Obituary: Eileen Clark; diligent, committed Christian who was a fine example to young people

Eileen Clark spent much of her life with Scripture Union Scotland (SU) and is fondly remembered by her many colleagues for her untiring work with them and at her own Kirk: St David’s Parish Church, Knightswood.

Her determination to see projects through, and organised efficiently, made Clark a welcome leader of many weekend retreats. She remained calm and courteous even when things did not go according to plan. Her energy was boundless but many – especially at the SU and St David’s – recall her generous and kindly nature and her Christian care for everyone.

The Rev Graham Thain, minister at St David’s, remembers Clark with a very special warmth.

“It is difficult to do Eileen justice,” he says.

“She was an exemplary elder – always able to find ways to serve the church and help those in need. She was much involved in our Asylum Project, which helps those who have fled their own country because of a serious threat to life or liberty. But Eileen provided a refuge and hospitality to many other homeless people, and the bond she forged with them was lasting. Such actions were typical of Eileen’s generous spirit. Eileen’s strawberry teas in her garden were a joyous annual summer event.”

Eileen Clark was educated at Laurel Bank School in Glasgow (which is now linked with Hutchieson Grammar) where she played hockey, and during the war she was evacuated to Auchterarder.

She read English at Glasgow University and did a diploma in education at Jordanhill College. She became especially interested in the teaching of deaf children and spent a year at a specialist school in Manchester. But in 1955 she decided to join the staff of SU, becoming a central figure in developing its community, spiritual and pastoral work.

For 30 years Clark devoted herself to the SU and when she retired in 1986 many spoke of her unselfish nature, the gracious way in which she helped others and her kindly personality. She was particularly involved in organising weekend camps throughout Scotland for SU and became a popular figure at their spiritual meetings and youth conventions.

Clark was also active in the Girls Inter-School Camps and gave much of her time and energies to increasing its membership. She was appointed director of their schools work and for some years was involved in leading the Jordanhill Girl Crusaders class.

She had a natural affinity with young people, who immediately responded to her relaxed sense of humour and ability to get on with everyone.

Clark enjoyed travel and even into her eighties visited her brother’s family in South Africa and Canada.

She also travelled widely on behalf of the SU and was an ideal ambassador in spreading knowledge of the work done by SU in Scotland further afield.

On their behalf she made several visits to India, south-east Asia and Fiji, where she supported colleagues and ministers in their pastoral and spiritual work.

Clark was a devoted member at St David’s, and was involved at all levels in the wellbeing of the kirk. She was a conscientious member of the kirk session and organised fondly remembered family weekends away.

She was always mindful that the younger members of the congregation had to be encouraged and involved in all such social events.

Clark was a friend to many and throughout her life participated in many sports. She was a keen member of Balmore Golf Club at Torrance in Glasgow, swam regularly at the Arlington Baths and was an energetic member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

Andrew Mackie, a friend of many years and a colleague at the SU, spoke of Clark’s remarkable service over the years to the SU.

“Eileen set the standard on those weekend retreats. All the leaders looked up to her. Her leadership qualities were outstanding. Eileen’s work for SU in India – especially Bangalore – was of tremendous value. She was special.”

In 1981 she was made an MBE for her many years of service to the young throughout Scotland.

Alasdair Steven