Barbara Clark

Barbara Clark was a woman with an amazing heart. The type of person that would do anything for her family, friends and canine companions, she made them her life’s work. She had a generous spirit and loved to give of her time and talents. Barb inspired everyone she met to be a better person and to live every day to its fullest extent.

The year 1956 represented a time of simplicity and happiness in the United States. Under the leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower, American colleges and universities began to end racial segregation. Meanwhile, teenagers everywhere were tuning their radios in to hear the King of Rock and Roll – Elvis Presley, as he emerged as one of the world’s first rock stars. Despite all the excitement of the year, for Richard Alan Dimler and his wife, Geraldine Mae (Zellers), of Denver, Colorado, the biggest news was the birth of their first child. On September 15, 1956, their daughter, Barbara, was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver. Eventually, Barbara became the doting big sister to her younger siblings, Ken and Nancy.

Barb spent her early childhood growing up in Denver, where her father worked as a Rate Clerk at the Burlington Railroad Company. The family later moved to Hastings, Nebraska, where Barb took her place among the student body in the Hastings Public Schools. After graduating from Hastings High School in 1974, she went on to attend Hastings College and earned a B.A. in Instrumental Music Education with an English minor. Barb then put her education to good use teaching band in schools in Seattle, Washington for 8 years. She eventually made her way east to North Carolina, where she managed a music store for a few years. Then, in the mid 1980s, Barb put down roots in Holland, Michigan, and became a middle school Band Instructor in the Holland Public Schools.

Aside from music, Barb had a great love for dogs and over the years she became a well-known dog trainer, exhibitor and AKC Judge. In fact, it was while she was dog mentoring that she met her future husband, Patrick Clark. After dating for 2 years, Barb and Patrick were happily married on June 20, 1998. Aside for their love for each other, they shared their passion for dogs, especially for their four beloved companions, Teri, Linus, O.J. and Joey, and also worked as exhibitors together. For the last 10 years, Barb had also been working as a Dog Obedience Instructor in Holland and Kalamazoo, which she undoubtedly loved. For some time together, Barb and Patrick enjoyed going to Plainwell Ice Cream, though Barb loved all “good foods” and nothing satisfied her sweet tooth better than good old chocolate.

Shortly after marrying, Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the many difficulties she faced, Barb was a fierce fighter, never complained and maintained an unbreakable spirit. She was truly an inspiration to her family and friends and her compassion and devotion will be remembered forever.

Barbara L. Clark, age 51, of Allegan, MI, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2008, in Hospice House of Holland. She was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Mae (Zellers) Dimler. Barb is survived by her husband of 10 years, Patrick Clark of Allegan; her father, Richard Dimler of NE; her brother, Ken Dimler of Hastings, NE; and her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Rick Ferguson of Hastings, NE. Barb is also survived by her four dogs: Teri, Linus, O.J. and Joey.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m. at Providence Church, 821 Ottawa Avenue, with Rev. Keith Doornbos officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, from 6-9 p.m. at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to Women in Transition, 411 Butternut Drive, Holland, MI 49424, or the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland, 435 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423. Please visit Barb’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book.