David John Clark, known to us all as “DJ”, passed away peacefully in his home after a brave fight with Glioblastoma Multiforme on January 21, 2020, surrounded by his beloved family at the age of 64. Though it was too short, he lived a rich, colorful and full life.

DJ was born on July 2, 1955 in Hilo, HI to David Douglas Clark and Sheila Brown Clark, the oldest of three children. He moved with his parents and two sisters to Kaua’i in 1959, where he spent his early years. It was on Kaua’i where DJ spent time with his family at their Kōke’e cabin, working in the sugarcane fields, and swimming at Anini and Poipu Beach. DJ was industrious and hardworking throughout his life. He delivered the local newspaper, mowed neighbors’ lawns and helped others willingly. For high school, he went back to the Big Island of Hawai’i, where he attended Hawai’i Preparatory Academy before graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1974.

After graduation, he began working at the Faye Ranch in Northern California. Once he established himself as a California resident, he attended Cabrillo Community College and subsequently graduated from San Diego State University, where he created close ties with many ΣΑΕ fraternity brothers.

DJ started his professional career in 1980 working for Frazee Paint, and over his career worked for Morwear, PPG, Kelly-Moore and lastly, Miller Paint Company. His extensive knowledge of paint and his love of people permitted him to successfully sell paint to residential and commercial contractors as well as to dedicated dealers throughout California, Alaska, Hawai’i and the Pacific Northwest. Throughout his work travel he loved what he did and found satisfaction in educating clients on best practices regarding newly manufactured paints and methods.

DJ met the love of his life, Kathleen (Katty) Miller in 1987 in Anchorage, AK, and in due course proposed to her in Bali. They were married on July 8, 1989 in Los Angeles in a beautiful outdoor wedding in Library Park, followed by a lovely reception at The Beach Club in Santa Monica. They honeymooned throughout Spain, and upon their return lived and worked in Southern California before finally finding their home on Mercer Island. Together they built a rich and full life for over 30 years, contributing to their community, neighbors and many friends.

In September 1993, DJ and Katty welcomed their first-born, Peter Dane. Almost four years later in June 1997, they welcomed their second child, Delaney Ke’Alohilani. It was during their childhoods DJ contributed through many activities including coaching Peter’s baseball teams, volunteering on service trips with Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, participating in Y Guides with both Peter and Delaney, volunteering with the Mercer Island Rotary Run, and fundraisers associated with cancer organizations.

A dedicated and loyal husband, father and friend, DJ loved all things family and home. He devoted time to his beloved yard and projects around the house. He perfected barbecuing, enjoyed mowing his neighbor’s lawns, and cherished his daily walks with his dog, Chase.

As a child, DJ loved surfing, swimming, cliff diving, motorcycle riding, water skiing, and in general, exploring and adventuring whenever possible. As an adult, DJ loved camping, swimming in Lake Washington, road trips, fishing in the San Juan Islands, visiting his children at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, and lighting off fireworks for any celebration. On most weekends he would be found working in his yard before drinking a gin and tonic at the end of the day and reminiscing of his childhood in Hawai’i.

DJ is survived by his wife, Katty; and his two children, Peter and Delaney of Mercer Island, WA; his mother Sheila Brown Clark of Mountain View, HI; his two sisters, Heather Johnson (Douglas) of Anchorage, AK, and Mary Kay Alexander (Brian) of Eugene, OR; his nephew and niece, Austin and Grace Johnson, both of Anchorage, AK; and his extended Hawai’i family.

A Celebration of Life for DJ will be held on February 29 at 2pm at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to The Goodtimes Project, an organization close to his heart. It is a local non-profit committed to families affected by pediatric cancer, by producing programs such as Camp Goodtimes, a summer camp dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer patients, survivors and siblings on Vashon Island, WA.

Additional photos of DJ can be found online at: Flintoft's Funeral Home.

Donations can be made to The Goodtimes Project.