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Tributes
to
J. Desmond Clark
1916-2002
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I was shocked to hear the sad news
that Professor Emeritus John Desmond Clark passed away on the 14th
of February 2002. His sudden death was shocking not only to me,
who personally knew him and have great memories, but also to people
here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who knew him from his great contribution
to African archaeology.
I met Professor Clark for the first
time when I joined his Ethiopian Middle Awash paleoanthropological
research project in the late 1980s. Since then, I have worked with
him both in the field and laboratory where I learnt so much to get
to where I am now. Throughout the years I knew Professor Clark,
I learnt more about him and his work in African archaeology, and
his relentless efforts to promote African scholars in the field
of paleoanthropology. 10-15 years ago, there were no Ethiopian professionals
trained in the field of paleoanthropology. However, now, thanks
to Professor Clark, there are numerous Ethiopians trained in paleoanthropology
at a Ph.D. level.
We lost a great person and a great
leader of the Middle Awash research project. He is irreplaceable
for generations to come. Nothing will be the same for the project
without Professor Clark. However, as a member of the Middle Awash
project, I will always keep in mind Professor Clarkís legacy
and inspiration. I would like to pass my sincerest condolences to
his beloved family and friends in the United States.
Yohannes Haile Selassie (Ph.D.),
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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