John Clark, 76 of Powers Lake, ND passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Tioga Medical Center in Tioga, ND.

John Loyal Clark was born June 22, 1945 to Lois and Murray Clark in Powers Lake, ND. He married Betty Nelson of Stanley on August 16, 1964. They made Powers Lake their lifelong home where they raised their children, Brenda, Vincent, and Melissa.

John was a handy man from a young age and could fix and operate anything. He worked at Oil Field Service, Farmers Union Oil, and as a mechanic at Enget Implement for 18 years. He then traveled back and forth from Powers Lake to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska where he operated heavy equipment for VECO for 20+ years. Once retired from the North Slope, he drove gravel truck in the Powers Lake area for John Kulstad. Seeing the wildlife and scenery made work enjoyable for him.

Family was everything to John. He would say that family is what life is all about and he had a strong love for all of them. John played an active role in all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s lives. He wanted to see every one of them every day. John loved attending all of their school, church and sporting events, missing very few. Grandpa John loved having coffee and cookies with his great grandkids. He taught them how to dunk and would often drink the coffee afterwards. Telling the kids “no” was not in his vocabulary and he never left home without a pocket full of candy.

In his later years, John was often seen driving his red pickup or four-wheeler around town with his dog, JJ, and a kid or five of them riding along. He loved fishing and camping with his family, sitting around the campfire, and pulling the kids on tubes in water or snow. John had a deep respect for the land and always kept his pasture, lawn, and gardening in check. He had a soft spot for animals and kept them very well fed. Reading was a favorite pastime-his learning never stopped. History of any kind, especially Native American studies, and researching any topic interested him. If John didn’t know how something worked he was sure to find out. He was always the guy to call for help with projects and could find the most logical way to accomplish anything. John was a hard worker and liked to keep himself busy. Music made him happy. Wherever John was, music was usually playing. Life’s adventures, holidays, and family time always brought a bright smile to John’s face.

John had a strong faith and was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and served on the board for several years. He was a deacon and looked after the church in many ways.

John loved life and will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Betty of 57 years; daughters Brenda (Scott) Carlson and Melissa (Kevin) Evenson and son; Vincent (Nancy) Clark. Grandchildren; Jordan (Haylee) Carlson, Megan (Ben) Tarap, Alex (Shantell) Carlson, Zachary (Zaina) Clark, Hannah Clark, Lexie (Jordan) Kluck, Kaden Evenson, Bailey Evenson, and Emily Evenson. Great Grandchildren; Coy, Clancee, Quade, and Knox Carlson; Tyson, Brayden, and Carson Tarap; Bentley Bailey; Madden and Navy Kluck. Brothers; Robert (Debbie) Clark and Sonny (Donna) Honrud . Sister; Leone (James) Sundley. He is also survived by his beloved dog, JJ.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Murray and Lois Clark, and brothers Murphy and Jimmy Clark.