In 1944, Reed's father, who was a distinguished Department of State Foreign Service Officer, retired and the family moved back to Washington, DC. They spent the summer in New Hampshire, where, in 1843, Reed's great-great grandfather had built a beautiful stone farmhouse in the town of Londonderry. Having grown up around the world, it was time for Reed to find permanent schooling in the United States. And that choice changed the course of his life forever.

Reed Clark did not know a soul on campus when he entered Georgetown Preparatory School as a worldly eighth grade resident student.

"I was young. But I wasn't scared. I felt like I belonged right away."

Georgetown Prep was Reed's first permanent sanctuary. He had lived a life of adventure and travel, but now it was time for a new life.

Despite his handicap, he made the Varsity Soccer team and played for two seasons. He was the manager of the Varsity Football team. He served as an altar boy and finished second in his class at graduation. And he made friends for a lifetime.

"Most of them are gone now. But Jim Fitzgerald, Jerry Crowley, Jimmy Enright, Larry and Charlie Garrett, and so many others will always be with me. I will never forget them."

Brothers for life. And, for Reed, it was more than just a school.

"Georgetown Prep was my home for five years. I grew up there. It will always be a part of me."

Upon graduation, Reed matriculated to Georgetown University for four more years of rigorous Jesuit education. And then it was time to truly follow his dreams.

"Like any son, I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. I wanted to travel the world and live the life of my childhood."

He passed the Foreign Service Exam and was ready for an international assignment. But it never came.

It was determined Reed couldn't carry out his physical duties abroad because of his partial paralysis. The news landed hard on many levels.

"It truly broke my heart. In an instant, the future I envisioned was taken away. My life dreams were crushed."

So, instead of a life of globe-trotting, Reed was assigned to the civil service in the Passport Office of the US Department of State. It was tedious work at times. But he had no choice but to move forward.

"I poured myself into that job. And I never looked back."

While he was working, Reed also found time to relax. On the social front, Reed joined the Catholic Club in Washington, DC and made instant friends playing bridge, going to dances, and fraternizing at other social events in the local area. He had a tight circle but something was missing.

"With my handicap, I never thought I would get married. Much less have children."

But Reed hit the lottery. In the club, he met Phyllis Straub and knew she would be the one. After dating for several months, Reed finally asked her to marry him. And then he asked her again. And on the third time she said yes!

What followed was beyond his wildest dreams. Five children (four boys and a girl) in rapid succession. A life of fulfillment and purpose with new goals and aspirations.

"I wanted all my children to be honest, sincere, and always contributing to society."

"And I wanted to set an example for them along the way."

It was his volunteer work in the community that drove home the point of contributing to society. Wednesday nights were his time to go bowling with his friends. But every other night of the week was dedicated to the community and his children's activities and schools.

Cub Scout Master. Boy Scout Master. The Parish Council at Blessed Sacrament Church. Usher. President of the St. John's High School Parent's Club. Numerous parent positions at Immaculata High School and The Connelly School of The Holy Child. And, of course, President of the Georgetown Prep Alumni Association.

"I wanted to be involved in all my children's lives. It was a great way to give back to the community and stay connected with them."

And it was a great way to stay motivated at work. Reed worked through the tedious moments of his job and rose up through the ranks in the Consular Affairs Division of The State Department. He drew his motivation from his community and his family. And this fostered a new perspective in his life.

The Ebb and Flow of Reed's Career

As his career ascended at The State Department, Reed worked on more high profile international incidents, including the Iran Hostage Crisis and the plane bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. But perhaps the most personally impactful mission was the massacre in Jonestown, Guyana. 913 Americans died in one day as part of a massive murder-suicide pact orchestrated by cult leader, Jim Jones.

Reed was a key member of The State Department Jonestown Task Force working around the clock to notify the next of kin of their son or daughter's demise. Not a glamorous task. But one thing forever resonated with Reed.

"Some of the family members didn't seem to care. Mothers and fathers had written off their sons and daughters years ago when they lost them to the cult. I couldn't imagine that. And I never wanted that for my kids."

Reed went on to work larger, international events from his Washington, DC location. He gained respect for his dedication and durability (Throughout his career, he constantly worked overtime and never reported in sick.) His hard work was ultimately rewarded when he won the "Handicap Employee of the Year" for the entire Federal Government.

But as the years dragged on, Reed had a hard time adapting to the changing technology landscape.

"One day, they put a computer on my desk. I couldn't type. Couldn't learn to type. And I knew it would bump me out of a job."

And so it did. In 1989, after a distinguished thirty-seven year career at The State Department, Reed Clark retired from government service. Little did he know, his greatest contributions were still ahead of him.

Life in New Hampshire

Reed Clark had always had a special place in his heart for the farmhouse in New Hampshire. He spent most of his summers there in high school and college and his own father was born and raised there.

"But my father left New Hampshire relatively early in his life. I wanted to go back and establish my own legacy there."

And so he did! At a time when most people go south for retirement, Reed and Phyllis packed up and headed north to New Hampshire.

And Reed's history of volunteering in the community kicked into a whole new gear. Reed Clark became the face of Londonderry, New Hampshire!

He was a member of the Taxpayer's Association. As such, he attended the School Board meetings and the Town Council meetings. He dedicated himself to The Rotary Club (Reed has not missed a meeting in 30 years). He volunteered at The Historic Society and donated the old Clark Blacksmith Shop to the town.

And along the way, Reed collected numerous certificates and trophies immortalizing his impact on the town of Londonderry. He has been recognized as "Citizen of the Year", "Volunteer of the Year", and "Rotarian of the Year". He has won the Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club and been named Grand Marshall of the "Old Home Day" Town Parade.

Reed Clark Today

At age 91, Reed Clark is still going strong. He still serves on the Town Council. Still attends Rotary. And he averages attending 3 meetings a week! He is preparing for a speech for the 300th Anniversary of Nutfield, New Hampshire, encompassing the towns Londonderry, Derry and Windham. (He spoke at the 250th Anniversary celebration, and never dreamed he would have another opportunity to speak 50 years later!) And he recently traveled back to Georgetown Prep to watch his third grandchild graduate from his alma mater. Life is good!

-Written by Rob Clark '87, P'19

Reed's senior page in the 1947 Yearbook states "Reed undoubtedly will go far in the world and make Prep proud to call him an alumnus." Mission accomplished!