Remembering Alan Clark

Staff at the Center for Natural Lands Management were concerned upon learning earlier this year that our longtime HR and Risk Manager, Alan Clark, was seriously ill. Within just a few short weeks, we learned that he had succumbed to his health issues.

Alan both joined and left us in the month of February – 2013 and 2026, respectively. For thirteen years, Alan provided professional support in the diverse roles of HR management, risk management—including insurance—and CNLM fleet management. Over that period, CNLM grew substantially in staff, supportive equipment and vehicles, and in resilience. His big personality transcended the ‘virtual office’ structure that we use for most communications and connectivity in our geographically expansive organization. Given his roles, he interacted with all staff from time to time, providing guidance in how to navigate everything from onboarding staff to vehicle repairs.

Alan with his dog, Buttercup

With frequent video calls, CNLM staff occasionally get some insights into each others’ personal lives, with family members—including pets—that occasionally appear in our home-office tableaux. With Alan, we met his adored dog, Buttercup, and occasionally Alan would need to take a quick meeting break to address her mischief!

The roles that Alan played to support CNLM as an organization, and staff as individuals, are being provided by others so that we can continue to fulfill our conservation mission. But Alan’s quick and focused style of supporting the organization and each other, and his trademark laughter and smile, will never be replaced. Alan was much valued and will be always remembered.