CALAIS – A popular former mayor who wielded a gavel with the best of them died Monday after a long illness.

Harold Clark was 74.

He served on the City Council for 18 years. During those years, he served as chairman of the council and mayor on five occasions. He resigned as mayor on May 25, 1995, for health reasons.

Clark worked some 40 years as a papermaker for the Baileyville mill when it was owned by Georgia-Pacific Corp. He was co-founder and owner of Clark Real Estate for the past 27 years.

Mayor Judy Alexander, who said she had known Clark for 10 years, praised the former mayor for his dedication to his community. “Harold devoted a lot of time and energy to this community as councilor and mayor,” she said. “He never lost an election.”

No matter how rocky the road, Alexander said, Clark always had words of encouragement for people. “When I’ve had some rough times as mayor, he has called me up and given me words of encouragement and given me some words of advice and I will always remember that,” she said.

People were standing in line Tuesday to praise the former mayor.

“His spirited dedication to Calais will always be a fond memory,” City Manager Linda Pagels said. “He leaves a proud legacy of accomplishments. The city of Calais was always number one with Harold.”

“Harold Clark was a very selfless and dedicated public official,” City Clerk Theresa Porter added. “Harold loved Calais and the city truly benefited from his unwavering public service. Many times Harold would say to me, ‘I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to do what is best for the city of Calais.'”

Calais businessman Drew Case said he had known Clark for 40 years, and Tuesday said he “cared for the city of Calais like it was his own business.”

Calais businessman Edmund Delmonaco added: “I have known Harold for many years. He worked very hard for the city while serving on the council and mayor in trying to make Calais a better place to live. He was highly respected by all.”

Clark’s reputation as a dedicated community servant reached across the border into neighboring St. Stephen, New Brunswick. “Over the years I had many meetings with Harold Clark,” said former St. Stephen Mayor Allan Gillmor. “The highlight was joining in the parade during International Festival. We always had great discussions during that time. There were always ongoing concerns with water [the city bought its water from St. Stephen] and fire [the two communities had a mutual aid agreement] and I think together we came up with solutions that were acceptable to both communities.”

Even when he was sick, he was concerned about Calais.

Clark’s wife Gloria on Tuesday recalled a recent incident. A few months ago, she said, a work crew was installing a hydrant on the street where she and Harold lived. She said the crew members kept looking at a map and appeared to be having problems. “They said ‘[we] don’t have a clue where the shut-off [valve] is.'” Clark said, “I said, my husband is not well enough and able to come out, but if you come in I bet he will tell you where it is. He pointed it right out to a tee.”

In 1998, Clark was one of seven people honored by the city. He was presented with the Mayor’s Award for his commitment to community service.

In addition to his wife, Clark is survived by his two sons, Harold Clark Jr. and Roger Clark and his daughter Dr. Joy Clark and their families. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.