Obituary of M. Clark Dyer

M. Clark Dyer passed away peacefully, at the age of 86, on the evening of Friday, February 7, 2014, with family at his side, in Santa Cruz, California. Born July 26, 1927 in Florence, Alabama to Melburn Clark Dyer and Virginia Crain Dyer, he grew up Melburn Clark Dyer Jr. in Florence. As an adult he lived in Yakima, Washington, Pasadena, California, and at Shawnee Beach, Vashon Island, Washington and finally in Santa Cruz. Clark is survived by wife and best friend; Carolyn Price Dyer, his three sons; Philip and wife Gloria, Paul and wife Ruthie, and Andrew and wife Jenifer, as well as Aunt Arlyn Nelson, Brother-in-law Jim Price and wife Sharon, 6 Grandchildren, 2 Great-Grandchildren, 2 nieces, 2 nephews, and many wonderful neighbors and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter- in-law Nora. After serving as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, he attended the University of Alabama and the University of California at Berkeley. Clark was a proud member of his fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, maintaining life-long friendships. He had a successful career in marketing on the west coast. Clark loved the open water, sailing throughout his life. He was a great supporter of his wife Carolyn's art endeavors all of their marriage. He enjoyed socializing, classical music and a nice drink. Clark was a man of faith, who was active in the Episcopal Church in his adult life. He enjoyed singing in church and community choirs. In 2011 Clark and Carolyn moved back to California to Santa Cruz to be cared for while he walked the path through Alzheimer's. He was able to continue watching the sailboats on the Monterey Bay from the bay window at Sunshine Villa until his last week of life. A special thank you to daughter-in-law Jenifer Dyer, for being there regularly for both Carolyn and Clark through the past three years. Also, thank you to the staff of Sunshine Villa, and Hospice of Santa Cruz for their care and attendance at the end. A memorial will be announced at a later date.