IN MEMORIAM

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The names of the deceased below have been received by Thornton Academy since Postscripts was last published .

Richard Elliot Clark died peacefully at home on July 27 , 2021 .

He was born to Doris Tapley and Fred Clark , Dec . 9 , 1929 in Saco , ME and graduated from Thornton Academy in 1948 . After high school , he joined the Army where he was named an “ Outstanding Recruit ” and selected to march in the inaugural parade for President Truman . He earned the Combat Infantry badge for his service in the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea in 1950 , returned home , and graduated from Portland Junior College in 1952 .

In 1956 , Dick and his wife Jan purchased his greatgrandparents ’ house on Ferry Road . They took great pleasure in watching kids slide on “ Clarks ’ Hill ” in the winter . In the ’ 70s , Dick started a business cleaning and selling carpets . He managed the sales floor , while Jan kept the accounting in order while also working full-time as a nurse . Dick was an active participant in a number of organizations , including being a member and past master of the Saco Lodge No . 9 of the Masons .

In their retirement , Dick and Jan enjoyed traveling cross-country . They visited all 50 states , especially enjoying all our National Parks and the Korean War memorial in Washington , D . C . They were both avid cribbage and bridge players , often hosting game nights in their living room with their close friends .

Dick ’ s connection to Thornton Academy runs very deep . His parent ’ s , Doris Tapley Clark and Fred E . Clark , both graduated in 1925 . His siblings , his wife Janice ’ 49 , and three of his four children - Jinda ’ 73 , John ’ 75 , and Edie ’ 79 - also wore the maroon and gold . Dick ’ s grandchildren continue the family tradition , Emma Clark graduated in 2016 and Henry Clark will join the alumni ranks in June of 2022 .

Dick is fondly remembered by Thornton Academy , and those who regularly attended the Senior Alumni Reunion , for leading his fellow alumni in the Pledge of Allegiance each year at the event .

Thornton Academy receives numerous memorial donations each year recognizing members of the TA community who have passed away . Thank you to all who choose to remember loved ones in this way . If you would like to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one , please contact the TA Development Office at 207-602-4456 or visit thorntonacademy . org / give .