Letter to Della, 1975

(from John and Rissa Clarke, December 8, 1975)

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Dear Della and Family,

Rissa and I were saddened by Earl's passing. Your family was special in our lives. I hope that what I am going to attempt to do is appropriate and will help you feel what we felt for him.

In the summer of 1947 I left Rissa with five small children and went to Colorado. I felt so insecure and alone. On Sunday I went to church in the I.O.O.F. Hall and after church you invited me home to dinner. I wonder if you know what that invitation meant to me. Your gracious hospitality, and the quiet atmosphere of your home did much to quiet my fears and make me confident that I could succeed. I felt that I had a friend in my court. I was impressed with your children. Marian was not a home but Bob and Dave and Margaret reflected the spirit of love which was evident in all that was done.

The second summer Earl asked me if I had applied for a scholarship. I hadn't. It hadn't occurred me that I could qualify. Previously I had been so busy supporting the family that my scholarship had not been notable. However, at C.U. I had improved some with full-time study. I did apply and I was awarded a tuition scholarship and $47 a month. Only people who have experienced the depression could know what this meant to us. I was able to complete my graduate work without incurring any debt. Some years later I learned that Earl was on the scholarship committee.

In 1950, when I received my graduate degree, we brought our whole family to Boulder. I didn't realize then how very busy a university professor is at commencement. Yet you cared enough to entertain us at a family picnic. It made it a very special time.

Earl came to B.Y.U. at a crucial time. Change and uncertainty were having a demoralizing effect on the faculty. It seemed that no one was concerned about us as individuals. Only the universities seemed to be important. Then he came. We saw a difference almost at once. We had someone to talk to who understood and who listened with interest. Morale improved and academic concerns were brought into focus.

I had always felt that I owed President Crockett a special debt of gratitude. Although I have no evidence. Nothing was ever said. Yet my needs seemed to be taken more into consideration after he came. I received adjustments in salary, advancement in rank and recognition which added much to the welfare of my family and my peace of mind. I worked on the university curriculum committee, the graduate council, became assistant dean and acting dean of the College of Education. I can't know of his part in all this but I do know that it was always a pleasure to work closely with him and to feel his support.

We were pleased with his funeral services. Seldom have speakers known their subject so intimately. Their tributes were so appropriate, sensitive, genuine, and sincere. We join them in paying a tribute to a really great man, a kind father and a true friend.

We send our love and best wishes to you and your family. May our Heavenly Father bless and comfort you in the sure knowledge that you will again be united as a family. We send our love.

John & Rissa