Discussion: Last post to AP from Chitownclark

TO MY ORIENTEERING FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD: News of my death may be sad, but please do not be. Orienteering has been a large part of my life for 30 years, providing an athletic sport, the camaraderie of many unique individuals, and a chance on A/P to express some of my ideals and opinions. Thank you for putting up with me and providing your views this forum.

I have been a supporter of ‘Right to Die’ causes much longer than 30 years. My father, brother and nephew all decided for various reasons to end their own lives. So I see nothing unusual that, when the time came, I should too. And this certainly is the right time. I turned 80 last month, and have been taking pain pills including fentanyl in increasing quantities for the past four months. The docs have nothing further to offer other than courses of chemo and hospitalization. Did you know that a recent poll of doctors revealed that they would NOT accept any form of tubes or resuscitation, including CPR. They’d accept only pain pills, for as long as they worked.

https://finalexitnetwork.org

Even if you don’t have a terminal disease, I’d advise that you donate and check them out. I have prostate, bone, and colon cancers. Who knows what other organs are involved. There is some suspicion of melanoma too. I’d say it was the right time….

Best wishes my friends.

Clark Maxfield
Chitownclark signs off.

As a good friend and old orienteering and rogaine buddy, you will be missed.
RIP

I love that he went out on his own terms. I didn't know him well at all, but he certainly added spice to AP. Thanks for posting this, Charlie.

Agree with kissy, thanks for posting. Bigger thanks to Chitown for writing to us. I found it moving and very much Chitown-esque, which brought a smile.

Very touching final post. Thanks for sharing this, Charlie.

Yes, it's very Chitownclark that he made sure to pitch a cause that was very important to him even at the very end. Rest in peace, Clark.

Yes, that is very moving. I knew Clark had some pretty serious ailments, but I certainly didn't know how serious, and it didn't stop him from keeping up a vigorous exercise program up until the end. I will certainly miss him, and thanks, Charlie, for posting this.

Agree, this was really moving. So like Clark. I barely knew him, but I will honestly miss his sincere posts.
Rest in peace, Chitownclark.

I never met Clark but we occasionally carried on via A/P over the past five or so years. I went to grad school in Chicago in the 70s. I always thought that if I were passing through, we would meet at one of his favorite pubs near Lincoln Park. But time slips away. It’s not to be, and that saddens me in spite of his saying “don’t be sad”. I posted a simple, smiling poem on his log for his 76th birthday. Goodbye for now.

See you in the woods, Clark.

Thanks, Charlie. Thanks, Clark.

I don't think I ever met Clark but he was an active member of my community and I was saddened to hear of his passing. His final note to us was moving and very Chitownclark. I'm happy for him that he went out on his own terms, which seems to be the same way he lived. He expressed views that made me think, whether or not I ended up agreeing, and I appreciated that.

@bl. Like you, I thought about passing through Chicago and looking Clark up, maybe taking a little public transportation out to have an IPA at Three Floyds, one of his usual hangouts. I'm sure it would have been a memorable outing. Well, the time never came, and so another reminder not to put things off.

@Bash--couldn't say it any better.

You're free now Clark--rest in peace.

I never met chitownclark, but was always impressed by his passion for the things he believed in. Clearly an individual. Certainly made me think I should drive less, and use bike/public transit more. Very glad he was able to give us his final message.

As someone who has read his posts and followed some discussions I am very moved by this post. I have incredible respect and admiration for him and his actions, though I "know" him only through my (late husband) rockman (AP) reference to posts particularly about 5 years ago. The North American Orienteering community has lost a sparkling and passionate advocate - I extend my sympathies to you all.

Clark will be missed.

Clark grew up on "The Peninsula", south of San Francisco. Since I lived in that area for most of the years I've been on AP, Clark would occasionally post to my log regarding places I'd run or hiked. Fond memories of seeing him at many an A-meet, usually in the company of Soupbone. A very interesting guy. He will be missed.

He was certainly one of those characters you don't quickly forget.