Gary James Clark

Gary James Clark, a former Lab employee, died Sept. 3 at his home in Tracy. He was 53.

Clark was born and raised in Flint, Mich. and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1976, serving in Osan, Korea, and completing his service at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento.

In 1981, he joined the Laboratory and worked in the security department as an officer, firearms instructor, special emergency response team member and sergeant, and there he met his wife, Germaine.

He obtained his master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and taught part-time at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton for more than 18 years.

In 1988, Clark began what his family called the adventure of his life by joining the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. His favorite position was as lieutenant and watch commander.

Clark was an avid Michigan sports fan and loved family summer vacations in Puerto Vallarta.

He enjoyed the companionship of his golden retriever, Scooch, as well as watching college football, fishing, working in the yard and hosting barbecue gatherings around the pool with friends and family.

Clark is survived by his wife, Germaine Clark of Tracy; children, Katie Marie and Melissa Renee; brothers, Richard and his wife Wanda of Roseville, Mark and his wife Pamela of Owosso, Mich., and Scott and his wife Laurie of Wolfeboro, N.H.; stepsisters, Carol Beard and her husband Gerry of Michigan, and Jamie Johnson of Tennessee; stepbrother, Harvey Clay and his wife Rosie of Michigan; stepmother, Carolyn Stranberg of Tennessee; stepfather, Ralph Clark of Michigan; one granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

The celebration of Clark’s life will begin at noon Sept. 19 at First Presbyterian Church of Tracy, 101 Berverdor Ave. A reception will follow in the Platinum Room at the Opera House, 902 Central Ave.

Donations in Clark’s name may be sent to the University of California, Davis, Cancer Center, 4501 X St., Sacramento, Calif. 95817.