To the Editor:

The recent death of Curtiss Clark was a shock to those of us who knew him, and to those who knew of him.

To have a leader who leads by example, whose goal is to help each person be a little better, is a gift. As editor of The Newtown Bee, Curtiss was that gift to the community of Newtown and the staff of the paper. Though not one to suffer fools, he was able to suffer some foolishness. His dry sense of humor kept the editorial space light; but in times of darkness, his compassionate nature nurtured resiliency and focus.

Curtiss was smart, kind, innovative, curious, fierce, and confident. He was funny, clever, witty, and shrewd. He was sure and he was humble.

For those who did not live here while Curtiss was at the helm of The Newtown Bee, I would urge them to look up any of his carefully thought out, highly crafted editorials; or any of the “Field Notes” published in the paper. They are what thinking and writing should always be.

Curtiss was my boss, mentor, and friend. I will miss him. I will be forever grateful to have had our worlds collide in this realm.

Nancy K. Crevier

Newtown