Owner-trainer Elwood L. Clark, 87, dies

Batavia, NY — Elwood L. Clark, 87, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022. Mr. Clark was born and raised in Lockport, New York, the son of the late James and Edna (Brown) Clark. He resided on his horse farm in Corfu, New York for 35 years and later in life retired in Naples, Florida.

Mr. Clark graduated from Alfred State College in 1957 before marrying the love of his life Barbara (who predeceased him in 2019) in 1958. The two raised five children and enjoyed more than 61 years of marriage.

Mr. Clark worked as a mechanical engineer at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia, New York for more than 30 years, but he was also a harness racing enthusiast that owned and trained a private stable starting in 1962. Over that time, he conditioned a number of horses led by local favorites Mary Meadow, Aaron The Baron, Cecil Minbar and the ever-popular St. Nick, who he bred, trained and raced until he retired at the age of 14.

Besides racing, Mr. Clark enjoyed social activities and being with family and friends. He was a competitive game player (especially cards) and loved watching the Buffalo Bills.

Mr. Clark is survived by children Christopher Clark, Matthew Clark (Linda), Gregory Clark (Michelle), Elizabeth Weydig (Steven) and Aaron Clark (Corey); 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; 32 nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sandra Truax Kinisky.

Calling hours are Tuesday (Jan. 18) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary located at 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. A celebratory mass of Mr. Clark’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 19) at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 5771 Buell Street, Akron, NY, with burial to follow at Cold Springs Cemetery in Lockport, NY. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to Niagara Hospice in Mr. Clark’s memory.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs