Henry B. Clark Jr. spent much of his adult life working and leading one of the largest companies in Hawai'i — Castle & Cooke. But his actions as a patron of the arts and as a philanthropist — all done quietly and without much fanfare — may have more impact than any boardroom decision.
Clark and his wife, Gerry, who died in 1992 shortly before their 50th wedding anniversary, enriched the state by annually celebrating their anniversary with gifts to the community.
The Honolulu Academy of Art received 350 pieces of art. Many charitable organizations, such as the Boy's Home or Waimano Home, also received gifts. Clark even put young people through college.
Clark was born in 1915 in Chevy Chase, Md., and educated at Northwestern and Harvard universities. He was a naval reserve officer on mine sweepers until his release from active duty in 1945.
He joined Castle & Cook in 1946 and went to work in the Operations Analysis Department. He retired 39 years later, in 1985, as chairman and chief executive officer.
Clark served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations, including Palolo Chinese Old Men's Home, Goodwill Vocational Training Centers of Hawai'i, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, the Honolulu Symphony Society and Aloha United Way.
In 1994, he received the Governor's Award for Distinguished Achievement in Culture, the Arts and Humanities.
Clark remarried in 1996 and continues to contribute to the community.
