The HVAC engineering community was stunned upon hearing of the deaths of Aquatherm president Steve Clark, P.E., P.Eng., 55, and his wife Susan, in a motor vehicle accident near St. George UT, May 24. The Clarks were travelling in an RV, when a tire blowout caused Mrs. Clark to lose control of the vehicle, which crashed into a condominium off of I-15. Eight others were injured.
Clark was born November 1, 1957 in Great Falls, MT, the fifth son of Maurice Paul Clark and Patricia Gertrude Myers Clark. After graduating from Montana State University with an engineering degree, he worked for several years as a professional engineer and eventually started his own engineering firm, but was always focused on building energy efficiency.
While working on a large project in the U.K., he discovered a German-made polypropylene pipe manufactured by Aquatherm. His experience (including award-winning building system designs and international HVAC and piping patents) had revealed that pipe selection is a key component to efficient building design, and he was able to acquire the North American distribution rights to the polypropylene pipe systems in 2007.
Clark went on to assemble a top-notch corporate team and distribution network that helped fuel the company’s steady and significant growth. In fact, Aquatherm was named to Forbes Magazine’s List of America’s Most Promising Companies the last two years, and the polypropylene pipe systems are increasingly being used in a huge variety of PHVAC systems and applications in commercial, government, industrial and residential projects.
In addition to day-to-day and big picture operations of the company, Clark worked tirelessly as an advocate for broader adoption of radiant heating and cooling and improved building efficiency in North America. He regularly published articles, spoke at industry events, served on industry committees, and promoted energy efficient pipe alternatives. He was active in industry associations, serving on the ASHRAE 189.1 Committee for High Performance Green Buildings, the Green Schoolhouse Series Advisory Board, and others. The Aquatherm team will be reorganizing and carrying on Steve’s outstanding work going forward.
Susan was born on February 28th, 1960 at Rockford Memorial Hospital in Rockford, IL. She was a fiery redhead, the first child of Robert Harold Falk and Janet Marilyn Kotwitz Falk. Susan grew up in Janesville, WI and attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Both of Sue's parents and her brother Steven Falk survive her.
Steve Clark is survived by both of his parents, his brothers Mark, Dennis, Kim, and Kevin, and sisters Mary Kelli and Trudi as well as their children, Amber (David Chen), Adam (Genevieve Binkerd), Aaron, Austin (Chantelle Turley), Autumn, and Anne, as well as their grandchildren Lynn and Lily Chen.
Steve and Susan’s lives were examples of church and community service, and they touched many lives with their dedication, kindness, and generosity. A funeral service for those wishing to honor and thank them will be held on June 1 at 2 p.m. at the Sharon East Stake Center in Provo, UT. There will be a visitation for friends and family on May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m., at 650 East Stadium Ave., Provo. There will be another brief viewing before the funeral service, starting at 11:30 a.m. on June 1. Arrangements are being handled by the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home.
An online memorial can be found here.
