Honor the legacy with commitment to community

Affectionately known as the Sehnert’s lunch bunch, Cloyd Clark stands at the left and expresses his playful nature. Other members of the “bunch” include, front from left, Sharon Bohling, Walt and Jean Sehnert. Standing from left are Clark, Dale and Mary Dueland, Cathy and Bruce McDowell, and Cloyd’s wife, Linda Clark.

Courtesy Photo

With the passing of Judge Cloyd Clark this past weekend, McCook and Southwest Nebraska has lost one its most vocal, most passionate, most boisterous supporters.

While Cloyd had been ill for a short time, his death still comes as a shock and now the tributes and accolades have begun to pour in. And not just because he was so active in the community, but because Cloyd was larger than life. His booming voice, his bushy mustache, his deep-throated laugh.

There are so many words to describe Cloyd, who will have an impact on our community for generations to come, and these are just a few from those who knew him, worked alongside him, and loved him.

An amazing delegator.

An idea guy.

Cloyd didn’t just talk the talk….O.K. he sometimes did just talk the talk but that usually led to the project still happening. One of the things Cloyd was so good at was coming up with ideas and then somehow getting others to do them. He was so persuasive in his ability to get others to follow up on the unique ideas which popped into his head.

Welcoming and gracious. Passionate leader.

Over and over, people are remembering Cloyd as the person who boosted them up, who gave them confidence in themselves, who made them think their idea was possible. He had an open mind for what the future might hold and encouraged others to make those ideas happen.

Amazing storyteller. Colorful.

Cloyd loved to tell stories and could enrapture an audience with his enthusiasm, which led to the the concept of a storytelling festival, especially after outsiders visited and said everyone here should just pack up their bags and leave. With the help of many others, the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival was born and continues to thrive and grow more than 20 years later.

Hard worker…at fun.

From the start of the Live at the Bieroc concert series, Cloyd and Linda Clark could be found front and center for the shows at Sehnert’s Bakery. At nearly every show, Cloyd would be at “his” table with a bottle of wine nearby, a hearty laugh at the ready and prepared to interact and possibly sing along with the performer.

Ornery and humorous.

Cloyd always a joke or a story ready for his audience, whether it was his regular lunch bunch which included his wife, Linda, and Sharon Bohling, Dale and Mary Dueland and Cathy and Bruce McDowell, or someone who just happened to be passing by.

Elder Statesman.

Passionate Leader.

To say Cloyd was influential and involved is an understatement. At his passing, Cloyd was still heavily active, serving as president of the Norris Institute which is working to create Norris Alley; and a member of the High Plains Museum board, which is undergoing many tremendous updates. And in addition to having the distinction of Rotary District Governor, Cloyd rarely missed a McCook Rotary meeting, where he could be counted on to use his deep baritone voice to belt out the weekly sing-along.

Man with a Plan.

Early Supporter.

Cloyd always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye, especially when he thought about the future and the possibilities for our community. He was a genuine listener, who was always interested in ideas about what was possible.

Woo and welcoming.

“Woo” stands for winning others over, enjoying the challenge of meeting new people and getting them to like you. According to his son, Paul, Cloyd was most proud that one of his strengths was “woo” because ultimately he was going to make friends with everyone in the room…whether they knew it or not.

Kind and deep.

Incredibly huge heart.

At the end of the day, Cloyd loved people. It showed when he was on the bench as a judge, pulling parents to the side to determine the best course of action for their child before donning his robe to make the decision official. It showed in the creation of the Prairie Plains Court Appointed Special Advocates program to advocate for the safety and well-being of children.

Legendary.

I don’t include that word lightly but McCook won’t be the same with Cloyd’s passing. He truly wanted what was best for McCook and for its citizens and he made a difference in so many people’s lives over the years.

There is no way to fill Cloyd’s shoes and there is a great void - literally a void on many committees and organizations in our community. So what is the best way to remember and honor Cloyd’s legacy?

It is to step up and get involved. It is to continue to telling stories and sharing a glass of wine. It is to remember that every day is a gift and embrace it with a belly-filled laugh.

If we truly want to remember and honor Judge Cloyd Clark, we must remember his spirit and work together to make McCook an even better place to call home.