Colon native Rupert C. Clark, a retired insurance executive, died of respiratory failure on April 3 in Washington DC's Providence Hospital after having lived in three centuries. Funeral services were held on April 11 at the Peoples Congregational Church in Washington.

Clark, 104, was born on May 27, 1898 in Colon, where his father, a native of Jamaica, worked as an agent for the United Fruit Company. Clark was one of 10 siblings who were educated in English at private schools.

As a youngster he emigrated to Jamaica to live with an aunt after his mother died. Later, in 1921, he was invited by another aunt in Washington DC to live with her and a cousin. He emigrated to the US and found a job with the National Benefits Life Insurance Company.

Along with his partner Norman B. Branch, Clark founded the Federal Life Insurance Company, which provided insurance services as well as home loans to African-Americans who were unable to obtain these services due to the discriminatory practices of those times. Clark was involved in the daily affairs of that company for some 31 years, until he retired in 1964 at the age of 65 years.

During his retirement Mr. Clark maintained an active life. He traveled with his wife and dedicated himself to managing his investments. He took aerobics classes. He was treasurer of the Peoples Congregational Church in Washington. He was always well dressed.

Asked about the key to his longevity, Clark credited his religious faith. "I don't control it!" he said. "The Almighty is in charge, and I simply give thanks every day. I'll be here until he calls me."

His nephew, psychologist Kenneth Clark, is renowned for the studies of the effects of racial segregation among African-American students in the southern states. His studies were cited by the US Supreme Court in the historic Brown vs. Board of Education case.

Clark's wife, Martha Smith Clark, predeced him in death in 1994. He is survived by his daughter Ruperta Hunt, his son Dr. Rupert C. Clark, his grandson Everett Hunt, his nephew Kenneth Clark, all of whom live in the United States, and in Panama by his sister Vita McClean and niece Vilma Rawlings. Those in Panama who care to pay their respects to the family should call Vilma Rawlings in Colon at 442-2492.

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