John W. Clark, Jr., was born on December 24, 1936, in Rochester, New York, a first child and Christmas gift to his parents, John W. Clark, Sr. and Dorothy Springett Clark. He died on August 6, 2017, in Houston, Texas, having served as a Professor at Rice University for 49 years.
Dr. Clark at the time of his death held professorships in both the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, and also the Bioengineering Department which he was instrumental in establishing at Rice some years later. His work at the University, the Medical Center in Houston, and elsewhere around the globe, made his life a song, giving him an extraordinary joy. It took him and his family all over the world.
Dr. Clark was a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for contributions to modeling in electrophysiology and cardiopulmonary systems, and was cited as one of the leaders in bioengineering in the Houston area. He held several offices and served as President of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. John and Kit happily participated in EMBC whenever it was possible.
In 2009, he received the IEEE/Engineering in Medicine and Biology Distinguished Service Award for contributions to the EMB Society and a meritorious career in biomedical engineering education. He counted as one of his favorite accomplishments the founding of the Houston Society for Engineering in Medicine and Biology (HSEMB), which met annually at the Hilton Hotel at the University of Houston, and was intended to encourage young scientists in Houston and surrounding regions.
Dr. Clark will be remembered as a pillar of the EMBS community.
The life story of Dr. Clark can be read here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=186311554
I was sadden to read about the passing of dear friend and great teacher – Dr. Clark. Over the 30 years that I’ve known John and collaborated with him on the many local conferences that he organized I always was impressed with his desire to be inclusive and supportive of young potentials. His positive force will be missed in Houston, in Texas, in our Nation and the World.
My condolences and prayers to his family.
I remember John with great fondness. He was among the earliest Ph.D. graduates from the Dept. of Biomedical Eng. at Case Western Reserve University. He was excellent as both a teacher and researcher.
Dr. John Clark was my mentor and friend. It is hard to measure the influence he has had on my life and career. I will always remember his patience, willingness to listen, and his ability to offer advice when necessary and appropriate. Thank you John for all you did for me and all the other students you guided through the maze of graduate studies. It is an honor and privilege to be known as a graduate under your leadership.