Harry C. Clark"You don't have to be perfect to have a good life" –H.C.C.Harry C. Clark died peacefully at home September 30, 2013. Harry was born March 25, 1919. He spent nearly all of his 94 years in Belvidere, Illinois. When Harry was 4 years old he contracted polio. Harry's parents took him to the Shriners Hospital for Children (SHC) in Minneapolis. At age 10 he was admitted to the SHC in Chicago. He had a series of surgeries and learned to walk with a leg brace. In 1946 Harry married, "the most beautiful girl I ever saw," Betty Davis. Harry worked in an auto parts business during WWII. He was later employed driving a taxi for his brother, Gene. Harry and Betty owned an auto glass business and later an excavating business. An inventor, Harry patented an excavating bucket that cuts through frost. He was awarded a patent at age 92 when he created a safety device for wheeled walkers. Harry was a member of the Rockford Unitarian Universalist Church. He had a strong belief in helping others. Harry believed in the sanctity of all life. He despised bullies in any form and he worked for equality and justice throughout his life.In a 2011 address to the Shriners Hospital for the Children Board of Governors Harry expressed his gratitude: I want you folks to know that, because of you, I have had a great life. I thank you. Keep up your important work on behalf of kids.Harry is survived by his wife, Betty Clark; his children, Lon (Kathleen Burke) Clark, Janet (Chris) Pickett, and Julie (Michael) Stone; his grandchildren, Stephen Clark, Caitlin (Nick) Baxley and his step-grandson Timothy Pickett; his great-grandson, Austin Roux; and his sister, Marjorie "Midge" Carlson. Harry is preceded in death by his sister, Maybelle Rice, his" big brother," Eugene Clark, and his beloved grandson Max Harry Wilfred Clark.

Memorial donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.