Sam Clarke was a bright light; he could flash a smile that made your heart soar. He was a blaze of creative energy from the start. He devoured books and information. He took everything in and was reading at 2 and writing at 4. Sam was always the kid way up high or tucked away in small spaces.

As an adult Sam worked at Safeway, painted or sat by the fire in his yard, walked to the library and took his hammock chair up to his tree or to the Cap Sante to read. In his last week, he watched Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure with his brother Eddie projected on a sheet outside in their yard, and came over for a family spaghetti dinner made by his Dad. He was known as Uncle Sam to his friend Ethan's daughter Estelle and they made up games together.

He was mostly gracious, but hard to get to know. He put up walls and only let a few in. We thank Sam's circle of friends who searched relentlessly day and night to find him when he disappeared. We are also grateful to other friends and community for joining the search in boats, on bikes and with drones. Those that knew him well loved Sam, an unconventional, witty, cynical, beautiful man.

Sam you are so loved, we feel cheated from having you with us longer, but lucky to have had you in our lives. We'll leave with the quote Sam last posted: "Be excellent to each other."

Sam is survived by his parents Steve Clarke & Stella Spring, his brother Eddie Clarke, aunts and uncle Vicki, Jeff, and Kat, cousins Wade, Aaron, Aimee, and Brenna, and their spouses and children.

Please bookmark this direct link to his memorial site to check for updates: https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/sam-clarke In the meantime, please share your memories by signing his online guest register.