The Cessnock community has lost one of its most dedicated volunteers with the passing of David Clark.
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Mr Clark – who has been described as a true gentleman and a tireless worker for the city of Cessnock – died on Saturday, aged 74.
He was named Cessnock’s citizen of the year in 2016 for his decades of service to community organisations including the Rotary Club of Cessnock, Kurri Retired Mineworkers Association branch, the Gospel Hall Church and the Cessnock Christian Christmas Lunch committee.
He was born in Cessnock, and after leaving Cessnock High took on a fitter and turner apprenticeship at Richmond Main Colliery.
He progressed to senior mine engineer and mine engineering consultant in his mining industry career, and later joined the Kurri Retired Mineworkers, serving as president for many years.
Mr Clark was also a long-serving member of the Rotary Club of Cessnock, with two terms as president and stints as secretary, youth director, events, fundraising and community liaison director, receiving the Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow award for his service.
Cessnock Rotary Club president Graham Farish said Mr Clark will be sadly missed, not only by the Rotary Club but the city of Cessnock in general.
“He was an amazing Rotarian – generous, knowledgeable and a wonderful mentor to me,” Mr Farish said.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said he is deeply saddened by Mr Clark’s passing, calling it a huge loss for all the community.
“David was an outstanding member of our community, immersing himself in every aspect of community life volunteering countless hours to assist at community events, helping vulnerable members of our community and was a community leader at various local organisations and clubs,” he said.
“The loss of David leaves a gaping hole in our community.
“David had a passion for mentoring young people and connecting with them came easily to him.
“Many young people in our community had the pleasure of learning from him through his involvement in the Mayoral Debate and through his work with young people looking for employment. He was also an important supporter of the Mayoral Scholarships.
“David was always there, whether it was behind the barbecue for our Australia Day celebrations, or to help us at the Cessnock City Carols.
“Every council meeting we would look forward to seeing David sitting in the gallery, keeping an eye on the business of the day for our community.
“His smiling face will be sorely missed.
“A person like David is a rarity, he is what I like to call a keeper of our community, always working for the betterment of our community and for the greater good.”
Mr Clark is survived by his wife, Judy. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 20 this year.
His funeral will be held at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Monday, March 5 at 11am.
