Dr. Morris S. Clark

Dr. Morris Shandell Clark, 75, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2021, surrounded by his children and the love of close friends and family. Morris was born on November 27, 1945, in Princeton, West Virginia, the youngest child of Clarie and Willie Clark, Sr.

After graduating from Princeton High School, Morris attended West Virginia State University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Zoology in 1967. Morris then headed west to attend the University of California-San Francisco where he graduated with a doctorate in dental surgery in 1973. He completed his residency at Columbia University in New York City and finished his training at Harlem Hospital.

After discovering the beauty of Colorado, Morris became a faculty member at the University of Colorado-Health Sciences Center in 1981. In addition to his academic work, Morris also had a successful private practice located on Larimer Street in downtown Denver. After 30 years of teaching, Morris retired as a tenured professor of Oral and Maxiofacial Surgery from the University of Colorado in 2011.

An author of more than 200 referred manuscripts and six books of medical and dental literature, Morris was a world-renowned lecturer and was the foremost authority on nitrous oxide sedation. Even in retirement, Morris continued working as President and CEO of his company, Nationwide Parking Services, a role he relished.

Morris was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was also a member of Sigma Pi Phi, America’s oldest black Greek letter organization and a founding member of Denver’s chapter, Delta Eta Boulé, where he also served as Sire Archon or president.

Garnering numerous accolades and awards throughout his exceptional career, Morris was most proud of his presidential citation from West Virginia State University, his alma mater. Additionally, the Morris S. Clark Clinic of Narcosedation, was dedicated in his honor at the University of Apollonia in Iasi, Romania.

A doting father, beloved professor, loyal friend, adventurer, entrepreneur, avid sportsman, and devoted gardener, Morris was a lover of life and left nothing on the table. Having traveled extensively on six continents, Morris passed on his love of travel and adventure to his children.

Always willing to try something once, he found himself in many precarious situations, but always lived to tell the incredible tale. With an infectious smile and charming demeanor, Morris managed to enliven any social situation and made everyone feel at ease.

Morris loved to play golf with a rotating set of his favorite buddies. He enjoyed watching horse races and was even part owner of ‘Authentic,’ the 2020 Kentucky Derby winning horse. A true renaissance man, with an inquisitive mind, he possessed an unquenchable thirst for learning and understanding the world around him. A man of great faith, Morris liked to give back in any way he could. Whether volunteering with the food ministry at New Hope Baptist Church, mentoring students who became lifelong friends or donating to numerous charitable organizations that aligned with his core values of equity and justice, he was altruism personified. Fun-loving, thoughtful, and generous, he cared deeply about civic engagement and the betterment of those around him.

He leaves behind his children, Gregory Clark of Denver, Angela Clark (Craig Gentile) of Denver, and his former wife, Maureen; his four sisters (Betty, Ollie, Fordelma and Judy) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at New Hope Baptist Church (3701 Colorado Boulevard) on Sunday, August 29th, with a viewing at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. Those not able to attend, may participate virtually by using this link at 2:00pm on Sunday: https://bxcited.com/drmorrisclark/

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions please be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center https://www.splcenter.org/states/colorado or the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/

And remember “Stay cool in a hot world.”

Friends and family are invited to share memories or condolences on the adjoining Tribute Wall. Thank you!