Joel Peter Clark, 51, of North Norway passed away unexpectedly in a Boston hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, due to cancer treatment complications. Throughout his three-month battle with esophageal cancer, Joel maintained his characteristic independent and determined attitude.

Joel was born May 8, 1969, the son of the late Russell Emery Clark and Marilyn Johnson Clark. He was a 1987 graduate of Oxford Hills High School. Though always a true Mainer, in 1996, he moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., where he bought a home and worked as a carpenter, assisting in building the Diamondbacks stadium. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Annalisa. They married and Joel lovingly and proudly raised three stepchildren.

Joel was known for his gregarious and convincing story-telling ability, his kind, thoughtful nature and his ability to make any work or play situation more entertaining. He enjoyed helping others and supported several charitable causes, particularly those for veterans. Upon returning to Maine, Joel remained busy and productive, building and creating anything from corn hole games, outhouses and chicken coops to cabinets and homes. He proved himself as a talented carpenter and everyone’s coveted handyman. Joel was always conscientious and dedicated to his work, whether it was as a carpenter, home inspector, apartment manager or, ultimately, as an apprentice electrician at McIver Electric and then Bath Iron Works.

He was as passionate about his fun time as he was about his work. Joel was very proud of his gardens, considered himself a bit of a poet, enjoyed golf, attending church, fishing, horseshoes and blues music. He was a die-hard New England Patriots and Red Sox fan, as well as an avid follower of NASCAR.

He is predeceased by his father, Russell Clark, and his brother Donald D. Clark.

Joel is survived by his wife, Annalisa Clark; stepchildren Kaila, Nicole and Lucas Lacroix; his mother, Marilyn Clark; and siblings, Russell Clark Jr., Melissa Sulloway, Michele Stevens and Belinda Clark.

Joel will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the family home in North Norway.

In lieu of flowers, a donation jar will be available at the service for Human-Nature Hostel. Founded by Ryan Holt after his Marine Infantry service in Iraq and Afghanistan, Human-Nature Hostel provides a unique wilderness experience dedicated to healing, teaching and inspiring veterans through the powerful medicine of nature. Donations in Joel’s honor may also be sent directly to: Human Nature Hostel, c/o Ryan Holt, 463 Horseshoe Valley Rd, Roxbury, ME 04275.