Robert "Bob" William Clark

In the early morning hours of April 17, 2023, Robert "Bob" William Clark, age 68, passed away at home, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Bob was born September 9, 1954, to the late Robert Reid and Norma Cleone (Moore) Clark. Following graduation from Moline High School in Moline, Illinois, Bob continued his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where he earned a Bachelor and Master of Music Education. He studied trombone with Joseph Skrzynski of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Bob was first hired to teach band at Roseville Jr. High School but spent most of his teaching career as the Director of Bands at Port Huron High School from 1983-1998. During his tenure, the PHHS bands actively participated in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Festivals, earning a total of forty-one first division ratings. In addition, the bands won numerous awards and superior ratings at music festivals in Montreal, Boston, Chicago, Orlando and Nashville. Bob was awarded MSBOA District XVI Band Teacher of the Year in 1992, Port Huron Area Schools Most Influential Educator in 1995, Port Huron High School Essay Contest Teacher of the Year in 1996 and Outstanding Music Educator Award from the Nashville Festival of Music after the bands and color guards won the Grand Champion Award in 1996. He was inducted into the American School Band Directors Association in 1989 and remained an active member until his death. In 1998, Bob was hired as an assistant principal at Rochester High School. He stayed in this position until retirement in 2009. Although his passion was teaching music, becoming an administrator provided him the opportunity to experience public education from a different perspective. He enjoyed his time in both the Port Huron and Rochester communities. In retirement, Bob had more time to pursue his musical interests. He was a member of the Motor City Brass Band, played in numerous small ensembles, and adjudicated for MSBOA solo and ensemble festivals. He developed a trombone studio with students from several area high schools including Chippewa Valley, Dakota, Eisenhower, and Anchor Bay. He cared deeply about his private students and enjoyed developing personalized lessons. For personal growth, he set a goal of practicing the trombone every day. Bob also loved theater, history, literature, traveling, and Michigan football. Bob was most proud of his family and loved spending time with them. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Rebecca (Pontti) and two sons, Ben and Russell, who will miss him dearly. Bob was the kind of husband and father who always put others before himself and made sure that his family felt cherished and supported. A public memorial will be held on Thursday, April 27 at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home (8459 Hall Road, Utica, MI.) The memorial visitation will be at 6 PM with a memorial service at 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201 ~ OR ~ the Motor City Brass Band, 24901 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 312, Southfield Michigan 48075. Please share a memory with his family at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Robert "Bob" William Clark

September 9, 1954 - April 17, 2023