Andrew Clark Demyen Loved Life on the Water

Andrew Clark Demyen of Coles Point, Va., died peacefully at home among family and friends on August 23, as the result of pancreatic cancer.

Many people knew him only as Clark. Years ago, when a friend saw him sign his name as A. Clark Demyen and asked what the initial stood for, before receiving an answer she said, "Oh, don't bother to tell me. I know. It stands for amazing." And he was. He touched many with his gentle demeanor, easy-going nature, quiet wit and gift of relating to people from all walks of life.

Clark was born in Takoma Park, Md., on May 12, 1947, to Ruby Clark Demyen and Andrew Demyen. He was graduated from Takoma Academy and attended Columbia Union College for 18 months. But his boundless heart was in boating, and he obtained his U.S. Coast Guard captain's license in 1982.

Clark lived aboard and cruised his own 33-foot sloop, the Windy Ark, before working at Annapolis Harbor Boat Yard. He went on to captain, manage and deliver 40-foot to 50-foot sailing vessels up and down the East Coast. He shared his love of boating and of life while running charters out of Annapolis, Md., Martha's Vineyard and Florida. He also ran the sailing school at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. He traversed the Intracoastal Waterway many times; his travels took him also to Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Clark and his wife, Jan, moved to Coles Point in 1995 to help operate Coles Point Plantation Marina. He became its general manager in 1998. He was an active member of the community, attending Coles Point United Methodist Church and participating on the Coles Point Fire Substation Committee and in the Tidewater Marine Trades Association.

He was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his mother, Ruby Demyen, of Coles Point; his wife, Jan Ohrmundt; his sister and brother in law, Barbara and Bob Mullen, of Bisbee, Ariz., and many, many friends. He is sorely missed, and will remain forever in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, at 11 a.m. at Coles Point United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Chris Andress, followed by a gathering in the church social hall.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Coles Point United Methodist Church Community Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 114, Hague, VA 22469 or the Coles Point Fire Substation, c/o Cople Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 51, Kinsale, VA 22488.