Jeff Clark touched many lives

By Phil Cochran

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It has been a very somber time in both the Marion and Cedar Rapids school districts as we mourn the loss of a teacher, coach, mentor, friend, brother and son. Jeff Clark, math teacher and coach at Vernon Middle School and a coach for Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School and Harding Middle School, was suddenly taken from us Nov. 27. Within those few seconds of realizing he was gone, many of our lives have been changed forever.

There will be many things said and remembered about Jeff. He was a terrific son to his parents, who will always beam with pride at the mention of him. His best friend was his brother and the two spent many hours together, both working so hard to shape the students and athletes they were working for.

As a teacher and coach, he cared greatly about his students and athletes and wanted nothing more than for them to be successful. He believed hard work was a skill that would get you through life and he instilled it in all of the people he taught and those he worked with. As a colleague and friend, he would help in any way he could and was there for those who needed it. He took part in many things that would become great stories as we all gather together and celebrate his life.

With Jeff's passing, I have spent many hours reflecting on the impact his life has had on so many others. There will be many people who live very long lives and will pass away and be missed by few. Those people, who are not bad people, will simply have lived life, and are content with that.

That is not how I would describe Jeff. In his short 34 years with us, he touched many lives and has left behind a legacy in our communities that will stand the test of time. He put others first. He emphasized character and a strong work ethic over natural talents and gifts. His expectation was exactly the same for all of those who came in contact with him.

Anything Jeff was a part of became stronger due to his presence and will to make it better.

I know our communities will be stronger and better for having Jeff be a part of our lives.

There will be memorials established and awards given in his honor, and all of those things are deserving, to both him and his family. But I also know that Jeff would be upset with us that we have slowed down and taken the time to think about him. I can hear him telling us to knock it off and quit fussing over him, to get back to work and take care of business. I hear you, Jeff!

But as I go back to business, I am doing so with a renewed vigor to honor your contribution to our lives.

Phil Cochran is principal at Vernon Middle School in Marion. Comments: pcochran@marion.k12.ia.us