Clark H. Rees, 91, of Simsbury, husband of the late Alaire M. (Uelmen) Rees, R.N., died Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 23, 1924 in Chicago, IL., son of the late John F. Rees and Dr. Florence (Meader) Rees, M.D. and had lived in Milwaukee, WI. prior to moving to Simsbury, CT 52 years ago. He was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater. Following the war, Clark returned to the States, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University.

While working in Chicago, Clark met his bride-to-be Alaire. The two were married in the summer of 1947 and would go on to celebrate over 60 years together.

Clark was a Mechanical Engineer for Hamilton Standard for many years prior to his retirement in 1988, where he worked on systems for the Space Shuttle Program. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church, the Theater Guild of Simsbury, the Geritol Swingers Golf Club and the Simsbury Metacomet VFW Post 1926. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing (and winning) bridge, cribbage, poker and bowling.

In retirement, Clark and Alaire enjoyed traveling, spending weeks exploring the cities of Europe.

Clark and Alaire were strong believers in early childhood education and were passionate supporters of The Midland School in New Jersey and the School for Young Children at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. Clark also enjoyed reading books to young students as a volunteer for the School for Young Children.

He is survived by two daughters, Penny Baum and her husband Larry of Camden, Maine and Carol Rees of Simsbury; three sons, Michael Rees and his wife Eileen of Tolland, Thomas Rees of Roselle, NJ., and Mark Rees and his wife Beth of North Andover, MA.; six grandchildren, Kristina Gordon and her fiancé Mitchell Meier, Gregory Rees, Daniel Rees and his wife Dr. Samantha Palace, Andrew Rees, Chelsea Rees and Meredith Rees and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a grandson, Brian Baum, his brother, Daniel Rees and his sister, Mildred Tordella.

Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Aug. 29, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Midland Foundation, P.O. Box 5026, North Branch, NJ, 08876 and to the School for Young Children at Saint Joseph College, 238 Steele Road, West Hartford, CT, 06117.