Jacob Aaron Clark

Jacob Aaron Clark: On January 20, 2022, Jacob, 31, passed away doing what he loved most, kayaking. While he spent most of his time in Colorado, over the last three years he would spend a couple of the winter months in Ecuador. He arrived in Ecuador on Tuesday, January 18, and his tragic accident occurred two days later on the Quijos River.

Jacob’s passion for the outdoors began at a very early age. He began his river guiding career with Outland Expeditions on the Ocoee River in 2009. In 2017 he took that passion to Idaho Springs, CO, to become part of the Liquid Descent Whitewater family. His river family saw his passion as a fire that burned bright within him. He excelled in his skills. He freely shared his knowledge with guides in training, but he was the best at loving his friends and family. He took the safety of his passengers very seriously as he guided them through the river rapids to experience the thrill of a lifetime. He’s been called an inspiration, the best encourager, a mentor, a smooth talker, a lover of animals especially dogs, loyal, a protector of the river environment, a legend, a hero, a champion, a calm in some of the most intense situations, and an avid reader and storyteller.

Jacob literally never met a stranger and was probably one of the most social people on this earth. He knew how to make people laugh and that infectious smile brought light and happiness to family, friends, and strangers. His amazing hugs that warmed the hearts of all who were lucky enough to share them will forever be one of our best memories of this amazing son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, and friend. He leaves his family with treasured memories that inspire “Jacob Stories.”

The impact he had on so many lives will never be forgotten. “Everybody needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.” Betty White

Jacob was a 2009 graduate of Walker Valley High School and a 2013 graduate of Cleveland State Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. He is a member of Westwood Baptist Church.

Jacob was preceded in death by Midge Clark (Grandmother); Ralph & Bobbie Spencer and Bill & Ruth Hale (Great Grandparents); Bob Spencer (Great Uncle).

Survivors include his parents, John and Kathy Clark; sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer & Alex Poole; grandparents John & Beth Moore, Joe & Charlotte Spencer, and Jack & Brenda Clark; Nephew and Niece Grayson & Maggie Poole; Uncles and Aunts Steve & Michelle Clark, David & Candy Clark, Andy Clark, Jean & Garth Sneed, Manny & Jessica Gomez, Owen & Andrea Kilgore, Scott & Aimee DePriest, and Ivan & Julie McCaslin; Cousins Austin, Elizabeth, Lily Claire, & Blake Parker, Matt Gillenwater, Britney Hazlet, Paisley, & Brodie, Evan, Meredith, & Thea Gillenwater, Eryn & Brandon Gilbert, Ben Clark, Braden, Myles, & Grace Sneed, Tyler DePriest, Hunter McCaslin, and Zander Gomez.
And hundreds, if not thousands, of Jacob’s river family.

A celebration of Jacob’s life will be held at Westwood Baptist Church on Saturday February 5th at 4:00pm with visitation from 12pm until the service at 4pm.

A Go Fund Me account was created by some very special people in Jacob’s life. it was used to bring him home, a portion given to American Whitewater, a national river conservation nonprofit whose mission is to protect and restore America’s whitewater rivers and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. You can do so at AmericanWhitewater.com. A portion was used to purchase an AED for the cuerpo bomberos de Baeza. They are the search and rescue in Ecuador. During his adventures there, Jacob formed friendships with some of these first responders, and we feel he would be pleased that some of these funds would go towards essential rescue and life saving equipment that they desperately need. Additional funds were used for the Ecuadorian River Institute, Ecuadorianrivers.org, which is a non-profit with the mission of protecting whitewater resources, economic sustainability, and biodiversity in Ecuador. The rivers in Ecuador were very special to Jacob and the Institute is dedicated to fighting the legal battles necessary to protect their rivers.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Jacob or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Clark family with these arrangements.