On Wednesday, September 28th, the TFW2005/HISSTANK/TOYARK family lost one of their own. Gary Clark, aka Optimus_Scourge, a former moderator and former photo staff member of TFW2005.COM, as well as a current moderator on our sister site ToyArk.com, passed away suddenly at his home. He was 34 years old.
He is survived by his wife and longtime TFW2005 member Luisa (“Arcee”), as well as his two sons.
Gary had a passion for Transformers and G.I. Joe. The only thing that seemed to surpass it was his passion for helping his friends and others in the collector community. Gary was always ready to meet someone new with a smile on his face and share his passion of collecting with others. The news of his passing comes as a total shock for countless members who had not only spoken to him recently, but had seen him at the last New Jersey Collectors Convention (NJCC) in April, and had planned to see him again in the next couple of weeks at the next NJCC.
Gary started as everyone does over at TFW2005 as a member. Over time he quickly gained the reputation of having a level-head, being incredibly friendly, and very out-going. Over the course of many years, he attended several BotCon conventions and became a close friend to many of us on staff. He became a moderator but his passion didn’t stop there, and he also became a member of our Photo Staff. Due to circumstances beyond his control, Gary scaled back his participation from the site but could never let go completely, and was currently an acting moderator at our sister site, TOYARK.COM. He participated in numerous Transformers-related podcasts over the last few years.
Gary also met the love of his life on our forums, Luisa (“Arcee”), kindling their relationship at OTFCC 2004 and eventually getting married. To this day they hold the distinct title of being the first real-life love story to have happened thanks to TFW2005.COM.
Funeral services for Gary Clark will be held at The Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The service will start at 3pm on Sunday, October 2nd. For more information, please check the following link:
The Fizgerald & Collins Funeral HomeIn these hard economic times the cost of putting to rest our loved ones can make things even more difficult than they already are. Gary’s widow Luisa (“Arcee”, a long time member of TFW2005) has set up a PayPal account for anyone willing to send donations to help cover the major expenses (totaling in excess of $10,000 just for funeral costs alone). HISSTANK.COM is not directly connected to this PayPal account but supports the reason for its creation and supports the cause. Gary did not have any life insurance, thus all expenses must be paid out of pocket.
To send a donation via PayPal, be sure to select the option of GIFT, and send any amount to the following address: rip.garydclark@yahoo.com
To view the obituary for Gary Clark and to share your memories and pay respects through the funeral home, please click here.
The entire staff of HISSTANK.COM sends their sincerest respects and condolences to Luisa and Gary’s family. We invite all of our members and guests reading this to share any memories they have of Gary in the current discussion thread. While we mourn his passing, Gary will never truly be gone as long as we never forget him.
Rest in Peace, Gary. And thank you for the memories.
Owner of a Lonely B.A.T. says
I'm not sure who exactly knows Gary but he has been at the NJCC show a few times and likely other shows, dressed as Bazooka.
I believe he also goes by the name Optimus Scourge on some boards.
I'm just reading now that he passed away.
I can't say I personally knew him I did see him at shows and I know the name from boards, but I figured others might know him as well and well its always sad when we lose a fellow collector.
Remembering Optimus Scourge Through Podcasting | GeekCast Radio Network
Tuga Viper says
Sad that he passed away. I actually talked to him a couple of times first time being at JoeCon in RI and last time at NJCC. He seemed like a very nice guy that was very friendly and playful with my son last time at NJCC.
Will keep his family in my thoughts.
RIP Bazooka!
EM
C.I.A.D. says
Gary was a great, great guy. My eyes haven't stopped watering since I heard the news. I still can't believe it.
TTT says
Hard to say goodbye to someone who was so encouraging to me personally when I joined TFW in 2007.
Rest in peace Gary, and thank you.
Van Hammer says
My condolences to his friends and family.I'm soory to here that about anybody.
C.I.A.D. says
I remember when Gary and JD (aka DevilzFan) went to the premiere of G.I.Joe - The Rise of Cobra. They came back with stories that you would expect to hear from 8 year olds at Christmas time. Gary put the biggest smile on my face while he was telling the story of how much fun he & J.D. had.
He was way too young to go. My heart goes out to his wonderful wife and 2 beautiful kids. The love we had for their dad, her husband, our friend...will never be lost.
Til all are one, Gary.
CornDog_The_Ninja says
34... damn. That's hard to hear.
Prayers to the family during this difficult time. My they find peace that he's now in a better place.
CaptDP says
My condolences to his friends and family, as well.
krisk says
This is very sad, condolences and prayers go out to family, both at home and online...
PROVOST says
Though do not know the guy,his age is way too soon and of course his passing is a tragic loss to his friends and family.
RIP and condolences to his family.
Keep reading: The passing of Gary Clark (Optimus Scourge) - Page 2
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