Timothy John Clark

Timothy John Clark began a new journey on July 7, 2014. He was born January 15, 1949 in Syracuse, NY and grew up in Canastota. When Tim was 14 he got his first guitar and that, according to Tim, was when he was truly born. He discovered a passion for music that ran bone-deep and stayed with him for the rest of his life. A gifted singer, Tim was the front man for many bands through the years. Dearest to his heart was The Royels. The stories he told - winning the National Battle of the Bands, being showcased at Expo 67 in Montreal, performing on the TV show, Twist-a-Rama and the reunion shows - always made him smile from ear to ear. He was so proud to have been a part of all of that. Jerome, Joe, Dennis, and George - you were his brothers, his family, his partners in mischief. He cherished his memories of those times. Tim was proud to call himself a true hippie. His experiences at Woodstock, Haight-Ashbury, busking in the Village and Santa Cruz, hitchhiking back and forth from coast to coast: he followed the music, living as a free spirit. It was at the Haight-Ashbury Clinic that Tim and his wife, Heather, found out they were going to be parents. They returned to Syracuse where they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Danielle. Tim found his professional calling and pursued degrees in Human Services; first from MVCC and then SUNY IT. He worked for Oneida County as a social welfare examiner, retiring after 20 years of service. He believed in treating everyone he met with respect and embodied the true meaning of public service. Besides rock and roll music and playing guitar, Tim enjoyed the outdoors, remote camping and fishing for northern pike and muskies. An avid sports fan, he rooted for the Yankees, the Rangers. the Vikings, and the Orange. He was fascinated with cryptozoology (yes he had an Bigfoot encounter while living in Oregon), the paranormal, ghost hunting, and UFO's. Tim is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Danielle and Jeff Vardebedian, and his grandchildren, Savannah, Laurel, and AJ, He was so proud of all of you, especially that he passed his love for music and nature on to the next generations. He also leaves behind his partner Heather Dunham and her daughter Hilary. Per Tim's wishes, there are no services. There will be a Memorial Celebration of Tim's life at Erwin Park in Boonville, NY on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Bring a dish to pass and your own drinks (no glass and no pets please). There is a playground for the kids as well as a swimming area. Starting around 1 pm, it will be an afternoon/evening of music and sharing with Tim's friends, family and fellow musicians.