Memorial service for Dr. Walter Clark set Dec. 18

A champion of Chapman University’s Food Science Program and one of its beloved founders, Walter Clark, Ph.D., died Saturday, Nov. 13, just days shy of his 90^th birthday.

“He always gave a 110 percent. He was always pro student,” said Fred Caporaso, Ph.D., professor of food science. A memorial service will be held at Wallace All Faiths Chapel at 2 p.m., Dec. 18.

 Dr. Clark was the guest of honor at October’s 30
^th
anniversary celebration of the Food Science Program, where he was celebrated for both his work and approaching 90
^th
birthday. Dr. Carporaso gave a tribute speech to Dr. Clark, recalling his many contributions to the program and his tireless enthusiasm. As recently as last March, Dr. Clark joined Dr. Caporaso and his wife on a trip to attend an Institute of Food Technologists meeting in Paso Robles.

“I can still picture him and my wife Karen downing a hot fudge sundae … They looked like two cats who had swallowed the pet canary.”

Dr. Clark was with Hunt-Wesson – now ConAgra – when he encouraged Chapman to launch a food science program to help meet the employment needs of Southern California’s food industry. He was influential in attracting funding support and faculty, helped design the curriculum and taught government regulations classes, Caporaso said. He and his late first wife, Dottie, donated $50,000 to the program to help students attend science meetings and conventions where they can present their papers and research.

Dr. Clark is survived by his wife, Veba, son, Leighton Clark, and stepsons, Christopher and Philip Gerkins. The family requests that donations in his honor be made to the fund he established.  Checks may be made payable to Chapman University – with “Food Science/Walter Clark” on the memo line and mailed to Jamie Stewart-Marsh, Director of Development, Schmid College of Science, One University Dr., Orange, CA 92866. Sympathy cards may be mailed to the family at 12741 Amethyst St. Garden Grove, CA 92845.