Kurt L. Clarkson

In Many Ways, Devoted

Kurt L. Clarkson died at Mountain View Center in Rutland, Vermont, on Thursday, June 12, after a long illness. He was 73.

Born in Delhi, New York, on 6 July 1951, he was the oldest son of the late Ralph O. and Audra Bailey Clarkson. He had lived in the Rutland area for more than 40 years. A graduate of Oneonta (N.Y.) Senior High School, he attended Whittier College in California and studied physical education. A gifted athlete and musician, Kurt was a committed volunteer at Rutland Regional Medical Center where he worked with teen volunteers, for which he received recognition by the governor of Vermont.  He was devoted to all animals (especially his most recent dog, Trixie), regularly attended Mission City Church in Rutland, and was proud of his affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous and 30+ years of sobriety.

He is survived by three siblings: Karen Clarkson McGurl (George) of Rutland, Peter Magellan (Diane Rice) of Fort Myers, Florida, and Kris (Sarah May) in Pocatello, Idaho. His niece and nephews include Marcy McGurl McDade (Scott, their children, Madison and Riley), Michael McGurl (Christine, their son, Blake), Joseph Clarkson (Christina, their daughter, Connolly Ann), William Clarkson, Peter Magellan, Jr. (Kelsey), and Mark Magellan. In addition, there is extended family in upstate New York and New Jersey with whom Kurt shared many holidays, weddings, and vacations.

Kurt would be honored to have contributions to the Rutland County Humane Society (765 Stevens Rd., Pittsford, Vermont 05763) made in his memory, or to any charitable organization working with the under-served and vulnerable.

A memorial and graveside service will be planned for later this year.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home, Rutland, Vermont.