Tributes are flooding in after the tragic loss of a Ballarat community leader.
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Bruce Hardess Clark passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday 24 August.
Mr Clark was a well respected member of the community, who spent his life contributing to making Ballarat the best city he could.
Mr Clark was assistant commissioner for the City of Ballarat between 1994 and 1996, and a co-founder of the Committee for Ballarat.
He was chairman of the Ballarat Economic Development Board, life governor of Ballarat Health Services, board member of the Sovereign Hill Museums Association, chairman of the Mining Committee, board member of Ballarat Lifeline and the Ballarat YMCA, a Ballarat Historical Park Association life member, a highly esteemed Committee Member of the Probus Club of Ballarat, and co-founder of the Ballarat Tourism Board.
Organisations from around Ballarat are paying their respects and sending their condolences to Mr Clark and his family.
“Bruce’s contributions to the Ballarat community helped shape the city as we know it today,” said the City of Ballarat in a statement.
Mr Clark has also made a contribution through his long involvement with Rotary (since 1975), being honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow, an award named after the founder of Rotary International, and past president of the Rotary Club of Ballarat.
“A dedicated Rotarian, respected member and friend of our club who will be sadly missed,” said the Ballarat Rotary Club in a statement.
In 2014, Mr Clarke was honored by the Council of the Order of Australia for his service to the Ballarat community with the Order of Australia Medal.
Mr Clark’s son Geoff spoke to The Courier about his father’s legacy.
“Dad was an extremely generous, giving man who found immense joy in helping others,” Mr Clark continued.
“Dad had an innate fondness for people and a genuine interest in the wellbeing of his friends.
“He was a true, honest, smart, hard-working man and a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather.
“He will always be an inspiration to us all to live a good selfless life.”
A celebration of Mr Clark’s life will be taking place on Thursday 30 August at 2pm, at the Ballarat Central Uniting Church.
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