Peter Clark

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Clark, Peter of Minneapolis, longtime director of guidance and testing at Breck School in Golden Valley, passed away at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis on Jan. 21. Peter, who had been diagnosed in 2009 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, died of complications from the disease. He was 63. Peter grew up in Palo Alto, CA; graduated from UC-Berkeley and earned his master's at the University of North Dakota. He was a Child Psychology instructor at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development; he joined Breck in 1982, where he served as a kindergarten teacher, department head, and director of guidance and testing, a position he held for more than 20 years. He became a college counselor at Breck at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year; he retired after being diagnosed with his illness. Peter counted among his friends hundreds of families and young people whom he helped mentor and guide, both through his work at Breck and through his natural ability and passion to connect with people. He was an advocate for all, but especially for students who didn't find school easy. His relationships with students and their families continued long after they left Breck. Caring and generous with his time, Peter seemed to instinctively know what kids around him needed and his example taught those who worked with him to never lose sight of the humanity in their work. He sought opportunities to talk with children of all ages, and had a way of making each child feel known and loved. Peter's sense of humor and inquisitiveness were apparent to everyone he met. Even the night before he died, while lying in his hospital bed, he queried a hospital technician about the history of respiratory equipment. Peter had a passion for not spending money; the length and cost of this obituary is offending him at this moment. Peter was a natural and gifted athlete. A longtime resident of south Minneapolis, he spent many a summer morning swimming across Lake Harriet. He was also an avid runner, golfer, tennis player, gardener, cross country skier, and ping pong player. Peter and his vintage navy pickup truck were a well-loved part of the Linden Hills neighborhood. Peter served on boards for Groves Academy, Illusion Theatre, Resources for Childcaring, and others. He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Gail Hartman, daughter, Emily (Chicago), son, Alex (Milwaukee), mother, Jean, siblings David (Catherine), Carolyn (Bill) and Bruce (Debbie), many nieces and nephews, and countless friends, families and young people whose lives he touched. The family would like to thank Dr. Jim Leatherman at HCMC and Dr. Ulrich Specks at the Mayo Clinic for their superlative and compassionate care of Peter. Memorials welcomed to Admission Possible, providing equal access to higher education. A service to remember Peter will be held Thurs., Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave. S. in Minneapolis, with a reception for all immediately following.

Published on January 26, 2012