Harold Clark

Harold Clark, Scientist and Innovator dead at 77 Harold Clark, longtime resident of Hopewell Junction, New York and Scotts Valley, California died peacefully in his sleep at home in Scotts Valley on April 8. Born January 22, 1938 in Philadelphia PA, to Roland and Eva Mae Clark, he was the youngest of five children. He developed an early curiosity about how things worked and conducted chemistry experiments with his brothers (some more successful than others). In those days, a young boy could get around pretty well on a bicycle, and he and his brothers would tell his mother they were going to play behind the library, which meant Pennypack Park where they had many happy adventures in the natural world becoming acquainted with turtles, fish, horses, rabbits and the flora and fauna of the region. (Do not tell his mother about jumping off the train trestle to avoid the traffic.) He attended local schools, lettering in crew at LaSalle High School and winning some exciting races including the Dad Vail Regatta. After studying at Penn State, Temple and Villanova, he graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY with a BA in physics. His first engineering job was with IBM Poughkeepsie where he worked on computer parts for the early NASA space program. As the nascent computer industry developed, he pioneered machines and processes for thin film etching. Carefully measuring the data and experimenting with processes, he figured out techniques to radically improve through-put and usable chip yield from wafers, inventing the laser end-point detector and the famous Blue Machine. He made numerous contributions in the area of plasma processing. He was with IBM for 30 years, before moving his family to California where he brought his unique talents to Silicon Valley and Eugene, OR, and retiring to Scotts Valley. He shared his love of science with his family. Dinner table conversation included lively discussion about science fair projects, how to diagnose and repair the Hudson, and the importance of good data. One science project in the 1970's in the midst of the energy crisis, a mini solar collector provided enough data to convince him that solar was practical and affordable. He designed and built a solar hot water system that provided enough hot water for a family of six and supplemented the electric heating system. In the 21st century, he installed the latest solar panels on the Scotts Valley house, getting all his electricity from his own roof. He liked to tease that he was using nuclear power since the sun is a major nuclear mass. He was interested in how vitamins, yoga and organic foods could improve health. For years, the family grew organic fruits and vegetables in Hopewell, composting along the way. In retirement, he started studying the effects of nutrients on disease and shared his findings freely. His surviving brothers are Bernard of Humble, TX and Donald of Norristown, PA, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by sister Zita of Willow Grove, PA and Leonard of North Carolina. At home he is survived by his beautiful wife of more than 50 years, MaryAnn, and beloved children Ellen Clark of Bronxville, NY, Francis and Audrey Clark of San Diego, Anastasia and Victor Ott of Lorton, VA, Mimi Clark, Karen and Chris Finch and grandchildren Alexandra and Jacob Finch of Coronado. A gathering for personal prayer and to pay personal respects next to Harold's casket will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the entrance of church with the Mass of Christian burial following to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Catholic Community of San Agustin Church, (257 Glenwood Dr. Scotts Valley, CA). Donations can be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 257 Glenwood Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.