GEORGIANA “Georgie” CLARK
GEORGIANA GEORGIE CLARK October 28, 1934 - March 2, 2016 Georgiana Clark, President and Chairman of the Board of Roaring Camp Railroads, in Felton, CA, passed away on March 2, 2016, at the age of 81. "Georgie" Clark, as she was known, left a legacy of innovation, creativity and tenacity, resulting in Roaring Camp Railroads being one of Northern California's premier tourism destinations and attractions. Born in Hawaii, she was the third daughter of noted late Hawaiian composer, entertainer and cultural practitioner, Lei Collins, and the late Louis Collins Sr. Georgie graduated from St. Andrew's Priory and attended the University of Hawaii. While working for Aloha Airlines as Chief Stewardess, she met her future husband F. Norman Clark. They married shortly after and she left the islands to make Felton, California her new home. Alongside Norman, Georgie took off in a new direction in tourism, driven by a passion for history which centered around Norman's love of historic steam locomotives, and the preservation of old growth Redwood forests. Roaring Camp Railroads takes visitors from the old growth redwood forests, to the shores of the Monterey Bay, allowing visitors a step back in time to the 1880's. Norman Clark passed away unexpectedly in December of 1985 and shortly after Georgie assumed the position of CEO and chairman of the board for the railroads. She took on her new roles with an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to expanding Norman's vision, while becoming an influential leader in the travel and tour industry. Georgie accomplished this while raising her three daughters, Chemene, Melani Lei and Kapiolani. As CEO, Georgie expanded Roaring Camp's popularity by hosting annual events like the historic Civil War and Mountain Men re-enactments and even a yearly visit from Thomas the Tank Engine. Georgie was a respected public figure in the community and was recognized as a strong executive leader with a contagious smile who gave generously to those in need. Her many accomplishments have been recognized by the California tourism industry. She was honored with the San Lorenzo Valley Business Woman of the Year Award, The California Travel Industry's Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Tour Association's Pioneer Award and on February 4th, U.S. Congressman Sam Farr declared Thursday, February 4th Georgiana P Clark Day in honor of her dedication and lifetime commitment to the US Tourism Industry. On this day the speaker of the house recognized Georgie and the flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in dedication to her. A celebration of her life was held on April 4, 2016, at Roaring Camp's Bret Harte Hall, Felton, CA. An estimated 500 people were in attendance. In recognition of her love for her native land, Hawaiian dress, music, dance and food were the theme of the gathering. Attendees enjoyed a train ride while sharing fond memories of Georgie. On May 7, 2016, Georgie's ashes, in a "private family gathering," will be scattered in the blue waters off Ke'ei Beach, Kona, Hawaii. A place of her childhood that she returned on her yearly trips, a place that restored her and nurtured her. She is survived by daughters: Chemene Paikike (David) Hubbard, Melani Clark (Domenico Anatrone) and Catherine Kapiolani (Rob) Thorsen. Grandchildren: Parker James Kamakani Ku Mai Kalani Thorsen, Kaden George Kamakana Hubbard, Kassidy Grace Ka Pualani li`ili`i Thorsen. Siblings: John K. (Connie) Collins, Winona Wong, Fanny (Sam) AuHoy, Ernesta (Frank) Masagatani, and Brother-In-Law Bruce W. (Karyl) Clark. Georgiana will be missed. Condolences: Melani Clark 218 Van Ness Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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