago Police Officers.
Gary, relocated with his family to Los Angeles, California in 1963 at age (9) nine, later moved to Seattle, Washington in the early 1970's, and finally locating to Tucson, Arizona in the summer of 1978 (see 1970's). Gary's only sibbling, his sister Donna (Gary) Cordon settled in the Layton, Utah area in the 1970's.
Gary was Art & Entertainment Editor of numerous LGBT related Tucson newspapers and a founding co-publisher of the Tucson Observer publication first published on Wednesday July 18, 1984.
A private family viewing was held on Friday June 18, 2010 followed by cremation. A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday July 11, 2010 at the It's 'Bout Time (a.k.a. I.B.T.'s) bar located at 616 North 4th Avenue in Tucson with hundreds in attendance paying tribute throughout the day.
Whether it was the founding of a LGBT center or AIDS/HIV program, the creation of a new social or political group for LGBT Tucsonan's, the opening of an art show or gallery, gracing an LGBTQ nightclub or restaurant, Gary was always present with Bob a.k.a. Robert Ellis, giving his passionate support, encouragement and publicity through the Observer publication.
Gary helped those in need, those wanting to learn, inspiring others, encouraging young LGBTQ people to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. When there was a LGBT rally, protest, a monument to be built and the funds to be raised, an event to help a group or an individual out was held, Gary Neil Clark was always there because he was very deeply dedicated and cared about Tucson's LGBT community.
Gary, a consumate artist, brilliant, social commentator satirist and observer of life, was a very highly talented artist whose creativity and enthusiasm inspired countless thousands who he came in contact with or who experienced his very unique published and local gallery art works. Gary often drew inspiration from the likes of short story writer, critic and satirist Dorothy Parker, actress Talullah Bankhead, actress Marilyn Monroe, and artist and movie director Andy Warhol.
Gary, simply wearing his signature and usually wild colorful multi-shaped avant guarde styles of glasses, delivering a one liner come back, lighting a cigarette with the flair of the best of Hollywood's Golden Age actresses, had the uncanny ability to walk right into just about anywhere on earth and turn the atmosphere almost instantly into a festive party and get people talking to each other.
Gary was one of the two co-founders of the Tucson Observer publication in 1984 after numerous other LGBT Publications based in both Phoenix and Tucson had failed. The first LGBT Publication in Arizona was founded in Tucson by 2 bar owners (George Rederus & Barney Robles) and a office supply store manager (Robert 'Bob' Bailie Ellis) who began publishing on Wednesday September 26, 1976 as a (1) one page typewriter written and photocopied newsletter named the Tucson Gay Newsletter rising out of the aftermath of the Richard J. Heakin Jr. murder by high school students outside of a local Gay Bar on June 5, 1976 (see 1970's). Gary while on a vacation in Tucson for a break from Seattle's almost constant rain, but decided to stay and pursue a job offer from local Gay journalist, editor, and publisher Robert 'Bob' Ellis of the Arizona Gay News publication.
In Gary Neil Clark's insightful, satirical, and often highly provocative artwork and cartoons in the Observer publication's weekly feature of As I See It, Gary shared his observations, experiences, commented on the quirks, as well as the sometimes foolishness and whimsey of Tucson's LGBT community, the state, the country, and the world in general from his unique perspective.
Gary Neil Clark's artwork and support for the Tucson LGBT community and beyond was not just through the artwork itself, but also his contributions and creative energy as a member of the first Gay Pride Committee, known as the Tucson Lesbian/Gay Alliance (see 1970's) during the events beginnings celebrated at Himmel Parks north east area each June which was supported by the efforts and donations of Tucson's LGBT Community itself. Gary's LGBT Community involvement continued to his passionately supporting the numerous AIDS Service Organizations of the time including, the Tucson AIDS Project (a.k.a. T.A.P.), Tucson Shanti Foundation (a.k.a. Shanti), along with the People With AIDS Coalition for Tucson (a.k.a. PACT for Life) in the effort to help those with HIV/AIDS during a time when many in the United States looked the other way calling it a Gay Cancer, Gay Problem, or Gay Disease and would otherwise been left untreated and alone.
The LGBT community held a 'AS WE SEE IT' Roast of Gary Neil Clark held on Sunday, August 22, 1993 just one day before Gary's birthday with Mistress of the Roast Ceremony local performer Dani Reid along with many special guests performer Gilda Fatale, Nancy Norman, Rusty Lovell, Patrick Tobin, Bill Deeter, performer Rhett Butler Gable, Emma Keller, Ricky Staats, Barry Conyers, performer Lucinda Holliday, businessmen Dave Huff & Frank Shepis, Rodger Sweet, Candas, activist Jack Stocklslager, performer Monte Jon Gilmer, Miss Brenda Starr, Chris Jones and Tish Tanner to name but a few. The organizers included activist Natalie Perry, Ricky and Scott, businessman Michael Bennett & his mother Mama Bennett, businessman Peter Sittig ,Willie Gradillas and Rebecca Perry, Bruce Lundquist, performer Mario Magana and Bobbie Harris, Dave Shafer and Deb Whalen. Others included performer Madame X (Miss Gay Tucson), Martin Russell, Michael Sewell, Terry Moore and Gary Hart.
On the events program was listed this biography; Gary was born in the 1950's in the height of summer back in Chicago. At the age of 9 he was soon briskly taken to the land of billboards, endless cars, endless pavement, and burritos, Los Angeles, which he remembered as a place dominated by price wars and civil strife. Gary Clark remembers sitting in front of the family Magnavox Television longing to create his own visual stimulus. Deciding to redecorate his parents home in a crayon motif, he concentrated on a muralist approach, much to the chagrin of his family. To encourage his creative panacea, his mother wisely provided him with a cornucopia of colors to assist, plus a yellow bucket and box of Spic and Span just in case he needed to do restoration work. His childhood was uneventful. He entered the United States Navy long before Don't Ask - Don't Tell. War calls for rough times and tough men. He wasn't a W.A.V.E., but he was no Navy Corpsman either! Realizing that his talents were wasted in the military, he was given time off for good behavior (a General Discharge). Having been released from service a little sooner than expected, Europe and travel lay at his feet. His goals were clear - art and culture, and this Immense desire to be emersed in foreign tongues. After a year or so, the motherland beckoned, returning him to the hilly, chilly winds of Seattle where he joined the parade as a social worker and political activist - including, along with four friends, designing and crafting a newspaper, The Seattle Gay News. Constantly bombarded with a lack of available funds, red tape and publishing deadlines, a rest for Gary was clearly indicated and soon. At the suggestion of his friend Kyle that Tucson might be a good place to check out, he packed up and winded his way Southwest toward the desert lands where Guaymas shirts and kosher delis abound.
Gary Neil Clark lost his courageous battle with kidney cancer at University Medical Center located at 1501 North Cambell Avenue on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 15, 2010. It was a day when Tucson lost a very talented artist, LGBTQ political activist, and a very unique Gay Man.
_________________________________________
source: Tucson Gay Museum - http://www.tucsongaymuseum.org/garyclark.htm
Gary, relocated with his family to Los Angeles, California in 1963 at age (9) nine, later moved to Seattle, Washington in the early 1970's, and finally locating to Tucson, Arizona in the summer of 1978 (see 1970's). Gary's only sibbling, his sister Donna (Gary) Cordon settled in the Layton, Utah area in the 1970's.
Gary was Art & Entertainment Editor of numerous LGBT related Tucson newspapers and a founding co-publisher of the Tucson Observer publication first published on Wednesday July 18, 1984.
A private family viewing was held on Friday June 18, 2010 followed by cremation. A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday July 11, 2010 at the It's 'Bout Time (a.k.a. I.B.T.'s) bar located at 616 North 4th Avenue in Tucson with hundreds in attendance paying tribute throughout the day.
Whether it was the founding of a LGBT center or AIDS/HIV program, the creation of a new social or political group for LGBT Tucsonan's, the opening of an art show or gallery, gracing an LGBTQ nightclub or restaurant, Gary was always present with Bob a.k.a. Robert Ellis, giving his passionate support, encouragement and publicity through the Observer publication.
Gary helped those in need, those wanting to learn, inspiring others, encouraging young LGBTQ people to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. When there was a LGBT rally, protest, a monument to be built and the funds to be raised, an event to help a group or an individual out was held, Gary Neil Clark was always there because he was very deeply dedicated and cared about Tucson's LGBT community.
Gary, a consumate artist, brilliant, social commentator satirist and observer of life, was a very highly talented artist whose creativity and enthusiasm inspired countless thousands who he came in contact with or who experienced his very unique published and local gallery art works. Gary often drew inspiration from the likes of short story writer, critic and satirist Dorothy Parker, actress Talullah Bankhead, actress Marilyn Monroe, and artist and movie director Andy Warhol.
Gary, simply wearing his signature and usually wild colorful multi-shaped avant guarde styles of glasses, delivering a one liner come back, lighting a cigarette with the flair of the best of Hollywood's Golden Age actresses, had the uncanny ability to walk right into just about anywhere on earth and turn the atmosphere almost instantly into a festive party and get people talking to each other.
Gary was one of the two co-founders of the Tucson Observer publication in 1984 after numerous other LGBT Publications based in both Phoenix and Tucson had failed. The first LGBT Publication in Arizona was founded in Tucson by 2 bar owners (George Rederus & Barney Robles) and a office supply store manager (Robert 'Bob' Bailie Ellis) who began publishing on Wednesday September 26, 1976 as a (1) one page typewriter written and photocopied newsletter named the Tucson Gay Newsletter rising out of the aftermath of the Richard J. Heakin Jr. murder by high school students outside of a local Gay Bar on June 5, 1976 (see 1970's). Gary while on a vacation in Tucson for a break from Seattle's almost constant rain, but decided to stay and pursue a job offer from local Gay journalist, editor, and publisher Robert 'Bob' Ellis of the Arizona Gay News publication.
In Gary Neil Clark's insightful, satirical, and often highly provocative artwork and cartoons in the Observer publication's weekly feature of As I See It, Gary shared his observations, experiences, commented on the quirks, as well as the sometimes foolishness and whimsey of Tucson's LGBT community, the state, the country, and the world in general from his unique perspective.
Gary Neil Clark's artwork and support for the Tucson LGBT community and beyond was not just through the artwork itself, but also his contributions and creative energy as a member of the first Gay Pride Committee, known as the Tucson Lesbian/Gay Alliance (see 1970's) during the events beginnings celebrated at Himmel Parks north east area each June which was supported by the efforts and donations of Tucson's LGBT Community itself. Gary's LGBT Community involvement continued to his passionately supporting the numerous AIDS Service Organizations of the time including, the Tucson AIDS Project (a.k.a. T.A.P.), Tucson Shanti Foundation (a.k.a. Shanti), along with the People With AIDS Coalition for Tucson (a.k.a. PACT for Life) in the effort to help those with HIV/AIDS during a time when many in the United States looked the other way calling it a Gay Cancer, Gay Problem, or Gay Disease and would otherwise been left untreated and alone.
The LGBT community held a 'AS WE SEE IT' Roast of Gary Neil Clark held on Sunday, August 22, 1993 just one day before Gary's birthday with Mistress of the Roast Ceremony local performer Dani Reid along with many special guests performer Gilda Fatale, Nancy Norman, Rusty Lovell, Patrick Tobin, Bill Deeter, performer Rhett Butler Gable, Emma Keller, Ricky Staats, Barry Conyers, performer Lucinda Holliday, businessmen Dave Huff & Frank Shepis, Rodger Sweet, Candas, activist Jack Stocklslager, performer Monte Jon Gilmer, Miss Brenda Starr, Chris Jones and Tish Tanner to name but a few. The organizers included activist Natalie Perry, Ricky and Scott, businessman Michael Bennett & his mother Mama Bennett, businessman Peter Sittig ,Willie Gradillas and Rebecca Perry, Bruce Lundquist, performer Mario Magana and Bobbie Harris, Dave Shafer and Deb Whalen. Others included performer Madame X (Miss Gay Tucson), Martin Russell, Michael Sewell, Terry Moore and Gary Hart.
On the events program was listed this biography; Gary was born in the 1950's in the height of summer back in Chicago. At the age of 9 he was soon briskly taken to the land of billboards, endless cars, endless pavement, and burritos, Los Angeles, which he remembered as a place dominated by price wars and civil strife. Gary Clark remembers sitting in front of the family Magnavox Television longing to create his own visual stimulus. Deciding to redecorate his parents home in a crayon motif, he concentrated on a muralist approach, much to the chagrin of his family. To encourage his creative panacea, his mother wisely provided him with a cornucopia of colors to assist, plus a yellow bucket and box of Spic and Span just in case he needed to do restoration work. His childhood was uneventful. He entered the United States Navy long before Don't Ask - Don't Tell. War calls for rough times and tough men. He wasn't a W.A.V.E., but he was no Navy Corpsman either! Realizing that his talents were wasted in the military, he was given time off for good behavior (a General Discharge). Having been released from service a little sooner than expected, Europe and travel lay at his feet. His goals were clear - art and culture, and this Immense desire to be emersed in foreign tongues. After a year or so, the motherland beckoned, returning him to the hilly, chilly winds of Seattle where he joined the parade as a social worker and political activist - including, along with four friends, designing and crafting a newspaper, The Seattle Gay News. Constantly bombarded with a lack of available funds, red tape and publishing deadlines, a rest for Gary was clearly indicated and soon. At the suggestion of his friend Kyle that Tucson might be a good place to check out, he packed up and winded his way Southwest toward the desert lands where Guaymas shirts and kosher delis abound.
Gary Neil Clark lost his courageous battle with kidney cancer at University Medical Center located at 1501 North Cambell Avenue on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 15, 2010. It was a day when Tucson lost a very talented artist, LGBTQ political activist, and a very unique Gay Man.
_________________________________________
source: Tucson Gay Museum - http://www.tucsongaymuseum.org/garyclark.htm
Gary Neil Clark was born in Chicago, Illinois on Monday August 23, 1954 to parents Milford 'Al' Allen Clark and Katherine Clark just a mere two blocks away from 2122 North Clark Street the site of the both famous and infamous Thursday morning February 14, 1929 Saint Valentine's Day Massacre of seven members of the North Side Gang by Al Capone's enforcers dressed up as Chicago Police Officers.
Gary, relocated with his family to Los Angeles, California in 1963 at age (9) nine, later moved to Seattle, Washington in the early 1970's, and finally locating to Tucson, Arizona in the summer of 1978 (see 1970's). Gary's only sibbling, his sister Donna (Gary) Cordon settled in the Layton, Utah area in the 1970's.
Gary was Art & Entertainment Editor of numerous LGBT related Tucson newspapers and a founding co-publisher of the Tucson Observer publication first published on Wednesday July 18, 1984.
A private family viewing was held on Friday June 18, 2010 followed by cremation. A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday July 11, 2010 at the It's 'Bout Time (a.k.a. I.B.T.'s) bar located at 616 North 4th Avenue in Tucson with hundreds in attendance paying tribute throughout the day.
Whether it was the founding of a LGBT center or AIDS/HIV program, the creation of a new social or political group for LGBT Tucsonan's, the opening of an art show or gallery, gracing an LGBTQ nightclub or restaurant, Gary was always present with Bob a.k.a. Robert Ellis, giving his passionate support, encouragement and publicity through the Observer publication.
Gary helped those in need, those wanting to learn, inspiring others, encouraging young LGBTQ people to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. When there was a LGBT rally, protest, a monument to be built and the funds to be raised, an event to help a group or an individual out was held, Gary Neil Clark was always there because he was very deeply dedicated and cared about Tucson's LGBT community.
Gary, a consumate artist, brilliant, social commentator satirist and observer of life, was a very highly talented artist whose creativity and enthusiasm inspired countless thousands who he came in contact with or who experienced his very unique published and local gallery art works. Gary often drew inspiration from the likes of short story writer, critic and satirist Dorothy Parker, actress Talullah Bankhead, actress Marilyn Monroe, and artist and movie director Andy Warhol.
Gary, simply wearing his signature and usually wild colorful multi-shaped avant guarde styles of glasses, delivering a one liner come back, lighting a cigarette with the flair of the best of Hollywood's Golden Age actresses, had the uncanny ability to walk right into just about anywhere on earth and turn the atmosphere almost instantly into a festive party and get people talking to each other.
Gary was one of the two co-founders of the Tucson Observer publication in 1984 after numerous other LGBT Publications based in both Phoenix and Tucson had failed. The first LGBT Publication in Arizona was founded in Tucson by 2 bar owners (George Rederus & Barney Robles) and a office supply store manager (Robert 'Bob' Bailie Ellis) who began publishing on Wednesday September 26, 1976 as a (1) one page typewriter written and photocopied newsletter named the Tucson Gay Newsletter rising out of the aftermath of the Richard J. Heakin Jr. murder by high school students outside of a local Gay Bar on June 5, 1976 (see 1970's). Gary while on a vacation in Tucson for a break from Seattle's almost constant rain, but decided to stay and pursue a job offer from local Gay journalist, editor, and publisher Robert 'Bob' Ellis of the Arizona Gay News publication.
In Gary Neil Clark's insightful, satirical, and often highly provocative artwork and cartoons in the Observer publication's weekly feature of As I See It, Gary shared his observations, experiences, commented on the quirks, as well as the sometimes foolishness and whimsey of Tucson's LGBT community, the state, the country, and the world in general from his unique perspective.
Gary Neil Clark's artwork and support for the Tucson LGBT community and beyond was not just through the artwork itself, but also his contributions and creative energy as a member of the first Gay Pride Committee, known as the Tucson Lesbian/Gay Alliance (see 1970's) during the events beginnings celebrated at Himmel Parks north east area each June which was supported by the efforts and donations of Tucson's LGBT Community itself. Gary's LGBT Community involvement continued to his passionately supporting the numerous AIDS Service Organizations of the time including, the Tucson AIDS Project (a.k.a. T.A.P.), Tucson Shanti Foundation (a.k.a. Shanti), along with the People With AIDS Coalition for Tucson (a.k.a. PACT for Life) in the effort to help those with HIV/AIDS during a time when many in the United States looked the other way calling it a Gay Cancer, Gay Problem, or Gay Disease and would otherwise been left untreated and alone.
The LGBT community held a 'AS WE SEE IT' Roast of Gary Neil Clark held on Sunday, August 22, 1993 just one day before Gary's birthday with Mistress of the Roast Ceremony local performer Dani Reid along with many special guests performer Gilda Fatale, Nancy Norman, Rusty Lovell, Patrick Tobin, Bill Deeter, performer Rhett Butler Gable, Emma Keller, Ricky Staats, Barry Conyers, performer Lucinda Holliday, businessmen Dave Huff & Frank Shepis, Rodger Sweet, Candas, activist Jack Stocklslager, performer Monte Jon Gilmer, Miss Brenda Starr, Chris Jones and Tish Tanner to name but a few. The organizers included activist Natalie Perry, Ricky and Scott, businessman Michael Bennett & his mother Mama Bennett, businessman Peter Sittig ,Willie Gradillas and Rebecca Perry, Bruce Lundquist, performer Mario Magana and Bobbie Harris, Dave Shafer and Deb Whalen. Others included performer Madame X (Miss Gay Tucson), Martin Russell, Michael Sewell, Terry Moore and Gary Hart.
On the events program was listed this biography; Gary was born in the 1950's in the height of summer back in Chicago. At the age of 9 he was soon briskly taken to the land of billboards, endless cars, endless pavement, and burritos, Los Angeles, which he remembered as a place dominated by price wars and civil strife. Gary Clark remembers sitting in front of the family Magnavox Television longing to create his own visual stimulus. Deciding to redecorate his parents home in a crayon motif, he concentrated on a muralist approach, much to the chagrin of his family. To encourage his creative panacea, his mother wisely provided him with a cornucopia of colors to assist, plus a yellow bucket and box of Spic and Span just in case he needed to do restoration work. His childhood was uneventful. He entered the United States Navy long before Don't Ask - Don't Tell. War calls for rough times and tough men. He wasn't a W.A.V.E., but he was no Navy Corpsman either! Realizing that his talents were wasted in the military, he was given time off for good behavior (a General Discharge). Having been released from service a little sooner than expected, Europe and travel lay at his feet. His goals were clear - art and culture, and this Immense desire to be emersed in foreign tongues. After a year or so, the motherland beckoned, returning him to the hilly, chilly winds of Seattle where he joined the parade as a social worker and political activist - including, along with four friends, designing and crafting a newspaper, The Seattle Gay News. Constantly bombarded with a lack of available funds, red tape and publishing deadlines, a rest for Gary was clearly indicated and soon. At the suggestion of his friend Kyle that Tucson might be a good place to check out, he packed up and winded his way Southwest toward the desert lands where Guaymas shirts and kosher delis abound.
Gary Neil Clark lost his courageous battle with kidney cancer at University Medical Center located at 1501 North Cambell Avenue on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 15, 2010. It was a day when Tucson lost a very talented artist, LGBTQ political activist, and a very unique Gay Man.
_________________________________________
source: Tucson Gay Museum - http://www.tucsongaymuseum.org/garyclark.htm
Gary, relocated with his family to Los Angeles, California in 1963 at age (9) nine, later moved to Seattle, Washington in the early 1970's, and finally locating to Tucson, Arizona in the summer of 1978 (see 1970's). Gary's only sibbling, his sister Donna (Gary) Cordon settled in the Layton, Utah area in the 1970's.
Gary was Art & Entertainment Editor of numerous LGBT related Tucson newspapers and a founding co-publisher of the Tucson Observer publication first published on Wednesday July 18, 1984.
A private family viewing was held on Friday June 18, 2010 followed by cremation. A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday July 11, 2010 at the It's 'Bout Time (a.k.a. I.B.T.'s) bar located at 616 North 4th Avenue in Tucson with hundreds in attendance paying tribute throughout the day.
Whether it was the founding of a LGBT center or AIDS/HIV program, the creation of a new social or political group for LGBT Tucsonan's, the opening of an art show or gallery, gracing an LGBTQ nightclub or restaurant, Gary was always present with Bob a.k.a. Robert Ellis, giving his passionate support, encouragement and publicity through the Observer publication.
Gary helped those in need, those wanting to learn, inspiring others, encouraging young LGBTQ people to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. When there was a LGBT rally, protest, a monument to be built and the funds to be raised, an event to help a group or an individual out was held, Gary Neil Clark was always there because he was very deeply dedicated and cared about Tucson's LGBT community.
Gary, a consumate artist, brilliant, social commentator satirist and observer of life, was a very highly talented artist whose creativity and enthusiasm inspired countless thousands who he came in contact with or who experienced his very unique published and local gallery art works. Gary often drew inspiration from the likes of short story writer, critic and satirist Dorothy Parker, actress Talullah Bankhead, actress Marilyn Monroe, and artist and movie director Andy Warhol.
Gary, simply wearing his signature and usually wild colorful multi-shaped avant guarde styles of glasses, delivering a one liner come back, lighting a cigarette with the flair of the best of Hollywood's Golden Age actresses, had the uncanny ability to walk right into just about anywhere on earth and turn the atmosphere almost instantly into a festive party and get people talking to each other.
Gary was one of the two co-founders of the Tucson Observer publication in 1984 after numerous other LGBT Publications based in both Phoenix and Tucson had failed. The first LGBT Publication in Arizona was founded in Tucson by 2 bar owners (George Rederus & Barney Robles) and a office supply store manager (Robert 'Bob' Bailie Ellis) who began publishing on Wednesday September 26, 1976 as a (1) one page typewriter written and photocopied newsletter named the Tucson Gay Newsletter rising out of the aftermath of the Richard J. Heakin Jr. murder by high school students outside of a local Gay Bar on June 5, 1976 (see 1970's). Gary while on a vacation in Tucson for a break from Seattle's almost constant rain, but decided to stay and pursue a job offer from local Gay journalist, editor, and publisher Robert 'Bob' Ellis of the Arizona Gay News publication.
In Gary Neil Clark's insightful, satirical, and often highly provocative artwork and cartoons in the Observer publication's weekly feature of As I See It, Gary shared his observations, experiences, commented on the quirks, as well as the sometimes foolishness and whimsey of Tucson's LGBT community, the state, the country, and the world in general from his unique perspective.
Gary Neil Clark's artwork and support for the Tucson LGBT community and beyond was not just through the artwork itself, but also his contributions and creative energy as a member of the first Gay Pride Committee, known as the Tucson Lesbian/Gay Alliance (see 1970's) during the events beginnings celebrated at Himmel Parks north east area each June which was supported by the efforts and donations of Tucson's LGBT Community itself. Gary's LGBT Community involvement continued to his passionately supporting the numerous AIDS Service Organizations of the time including, the Tucson AIDS Project (a.k.a. T.A.P.), Tucson Shanti Foundation (a.k.a. Shanti), along with the People With AIDS Coalition for Tucson (a.k.a. PACT for Life) in the effort to help those with HIV/AIDS during a time when many in the United States looked the other way calling it a Gay Cancer, Gay Problem, or Gay Disease and would otherwise been left untreated and alone.
The LGBT community held a 'AS WE SEE IT' Roast of Gary Neil Clark held on Sunday, August 22, 1993 just one day before Gary's birthday with Mistress of the Roast Ceremony local performer Dani Reid along with many special guests performer Gilda Fatale, Nancy Norman, Rusty Lovell, Patrick Tobin, Bill Deeter, performer Rhett Butler Gable, Emma Keller, Ricky Staats, Barry Conyers, performer Lucinda Holliday, businessmen Dave Huff & Frank Shepis, Rodger Sweet, Candas, activist Jack Stocklslager, performer Monte Jon Gilmer, Miss Brenda Starr, Chris Jones and Tish Tanner to name but a few. The organizers included activist Natalie Perry, Ricky and Scott, businessman Michael Bennett & his mother Mama Bennett, businessman Peter Sittig ,Willie Gradillas and Rebecca Perry, Bruce Lundquist, performer Mario Magana and Bobbie Harris, Dave Shafer and Deb Whalen. Others included performer Madame X (Miss Gay Tucson), Martin Russell, Michael Sewell, Terry Moore and Gary Hart.
On the events program was listed this biography; Gary was born in the 1950's in the height of summer back in Chicago. At the age of 9 he was soon briskly taken to the land of billboards, endless cars, endless pavement, and burritos, Los Angeles, which he remembered as a place dominated by price wars and civil strife. Gary Clark remembers sitting in front of the family Magnavox Television longing to create his own visual stimulus. Deciding to redecorate his parents home in a crayon motif, he concentrated on a muralist approach, much to the chagrin of his family. To encourage his creative panacea, his mother wisely provided him with a cornucopia of colors to assist, plus a yellow bucket and box of Spic and Span just in case he needed to do restoration work. His childhood was uneventful. He entered the United States Navy long before Don't Ask - Don't Tell. War calls for rough times and tough men. He wasn't a W.A.V.E., but he was no Navy Corpsman either! Realizing that his talents were wasted in the military, he was given time off for good behavior (a General Discharge). Having been released from service a little sooner than expected, Europe and travel lay at his feet. His goals were clear - art and culture, and this Immense desire to be emersed in foreign tongues. After a year or so, the motherland beckoned, returning him to the hilly, chilly winds of Seattle where he joined the parade as a social worker and political activist - including, along with four friends, designing and crafting a newspaper, The Seattle Gay News. Constantly bombarded with a lack of available funds, red tape and publishing deadlines, a rest for Gary was clearly indicated and soon. At the suggestion of his friend Kyle that Tucson might be a good place to check out, he packed up and winded his way Southwest toward the desert lands where Guaymas shirts and kosher delis abound.
Gary Neil Clark lost his courageous battle with kidney cancer at University Medical Center located at 1501 North Cambell Avenue on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 15, 2010. It was a day when Tucson lost a very talented artist, LGBTQ political activist, and a very unique Gay Man.
_________________________________________
source: Tucson Gay Museum - http://www.tucsongaymuseum.org/garyclark.htm
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