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George L. Retired banker George L. Clark, one of the Southwest's most distinguished businessmen, died April 9, 2005 in his home following a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Dixie; daughter, Lynn Wautelet of California; and stepdaughters, Lisa McFarland of Albuquerque and Patricia Del Valle of Dallas. A Montana native born in 1928, George served in the U.S. Navy and later settled in California where he graduated from San Jose State College. He began his career right out of college, first as a bank examiner and then working for various banks in San Diego and San Francisco. In 1968 he moved to New Mexico to become executive vice president for Security National of Roswell, then later worked as an assistant to the chairman of First New Mexico Bankshare Corp. In 1974 he began a new phase as a "liaison banker" - a financial trouble-shooter hire - serving with the First National Bank in Albuquerque, then as president of Plaza del Sol National Bank (now Plaza National) and also in Tucson with the Union Bank. He returned to New Mexico in 1979 to lead the turnaround of El Valle State Bank/Bank of Albuquerque - this time as a major shareholder and C.E.O. Following his retirement, he joined the Board of Directors for New Mexico Bank and Trust Company of which he was a major stockholder. A member of Who's Who in New Mexico Business, George was active in many community-service organizations wherever he lived, lending his efforts and influence to a wide variety of good causes. None meant more to him than the 100 Club of New Mexico, which provides funds to the families of fallen police and firemen. George was a true westerner. Some of his closest friends were members of the ranching community. His favorite leisure activity was to climb on a good old horse, of which he owned many over the years, and ride along some dusty trail. His brilliance in the business world will always be admired, but his down-to-earth "cowboy" warmth and humor will be long remembered by those who knew him best. Plans for a service are pending. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Parkinson's Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, or to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Posse at 10308 2nd St., Albuquerque, NM 87114
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