RIP: Clark Bateman

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[SeiserL]

Friday morning, at the age of only 64, well known Aikidoka Clark Bateman died of an apparent heart attack at his home on Orlando, Florida. Clark may best be known for his intelligent and insightful book reviews on the Aikido Journal and AikiWeb internet web sites. He had amassed an extensive book collection and always looked for a conversation where he could remind people of the historical, philosophical, and spiritual aspects of Aikido, the art of peace, for fear the essence will be lost. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

[akiy]

Hi Lynn,

Thank you for the news--I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. Clark was a consummate gentleman and a scholar, both. I appreciated everything he shared here on AikiWeb and on Aikido Journal. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.

-- Jun

[Peter Goldsbury]

I was rather shocked to hear the news. I thought Clark was relatively young -- relative to the older codgers like myself who also write for Aikiweb and Aikido Journal. I have just returned from a regular visit to the hospital, where my cancer was checked. I am at the stage called 'watchful waiting,' but the doctor thought age was also an important factor in my particular case. It creeps upon you and there is no escape. Anyway, condolences to Clark's family and friends.

[Rupert Atkinson]

I have never met Clark in person but did get to know him and his ideas through here and on 'Aikido Journal'. I enjoyed his participation in many online discussions and am myself certainly the better for it. I am quite sure that had we met, we would have become instant friends. He is one of the few that reviewed my book when it first came out. RIP Clark Bateman!

[SeiserL]

I have never met Clark in person but did get to know him and his ideas through here and on 'Aikido Journal'. I enjoyed his participation in many online discussions and am myself certainly the better for it. I am quite sure that had we met, we would have become instant friends. He is one of the few that reviewed my book when it first came out. RIP Clark Bateman!

Clark was constantly ordering new published books and enjoyed reviewing them. He also enjoyed sharing is insights and opinions. I am sure your book is still on his shelf.

[SeiserL]

I was rather shocked to hear the news. I thought Clark was relatively young -- relative to the older codgers like myself who also write for Aikiweb and Aikido Journal. I have just returned from a regular visit to the hospital, where my cancer was checked. I am at the stage called 'watchful waiting,' but the doctor thought age was also an important factor in my particular case. It creeps upon you and there is no escape. Anyway, condolences to Clark's family and friends.

Clark often talked about his respect for you and your shared interest in trying to preserve history. I have watched his health deteriorate for years now, so I was not that surprise or shocked. Glad to here you condition appears stable. Yes, life does have accumulative consequence and many of us have a great deal of mileage and wreckage.

[SeiserL]

Hi Lynn,

Thank you for the news--I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. Clark was a consummate gentleman and a scholar, both. I appreciated everything he shared here on AikiWeb and on Aikido Journal. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. -- Jun

Clark loved (like many of us) the opportunity your provide to share his voice and his vision. Even those who never met or knew Clark in person have appreciated and been made better by the opportunity and platform you provide. He always spoke highly of you and AikiWeb.

[Hellis]

I really am so sorry to read of the passing of Clark Bateman at only 64 yrs. My condolences to his family, he will be missed also by the Aikido community, - As Lynn stated he was an avid book collector, Clark gave a good appraisal of my book " Positive Aikido " - I had promised him the first copy of my next book (title TBD ) . This was all the more sad as my sister passed away on Saturday at 88 yrs.

[SeiserL]

I really am so sorry to read of the passing of Clark Bateman at only 64 yrs. My condolences to his family, he will be missed also by the Aikido community, - As Lynn stated he was an avid book collector, Clark gave a good appraisal of my book " Positive Aikido " - I had promised him the first copy of my next book (title TBD ) . This was all the more sad as my sister passed away on Saturday at 88 yrs.
Sorry to hear about your loss ...
Compassion and Condolence ...
I am sure Clark looked forward to reading what else you had to say, He was such an advocate for writers, but I could never talk him into writing his own and he always had stories to tell ...

[mathewjgano]

I'm so sorry to hear about his passing! I always enjoyed reading his perspective. My condolences to his friends and family!

[Hellis]

Hi Lynn
Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated.

Regards
Henry

[SeiserL]

I'm so sorry to hear about his passing! I always enjoyed reading his perspective. My condolences to his friends and family!
Yes agreed, I have always enjoyed Clark's perspective (even if I didn't agree with it) and he made no hesitation sharing it. His comments and conversations will be missed.

[SeiserL]

Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated.
Perhaps we all need to be intelligent mindful to actual practice off the mat from what we learn in the process of training. As you might suggest, keep Aikido and life positive. (Besides, if I remember right, we share some inter-connectedness.)

[SeiserL]

Services for Clark will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Florida ta 11:00 AM.
Please feel free to leave a memory/message at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/gotha-fl/clark-bateman-9184703#remembering.

[akiy]

Thank you, Lynn. I hope the memorial provided peace and reflection for all that attended.

Best,

-- Jun

[SeiserL]

I hope the memorial provided peace and reflection for all that attended.
Sorry/Correction: Perhaps I should have stated that the service in July 18th.
Clark so enjoyed the opportunity you provided him to do book reviews.

[SeiserL]

Just returned from speaking at Clark's funeral.
I shared what he meant to the Aikido Internet Community.
He was buried with his belt and hakama.
Rest in Peace my friend.

[akiy]

Thanks for letting us know, Lynn, and being there for Clark.

I'll raise a book in his honor tonight.

-- Jun