By Laura Bell
Resource Development Administrative Director
This morning, I received a call from Cathey Bugg, who shared the sad news of her father’s passing. In honoring Harry Clarke Jr.’s memory, her family chose to direct memorial donations to Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW.) Touched by their generosity, I asked about her father’s connection to our organization. She told me he had once been a United Way volunteer.
That conversation lingered in my mind. Wanting to learn more, I searched our records and quickly realized that Harry Clarke Jr. was no ordinary volunteer—he had been our Campaign Chair in 1971 and our Board Chair in 1972. Under his leadership, TAUW raised an impressive $2,348,415—a remarkable achievement for that time. Intrigued, I felt compelled to uncover more about his contributions to our community.
A little research led me to an interview he gave to John Erling on April 4, 2009, as part of the Voices of Oklahoma series. Listening to his words, I gained a deeper appreciation for the Clarke family’s longstanding impact on Tulsa. Clarke’s Good Clothes, founded in 1929 by Harry Clarke Sr., was a community staple. Beyond their business success, the Clarke family was deeply committed to civic life. Like his father before him, Harry Clarke Jr. played an active role in local organizations, leading with integrity and a passion for service.
In the interview, Harry reflected on his time with United Way, saying, “If I’ve got to pick one thing that I did that I’m most proud of, it’s head the United Way drive. It’s the biggest single job in Tulsa. I spent the best part of the year doing it.”
As we remember Harry Clarke Jr., we celebrate his dedication, service, and belief in the power of collective action. His contributions continue to inspire us, proving that one person’s efforts can ripple through generations.