Douglas William Clark

Douglas William Clark, 49, beloved husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, passed away on October 13, 2024, in Nampa, Idaho after a long, fiercely fought battle with cancer.

Doug was born on December 28, 1974, in Fullerton, California to Ralph Beach Clark II (RB) and Carol Bonnie Jean Sehorn (Bonnie).

He attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Arroyo Grande High School in Arroyo Grande, California and graduated from Loara High School in Anaheim, California in 1993.

In 1995, he attended the Vineyard Church School of Ministry in Lake Hughes, California. It was here where he met his Australian wife, Leanne Jarvis, his “soulmate, completer, and God’s gift.” They married in Melbourne on August 31, 1996. After a brief time living back in the USA, Doug and Leanne returned to Australia and settled into the rural community of Wangaratta. During this time, Doug worked at Brown Brothers Winery as a vineyard hand. He was then hired by NESAY as a social worker and played a critical role in the development of “Walk the Talk,” a male adolescent anger management program. He also worked with youth who were at risk of homelessness. He became an avid supporter of the Wangaratta Rovers Football Club and followed them closely for the remainder of his life.

Doug and Leanne moved their family to Boise, Idaho in 2005. Doug worked as a studio manager and photographer for Pixel Light Digital Imaging Services from 2005-2015 before beginning his career with Edward Jones as a financial advisor from 2015 until his passing.

Doug was an incredible athlete and sports enthusiast. He found immense joy in both watching and playing football, basketball, soccer, and Aussie rules football. He found great pleasure in gardening, always finding room for one more plant, flower, bush, or tree. Walking the Boise Greenbelt with his family was a favorite pastime. Summertime found him cooking on the “barbie,” swimming in the pool, and enjoying his garden. Autumn was appreciated with cooler weather and walks in the fallen leaves. Winter brought mini snowmen made from the frost in his freezer in Australia and real snowmen in his front yard in Nampa. And springtime added more beauty to his peaceful garden. As an avid reader, he was continually immersed in a wide selection of books, his favorite author being Richard Foster. One would often find him with a journal and pen in his hand, capturing his thoughts in words. He even self-published a book called Reflections.

Doug was also a natural connector of people. He used his passion for the Liverpool Football Club, his determination to bring Aussie rules football to Boise, and his love of Australian people and culture to establish local communities through social media. The Boise Liverpool FC Supporters Group, Boise Australian Football Club, and the Aussies in Boise Facebook groups will continue his legacy in the Treasure Valley.

From his childhood, Doug saw the world from a different perspective. He took time to sit in the fields, lie on the grass to watch the clouds, walk beside the streams, listen to the birds in the trees, and the wind speaking through the leaves. He actively sought God in all of nature and humanity. His was a simple yet profound faith. He loved deeply. Listened intently. Spoke gently. Reached out compassionately. Cared genuinely. 

Doug’s greatest treasure, apart from his relationship with Jesus, was his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Leanne Clark; his children, Archie, Abbey, Aidan, and Alastair; and his mother, Bonnie Sehorn, stepfather, Bob Sehorn, and stepmother, Linda Clark. Doug is also survived by his siblings: Kelley VanderSys (Mark), Michael Clark (Ana), and Jeremiah Sehorn (Kylee).

Doug was preceded in death by his father, RB Clark, and his treasured grandson, Arran Cyrus Zucker. Arran, who lived for almost four years, brought immeasurable joy to Doug's life and was deeply loved by him.

Doug leaves behind a legacy of love that will be cherished by all who knew him. The impact of his life will continue to resonate with his family and all those whose lives he touched.

Doug found great comfort and inspiration in the words of Jesus from Matthew 11:28-30 in the First Nations Version of the Bible:

"Come close to my side, you whose hearts are on the ground, you who are pushed down and worn out, and I will refresh you. Follow my teachings and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest from your troubled thoughts. Walk side by side with me and I will share in your heavy load and make it light."

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 8, 1pm at Discovery Church in Boise, Idaho.

The live stream will commence at about 12:45pm. The service will also be recorded and available for viewing on the Discovery Church Boise YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/@discoverychurchboise3007?)