Clark Gibbons Webster, 96

ORANGE CITY, Fla. - Clark Gibbons Webster, died March 5, 2009, in The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care Center in Orange City. He was 96. His first wife, Helen (Lee); second wife, Aletha (Wight); and brother, Royall Thomas Webster predeceased him. Born in Charlottesville, Va., he was the son of the late Thomas and Ada (Clark) Webster. A graduate of George Washington University, he served for 15 years as a Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, traveling widely while working on problems of the National Wildlife Refuge Program. Clark retired in 1977 as Manager of Remington Farms (now Chesapeake Farms) in Chestertown, Md. There, he devoted himself to combining the best of wildlife management techniques with modern agricultural practices while introducing many people to the beauty and traditions of his beloved Eastern shore of Maryland. Clark was very respected in his field, having published and presented widely, including his own studies on the effects of DDT on wildlife. His love of photography and birds resulted in local and national awards and publication. Clark moved to Orange City in 1988, where he contributed by establishing a butterfly garden on the village grounds and also founded a bird watching group that met weekly for early morning expeditions, where he taught all those joining him the wealth of his knowledge. He continued to pursue his love of Classical music throughout his life, spending many hours listening. Clark was known by all as a gentleman's gentleman, a kind and gracious man with a twinkle in his eye and a love for the outdoors. He is survived by his nephew, Michael (Kathy) Webster; niece, Margaret (Rick) Van Dyk; seven great-nieces and nephews; and four great-great-nieces and nephews and many friends. A graveside funeral will be held on Saturday at St Paul's Parish, Kent in Chestertown, Md., at 12:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. March 24, 2009, in the Chapel at John Knox Village, Orange City. Donations can be made in his memory to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Dr., Reston, VA 2019-5362.