Philip McCollum Clark, Sr.

Philip McCollum Clark Sr. passed away in February 2025, in Culpeper, Virginia, at the age of 96. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, and grandson, Michael O’Brien. He is survived by his children, Deborah “Abby” (Daniel) Dunne, Lynette Clark, and Philip “Casey” (Jaye) Clark Jr.; as well as his five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Phil was born in June 1928, to Ambrose and Nora (Watts) Clark in Salladasburg, Pennsylvania, population 238. It was an idyllic area to grow up in offering forests, mountains, outdoor activities, farming, and Larry’s Creek, which ran through town and in front of Phil’s childhood home. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade and subsequently attended Jersey Shore High School. Following graduation, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy and served on two ships as a radar man, traveling all over the world. After two years in the Navy, Phil attended Penn State where he graduated in 1952 with a BS Degree in Forestry.

While at Penn State, Phil met Dorothy Roberta Frye, whom he married on December 24, 1951. Together they raised three children and built a life together. Due to Phil’s career, they moved to several locations in Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Maryland. Phil and Dorothy later lived in West Virginia and Virginia.

After graduating college in 1952, Phil worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Forest and Waters, later joining the U.S. Forest Service where among other things, he worked in fire control, watershed protection, timber management, recreation, and wildlife. He later played a key role in the newly formed Job Corps program under President Johnson, serving as Director of the second Job Corps Center to open in the United States. This residential program provided academic and vocational skills for young men, ages 17-21. Later in his career, Phil worked as a certified fraud examiner for Office of the Inspector General in Washington, D.C., before retiring from the Federal Government.

Phil subsequently worked as a consultant for 17 years for the Department of Agriculture Graduate School, developing courses and teaching Government Audit Training internationally. His work was recognized on two occasions when he received Instructor of the Year, the highest award bestowed by the Graduate School.

A man of deep faith, Phil attended church regularly and was actively involved in church activities. As a teenager, he often played the organ during church services. As an adult, he was a Lay Preacher at four churches and was an active member of several civic organizations including the Society of American Foresters, International Order of Old Bastards, the Boy Scouts of America, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Masons, where he attained the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite, one of the highest degrees. Scottish Rite Masons are guided by six values: God, Integrity, Devotion to Country, Justice, Tolerance, and Service to Humanity.

Phil loved working with his hands and had plenty of opportunities to do so after fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a farm. He was passionate about the outdoors and worked his land; planted trees, bushes, and flowers; gardened; raised sheep; rode and cared for two horses; and kept bees. He could build and fix most anything and could often be seen working on his antique tractor which he used for mowing, gardening, plowing snow, and giving rides to his grandkids. Phil was also a ham radio enthusiast and amateur astronomer. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed surveying, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring the beauty of nature. He loved feeding the birds, one of which used to follow him each morning when Phil went to the shed to get birdseed to fill his various bird feeders.

Phil had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and often spent his evenings reading books and magazines stacked on the end table by his chair. He also enjoyed fiction, poetry, and famous quotes. Phil had a beautiful voice and played the piano, organ, and guitar. He especially enjoyed listening to his beloved classic country and bluegrass music.

Phil’s first memory was of his brother placing a chow puppy in his crib. And so began a lifelong love of dogs. Throughout his life Phil always had a faithful dog at his side which over the years included mixed breeds, border collies, cocker spaniels, Newfoundlands, and a West Highland Terrier.

Phil was a man of wisdom and humor, and possessed a quick wit that was uniquely his own. He was a principled man, known for his selflessness, humility, moral integrity, and ability to forgive. Phil never sought attention for himself but was always interested in others from all walks of life. He had an unmatched ability to relate to people.

Phil’s family meant more to him than anything in the world. He was the beloved rock of his immediate and extended family and could always be counted on whenever needed. His life was a testament to hard work, resilience, and an unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A private family service will be held in Salladasburg on June 7, to honor Phil. For memorial contributions, the family has suggested planting a tree(s) in Phil’s memory through the Forest Service Plant-A-Tree Program at plantatree.fs.usda.gov.

These words cannot possibly sum up the life of such an incredible person, but it is a glimpse into knowing him.

Well done good and faithful servant. Rest in peace Old Forester.