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In Memoriam
Dr. Samuel Friend Clark, who was one of the ACLU of Florida's pioneers, died of cancer on Sunday, October 8, 2000. He was 86.
Few people in the history of the ACLU of Florida have shown more resolve and passion for civil liberties than Sam. For many years, he was the chair and guiding force behind the ACLU's Palm Beach Chapter. He also was very active in the state organization, and much of the success we enjoy today is due in no small part to the efforts of Sam and the other ACLU pioneers of his generation.
Among his many honors, Sam received the Distinguished Service Award in 1986 from Florida Atlantic University and was the recipient of the 1999 ACLU Foundation of Florida Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sam embraced a number of social causes, from his active involvement in two major whistle blower cases against the Florida Board of Regents, to his strong support of equal opportunity for women.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann, his daughter Martha Burkinshaw, son Robert Clark and granddaughter, Alexandra Clark.
Milton Mandell dies at 89
Local civil rights activist and international lecturer Milton Mandell died December 22 of aplastic anemia. He was 89.
An outspoken defender of civil liberties, Mandell wrote numerous "Letters-to-the-Editor" and columns for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. His last piece on California school vouchers was published on Dec. 10.
In May, he resigned as president of the American Civil Liberties Union Sarasota-Manatee chapter -- a position he held for the past 25 years.
Mandell got involved with the ACLU in 1973 when he and his first wife, Molly, moved to Siesta Key. At the time, membership was low. Today, however, the group boasts more than 800 supporters.
Besides his wife, survivors include a daughter, Marian Marill of Cambridge, Ma.; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
