Gabriel Clayton Clark

Gabriel Clayton Clark

May 8, 1997 - January 9, 2023

Randall Clark and Shawntel Fugate announce the sudden but not unexpected passing of their 25-year-old son, Gabriel Clark, from respiratory failure. He died in his home shortly after an intimate Christmas celebration with his family.

Gabriel was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that greatly hindered his ability to act, either by word or deed. He was, notwithstanding, a keen observer of the world. He loudly commented on its absurdities with his abundant laughs, smiles, and eye rolls. Gabriel’s utter neediness inspired the generosity of those who could divine the richness of his soul. And he rewarded them abundantly. In Gabriel, God’s works were made manifest.

He leaves behind many who loved and cared for him, most notably his brothers, Barrett and Caleb; his grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins; the schools, Scouts, and community of Hollis; and the countless others he helped see the beauty in an imperfect Creation. Glory be to God for dappled things.

Our grief is profound; our pain unbearable. Our only ready consolation is that Gabriel is now free from his body’s ever-growing torments.

We will bid farewell to Gabriel’s remains on Saturday, April 8, and celebrate the promise of his resurrection the following day. Details regarding these gatherings can be found below. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to the Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, N.H. 03049, www.bba.support. Gabriel’s various wheelchairs joyfully rolled over Beaver Brook’s many trails. As we hope to fund a memorial project, please indicate on the memo line that your gift is in Gabriel’s honor. Condolences may be sent directly to Gabriel’s family at 80 West Hollis Road in Hollis 03049.

Services

Gabriel’s memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 8, at the Hollis Congregational Church. Before the service the family will receive mourners at the church, in the Emerson Chapel, beginning at noon. Refreshments will be available in Hardy Hall. Following the funeral we will inter Gabriel’s body at Hollis’ East Cemetery on Wheeler Road. All are welcome to join us graveside, whence we will disperse. Those unable to travel to Hollis can view a broadcast of the in-church service at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5qB2-jjRtU%3E Before the service we will post the program, photographs, and other memorabilia at http://www.randallclark.org/gabriel%3E

The following day we will host an Easter luncheon at noon at the Lawrence Barn in Hollis, where we will take delight in the joy that Gabriel brought into our lives. All are welcome to come and share their memories of Gabriel and hunt for colored eggs laid by his chickens. Please respond to baldwin@randallclark.org

Memorial Contributions

c/o Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, NH 03049, www.bba.support