Memories of Clark
This past April I spent my birthday with Clark. We began the day early, and the six of us hiked up to the top of the hill overlooking Lago Argentina. It was a cold hike across the field, through the morning fog, crossing creeks, on trails that wound through the brush, and then finally up the steep switchbacks that led us to the top. We talked and laughed, breaking into groups of two or three, as happens during a hike, with everyone drifting in and out of each other’s company and back again in conversation and laughter.
It was the last morning in Patagonia before we headed back to Buenos Aires, but this wasn’t the last time I saw Clark. During the next days, I’d take the opportunity to pass by between appointments with a smart-ass remark or a quip back and forth, joking as we did. Tears, part exhaustion part heart-felt, were shed after our farewell cocktails, wrapping up a magical time of surprises, laughter and remanences that had started in Patagonia over dinner and wine.
And my mind wanders now back to Patagonia that morning as we waited at the top of the trail for the sun to crest over the escarpment. And I remember Clark expectantly looking up to the mountain for the light to at last warm us when it shone down through the mist onto our group. And I remember Clark. He was smiling, waiting expectantly for the sun, motionless but somehow almost jumping, smiling and looking up to the mountain at that the moment, his body floating out of his boots into the sunlight and into air in the magic of the moment, with almost child-like wonder, surrounded with adventurers and friends, in the wild, with the glaciers, and the lake, and the landscape and the majesty of it all, in the light and lifting up into the air.
- John Stewart Bowerman
Dear Clark,
It’s hard to find the right words to express the sadness I feel knowing that you are no longer with us. Writing this letter feels surreal, as if I’m reaching out to you one last time, hoping that somehow my words will reach you. And moreover when we even exchanged our last message the same day you left us.
I still remember the day we met at Virtuoso in Las Vegas all those years ago. You were just beginning your journey with your own representation business, full of enthusiasm and a thousand ideas in your mind. I couldn’t help but be drawn to your passion and energy. I never could have imagined that our initial meeting, centered around business, would grow into such a deep and lasting friendship.
From that moment on, we found that we had so much in common, and our bond only grew stronger with time. We were lucky to work together in an industry that allowed us to create and share unforgettable travel experiences in some of the most stunning destinations in South America. You always encouraged me, supported my ideas, and never hesitated to jump into the creative challenges I threw your way.
I’ll always cherish the memories of the crazy ideas we came up with to promote Awasi, whether it was organizing a short film festival, sailing around the San Francisco Bay with travel agents, or even hosting an artistic painting class. Each project was an adventure, fueled by our shared passion for innovation and excellence.
Our work together went beyond the professional; it was about friendship, trust, and mutual respect.
We also shared the love for our families and even did some adventures together with our wives and children.
Clark, you were more than just a colleague. You were a true friend, a partner, and someone I could always count on. Your optimism, your belief in me and in Awasi, and your support were gifts that I will carry with me always.
As I say goodbye, I do so with a heavy heart but also with deep gratitude for the time we had together. You touched my life in ways that words can hardly express, and for that, I am forever thankful. I will miss you, my friend, more than words can express.
Though you may be gone, your spirit, your energy, and the memories we created together will remain with me always. My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Jacqui, Carter, and Blake during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest in peace, Clark, mi amigo.
Until we meet again.
- Matías”
Twenty-five years ago, we spent a weekend with Jacqui and Clark and hiked the Ring of Fire. I remember that day still, uncomplicated, unfiltered happy friendship and all the brilliance that comes from a good day doing good things with good people who you are lucky enough to call friends. First time I ever went boulder tossing!
- Natalie Els
Clark was a constant in my career, someone I respected deeply, and cared for greatly. He loved South America, the good of travel, and a real adventure. He was rare in that he recognized luxury in travel could be a good thing, opening doors and being enjoyed, but that it did not give any value to pretentiousness or snobbery. And he was always eager to help.
One of Clark’s greatest talents was inspiring adventure and a carpe-diem approach to life. And whether it was advice on where to hike in Joshua Tree, or helping find a deal in Nicaragua, he was always happy to go the extra mile to not only inspire but aid. Another was to bring people together. As someone who stays relatively out of the traditional industry circles, Clark was always there with a bear hug when I did show up, and helped me make many meaningful connections and be at ease. He also continues to inspire me as a father.
Clark, I can’t thank you enough for all you gave to me as a person, as well as for everything you did for Knowmad Adventures. I’ll miss you greatly. I continue to try to honor you and life by saying ‘yes’ to living every single moment of every day.
Love life and those around you; it is all precious.
- Jordan Harvey
This is the last time I saw Clark, at Virtuoso Travel Week last year (2023). Amidst all the fake and pretend of a Vegas environment, Clark stood out as his own man, a beacon of authenticity - and everyone loved him for that.
- Nicolas Peluffo
Travels through Ecuador with the patron saint of adventure— A legend of a friend and mentor who taught us how to surf, steward, bike and dance across Eden. Love you forever jefe!
- Katie Rose Gurkin
What to say about our brother Clark, what words do justice to deep friendships & the shock of that terrible news in June? I think of you often mate and feel your presence.
Noone like you - unique, original, a one off. Fun loving, genuine, generous, spontaneous yet calm, unhurried, fearless; a social animal, comfortable in your own skin but also with being alone. Marvellous contradictions of someone who sucked the marrow out of life and loved all things Latin America - ocean, mountain, people…always adventure and wilderness.
At Senderos’ 20 year anniversary, the same day I heard of your sudden death I shed tears during a short tribute to you & as I welled up I felt your words “ Duude, hold it together” delivered with a wry smile.
I know you would tell us to get on and enjoy, to worry less, not waste a moment of this one…precious…life.
We hold you and your beloved family Jacqui and boys Carter and Blake – of whom you were so very very proud and constantly spoke about - in our hearts and minds.
Rest in peace hermano. We mourn you.
- Simon Heyes
In any given week, the words ‘Ask Clark, he’ll know!’ were heard in our office. He was the ultimate sounding board and destination expert, and someone we could all rely on to have sound advice. Me and my friend/business partner Jen were lucky enough to first meet Clark more than a decade ago (the days of Insight Latin America.) We immediately connected and felt his positive energy and love of life, travel, and adventure. Any time our paths crossed in person, we shared laughs and stories, photos of recent travels and of course, news about the people and places with whom Clark wanted us to connect. As cheesy as it is to say, he was truly the glue that held so many people around the world together. My last email to him was on the morning of June 18th...a regular catch up email and a question that I had for him about Awasi. I will never cherish an email chat more than that one. He shared his plans for an upcoming family adventure in Alaska, and then immediately connected me with the Awasi team. We are always thinking of Clark and feel so lucky to have known him and loved him like so many others around the world.
- Mercedeh Sanati
To share a single memory about Clark is close to impossible.
I entered this industry 8-years ago. No one was been more generous, accommodating, and helpful. During a trip to Peru, he invited me to join him to meet a friend and the owner of Troglo Birra in Cusco, Peru. It was an unplanned, spontaneous, and incredible day. Carpe Diem is about making the most of life’s moments. Clark showed me this on more than one occasion.
- Peter Tibble
Hi Jacqui,
I hope you can share this memory if / when appropriate.
A message from Robin Balmforth in Scotland. I was lucky enough to spend time with Jacqui and Clark around the time of their wedding in Peru. It was a memorable adventure in so many ways. Clubbing in Cusco, mountain biking in the Urubamba valley and proposing to my wife at Machu Picchu were some of the highlights.
We relaxed and made lasting memories on that trip - mainly because of Clark’s knowledge and experience - he made it all seem so simple. The image that sticks in my mind is this one of our boat trip down the Madre de Dios river. Happy days x
- Robin Balmforth
It is still unbelievable that we are writing this about our dear friend Clark Kotula. Jose and I and our Yampu Tours team are deeply saddened by our friend’s sudden departure. Clark made work fun,
Always greeting us with a smile. He was a gifted storyteller. The properties he worked with in South America are top notch, all my favorite places plus when he gave me something new that I did not know, I knew it was extraordinary as he was picky about who he worked with. He would talk to me and our team about these places, show us maps, amazing photos and videos and give us all the selling points from all sides and once he finished I felt as if I had visited the places. Always he included colorful details of the people from the owners to the cheese makers to the condor expert, he had a story. I saw him so the some of the owners and he treated them like family @hacienda_zuleta_ecuador , @galapagos_safari_camp for example. He was an influential player in the Latin American travel industry, we all respected him. We traveled with him and also partied with him at the shows. He always made everyone around him smile and laugh. He was always incredibly and consistently friendly and fun. He made time to visit us and inspire us with what’s new in the industry. He was always off doing some kind of adventure. When I was home watching Northern Lights in California on instagram , he was taking his wife to the top of China Camp on their mountain bikes to see the lights. Just a one off example of how he lived life to the fullest. He was a wonderful father, always taking his kids to learn a new sport or on a new adventure and if you see any of their travel videos, they are Mini-Me Clark. We don’t have the words to express our feelings of empathy for his family and friends. We are sending prayers for @jaxkotula and her beautiful sons. He loved you all very much, he often told us stories of how he met you and the kids adventures. Forever in our hearts @clarkkotula
- Monica Irauzqui
I met Clark in 2011 when he had just started his representation company. He was hosting a FAM trip to Hacienda Bambusa around the TMLA tradeshow in Cartagena and had invited me to attend. The trip was definitely a bit of Murphy’s Law. The trade show itself was kind of a disaster (for the closing party the event planners ran out of every beverage other than Johnny Walker - they didn’t even have ice! You can imagine how that evolved, hundreds of people being served only warm Johnny Walker in 110F weather), there were flight cancellations, an incident with police at the airport, and Bambusa was just finding its feet before Olivier and Diego took over. But Clark’s singular ability to roll with the punches, embrace uncertainty while laughing at the absurdity of it all and cultivate a motley crew who took on the same attitude made the entire experience a blast. Even if everything went sideways, a Clark Kotula fam trip was always going to be a great time, connecting with great people and forming lasting friendships. Ever since that first meeting I’ve jumped at every chance to travel with him, meet him when he was in town and eventually work with him. And he was the biggest supporter of me - personally and professionally - and my company when I departed CK Representation to do my own thing.
For Christmas 2020 we exchanged some of our favorite books. Clark gave me “”One River”” and “”Mr. Nice”” - recommended reading if you want to feel closer to our dear friend.
- Kirsten Gardner
I’ve known Clark since probably 2008 or 2009, when we met during my early years in travel. I think he might have been the first person I met in the industry who wasn’t decades older than I was and was without question a lot cooler than I was. We remained friends for years, through three companies. And when I launched Fora in 2021, he was one of my earliest supporters, even when people said what I was doing was crazy.
The photo I’m attaching is from Fora’s first Virtuoso Travel Week. Inspired by Clark’s hikes, I took our new advisors off the Strip, invited a bunch of our favorite partners, and rented a race track with some very fast and very expensive cars. Clark came to the track early with me to be sure everything was set up, and we spent probably an hour geeking out over Ferraris and Porches and which one we’d drive (and who would win - I think he beat most of us).
This year was the first year he wasn’t there, and so I’ve turned the 1st prize into The Clark. It’s a 6 pack of beer, which is exactly felt right for a prize in his honor - he could drive a Lambo fast, drink a beer, and make everyone laugh and feel at home, even if this was their first time to VTW or their first booking at one of his properties.
We really missed him this year, but I’ll continue telling his story and handing out beer in his honor every year at our event. He’ll always be with us on that track.
- Henley Vazquez
Around 2000 to 2002 at a Christmas Eve dinner at our house, our son Juanito de Ugarte arrived with a guest…. Clark!!! He looked like a very nice guy, and we spend a beautiful evening.
Later, I (Chichi) met Clark again working with Geographic Expeditions, so we kept in touch. In 2011, for our 25th Wedding Anniversary, Tony and I decided to do the same trip we did in our honeymoon… so we started at San Francisco… of course our daughter Sandra, came with us…
Clark was very kind to organize a bike trip from the Fisherman’s Wharf (where we were staying), across the Golden Gate and finish at Sausalito. We were all very excited… but in a very short time, I decided not to continue due that I wasn’t prepared for this long bike trip… Clark told me to take it easy and we can stop all the times I wanted. He had a lot of patience… I loved that from him… he was decided to complete the bike trip any way, at any cost!!! After hours… finally we made it!!! This day we met Carter, so cute. We will never forget this special day but most of all a special guy… Clark!!! We love you…
- Chichi Puga
Around 2000 to 2002 at a Christmas Eve dinner at our house, our son Juanito de Ugarte arrived with a guest…. Clark!!! He looked like a very nice guy, and we spend a beautiful evening.
Later, I (Chichi) met Clark again working with Geographic Expeditions, so we kept in touch.
In 2011, for our 25th Wedding Anniversary, Tony and I decided to do the same trip we did in our honeymoon… so we started at San Francisco… of course our daughter Sandra, came with us…
Clark was very kind to organize a bike trip from the Fisherman’s Wharf (where we were staying), across the Golden Gate and finish at Sausalito. We were all very excited… but in a very short time, I decided not to continue due that I wasn’t prepared for this long bike trip… Clark told me to take it easy and we can stop all the times I wanted. He had a lot of patience… I loved that from him… he was decided to complete the bike trip any way, at any cost!!! After hours… finally we made it!!! This day we met Carter, so cute… We will never forget this special day but most of all a special guy… Clark!!! We love you…
- Tony De Ugarte
I was super lucky to have traveled to Mexico and Baja with Clark for almost 3 months for a college class, Wilderness Exploration and Landscape Studies (WELS) in the mid 90’s. This pic is from him and Jed sea kayaking together. They were inseparable during this course and chose to paddle together every day we kayaked (no one else wanted to be in the double). They were so funny when they were convinced they could roll this thing and worked on it for weeks... they did eventually pull it off!
- Samantha Barron
I first met Clark when he came to visit Jacqui in Glasgow in 2002. Jacqui was living with Stuart and I in our flat in the city centre. I think it must have been a fairly big culture shock to him at the time, the food (we made him try haggis and black pudding!), the Glasgow banter, and a couple of wild pubs we took him to!
J&C were clearly in love right from the start, it wasn’t long before we were packing her off to go and live with him in Peru.
Stuart and I made our first trip out to Peru to visit them in 2003, and what an amazing adventure we had. Clark introduced me to a different kind of travel experience. He taught me lots about Peru, the culture, the history and introduced us to all the people he had met. He was the kind of guy that everyone wanted to be friends with, and grew a very large network of friends and colleagues in his time there.
We trekked to Machu Picchu – this was originally only planned as a short two day trek, but Clark managed to get us into a five star, five day version – he volunteered to be a guide. It was one of the best experiences I have had, although it almost killed me! I still share sorties of this adventure today.
We travelled to Peru a further two times to visit, the first being their wedding. Another fantastic trip full of love, laughter and adventure. This time a trip down the Madra de Dios and into the jungle!
I will be forever grateful to Clark for introducing me to adventure travel, and South America now has a special place in my heart. I hope to take John and Jack there one day and share the many special memories we have with them.
Clark’s love of travel, life and adventure was very unique. He was also very accepting of everyone he met, always curious, never judging or critical of their views or way of life. He has successfully passed these qualities onto you guys, Carter and Blake, and that will remain his lasting legacy. I am so very sad he will not be able to watch you grow into adults and be able to share his life with you into his old age.
I am so very sorry I cannot be with you on 28th September to celebrate his life. I will however be raising a toast to him, remembering a very special father, husband, uncle and friend. He will live on forever in our hearts, dreams and memories and I know as the horrific pain of your loss eases, the stories, pictures and videos of all of your adventures together will help you heal.
Sending all my love as always to you all - Jacqui, Carter and Blake.
- Jane Nimmo
Oh Clark, dear Clark! You may have journeyed to another dimension, but your presence resonates loudly and unmistakably. We have just returned from Marrakech, where so many of us gathered to honour you, and it was clear that both in life and beyond, your incredible ability to bring people together remains one of your many gifts.
Like so many who loved you, we wish we had one more moment to thank you. You were our greatest cheerleader, and you saw our crazy Galapagos dream for what it truly was—our life’s passion. You understood it, understood us, and shared our commitment to look beyond the surface and seek the authentic essence of travel. Beyond that, we shared a devotion to life’s experiences and family. The bonds between us go far beyond place and time, dear friend.
Thank you for believing in us and in what we were building. Thank you for your unwavering loyalty. (For those reading this, know that Clark was offered more lucrative opportunities if he dropped us from his portfolio, but he stayed loyal, through and through.) Thank you for your advice, your guidance, for always offering perspective and objectivity. You earned your reputation because you were ethical and honest, qualities that shone through everything you did.
And how could we ever forget the laughter, the lightness of spirit, and those wonderful moments that transformed work into joy? Our personal relationship always surpassed business, and above all, you were our dear and cherished friend.
Clark, we will all join you in due course, until then, know that our place will always be yours. We will find you there.
To Jacqui, Carter, and Blake—Clark always carried you with him wherever he went. He longed to return to you, his beloved family. He was so proud of his beautiful Jacqui, and his admiration for you was undeniable. His boys, his treasures—he never flaunted it, but your accomplishments, big and small, were his greatest inspirations and he was so very proud of you both.
Michael used to say to Clark, “mi casa es tu casa,” and that remains unchanged. You will always find a piece of Clark at the camp, and it is as much your place as it was his
- Stephanie & Michael
Clark’s life was a force of nature, filling “the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run.” There was an urgency about him, a palpable reminder of the importance of the here and now, slicing through the superfluous like a sharp blade.
From the moment Clark walked through our door, the sparkle in his eye made him one of us. We shared dreams, held common beliefs, and our values were kindred. Over more than a decade our lives became deeply intertwined. Our partnership in travel was a byproduct of a friendship that deepened and strengthened over time. Clark made choices with care, never arbitrary, and we were fortunate to see him and be seen by him.
Clark was not just a part of Galapagos Safari Camp; he was woven into its very fabric, a vital strand of our DNA. His spirit continues to live on in this special corner of the world. We hope his beloved family finds solace with us, one of the places he cherished, where he sowed dreams and cultivated life. We miss you dear friend and we will be joining you when our time comes.
Our dear Clark was our faithful companion for over a decade. His unwavering loyalty towards Galapagos Safari Camp drew oceans of visitors who understood and appreciated our concept. He was highly regarded and respected globally for his expertise and objective guidance for travel in Latin America. But Clark was so much more than that to us, he was our mentor who we trusted completely, above all he was our dearest and adored friend. His light touch, kind manner, ability to see things objectively and professionally earned everyone’s respect. Clark was an inspiration. He was thirsty for life, appreciated beauty, nature, the fine and subtle suggestions the world has to offer. He went beyond prose and into the realm of poetry.
We take the liberty to post this in his honour and accompany Jacqui, Blake, Carter and the Kotula family in their grief, which is shared by us.
Clark, your memory will forever live in our crazy little paradise, which was also yours. We love you.
- Stephanie & Michael
I met Clark for the first time in 2002, he walked into a pub in Glasgow with Jacqui. We hit it off straight away, that night was the start of many adventures to come. We visited them in Peru not long after they moved out there and amongst other things did a 5 day trip to Machu Picchu, we still talk and laugh about that trip 22 years later. Clark was a very special person, he just took everyone as they came, didn’t judge, didn’t bad mouth and didn’t expect anything of anyone. He just liked people. He was always up for an adventure, always wanted to know what was round the corner or over the ridge. I learned a lot from Clark and I think everyone could be better if they were a little more like Clark. I have too many stories and memories to write down and I will tell them to anyone that will listen forever. I was born with two sisters, but I feel that I gained a brother when Clark arrived. Gone far too soon but what a legacy he has left, Carter and Blake are a true credit to his parenting skills. Not much that guy couldn’t do !
- Stuart Nimmo
I was so glad to be able to come out to see you guys in California chilling at your house by the pool. I loved the various trips we made and my favourite was to mountain bike In Northstar. I also remember a great hike we did in Yosemite. Clark wanted to keep going up to a view point call ‘Clarks view’ and only Blake and I went up with Clark while everyone else was too tired. As we were going down the hill to meet everyone I got stung by a wasp that quickly swole up and Clark sorted me out. I really enjoyed my time with Clark listening to all of his stories and doing to some cool stuff. I’m very sad I won’t be able to see him again and I’m sending all my best wishes to you all
Love Jack
I loved Clark for who he was, his appreciation of nature and his adventurous spirit was such a joy to be around. I will always remember the time he took us out of Lake Tahoe to take us on a short hike which ended up being about an hour’s steep climb. However the incredible view at the top made it all worth it. That’s what made Clark so special - sharing his experiences with everyone. I will miss him and he will always have a special place in my heart.
Love John
You never can be sure where a child gets their inspiration. but I think Clark started down the poath to his life’s work by a 3rd grade teacher in Salinas, CA who talked about her trip to the Amazon. Then at age 14 his dad took him to a good gear store to outfit for his first summer camp in the mountains of North Carolina. He was so charged up about “gear” that when he was 16 he was working at that same store and teaching rock climbing. As you probably know, Clark continued to love “gear” in most any sport and could talk/compare about any aspect.
After Clark’s biggest waterfall decent, I, Clark’s mom, worried about him risking his life doing dangerous things. He responded, “Now that I met Jacqui, and am in love, I value my life more and don’t want to risk losing it anymore.”
Four days before Clark died, we received his postcard from Hacienda Cristina, Argentina. He says it is one of his favorite places and he knows that we would love it. Other places he has told us we must visit are Rancho Santana, Nicaragua and Hacienda Zuleta, Ecuador. Clark has always been right with his travel recommendations, and we are planning to fill our time taking him up on those recommendations, even though he is gone.
- Mitch & Lynn
For those of us in the luxury travel space, Clark was the encyclopedia on Latin America. My own first overseas trip was to live with a family in Peru in 1976, so i shared his love for the region. Clark was so helpful with advice (both for my personal travel and for client work). Very shortly before he left us he gave me great tips on driving in Nicaragua for a personal trip I took there in June. I was unable to thank him following my return (except in spirit) because he was taken so surprisingly and far too soon. So many in the travel world loved Clark--he was one of a kind.
- Richard Engle
Jacqui, I never had the pleasure of meeting you but something I wanted to share: when I was pregnant with our first daughter just over five years ago, Clark was one of the people most enthusiastic about the news. He said something that always stuck with me (and that even my husband remembered fondly today when I shared the tragic news because it resonated with him so much). He told me that out of everything he’d ever done, being a dad was the absolute greatest adventure and the most fun he had ever had. And that the best part was that it just got better with each year the boys grew and became their own persons. That the love and excitement of it all was simply out of this world. I always remembered this, not only because I ultimately discovered he was 100% right, but because as your boys grew and I’d watch your epic family videos and photos on social media, I’d always think about how infinitely happy Clark must be sharing his passions more and more with his beautiful mini me’s. He was such an amazing person and he loved his family so deeply. There is a void in our industry that will never be filled. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss and am sending all my love to the three of you.
- Julia Carter
I met Clark at my very first travel conference - Remote Costa Rica - and from that moment, he always seemed to impress me. I was impressed with how he had already accomplished so much, creating not only a great business but a beautiful community in our industry. Everyone knew him and everyone loved him. Clark was the epitome of a real-life influencer—someone whose actions spoke louder than words and who inspired through example. I love how much he connected with the local communities wherever he went, he was so down to earth. For me being at such a young age when I started, he was a role model from the very beginning. Whenever I reached out to him for advice, Clark was always more than willing to share his wisdom and time with me. I wish I could have had the chance to get to know him better or join one of his renowned FAM trips. I am just fortunate that I was able to connect with him when I did. Despite him physically gone, he will always be an inspiration and role model to me. I send all of my love to his dear friends and family!
- Harley Tagliarino
What I found so amazing about Clark was his ability to drop in and reconnect, regardless of time that had passed. I remember when I reached out to him about joining the Board of Directors of Stoke Broker, it had been years since we talked but I just knew he’d be a perfect fit. We met up over tacos in the Marina of San Francisco and he loved the idea of being on a board, like it was so grown up. This coming from a guy who had done so many amazing grown-up things like starting a successful business, marrying an amazing woman and having two children. Reconnecting then kicked off other haphazard meetings, and each one I appreciated Clark’s disarming questions and ease to laugh. A lot of memories fade quickly, but for some reason none of our random encounters do. In Austin over margaritas with Turney, on the banks of the Columbia River in Hood River, in San Rafael when he sent me on my first mountain biking experience with 11 year old Carter. He had that twinkle in his eye of someone who doesn’t overthink the adventure of life *too* much, but just enough. Losing Clark far too soon has given me an incredibly valuable reminders, ideas that I have always felt connected to, but feel far more real after loss: Live a life that feels too amazing to ever willingly leave. Encounter people with openness and genuine curiosity in a way that makes them feel seen. Follow your passion with gusto, and make decisions that lead you deeper into it. I’ll never plan travel to South and Central America without thinking of Clark, and I know I’m not the only one. These little parts of him within everyone in so many different places keeps a constellation of Clark-memories glowing.
- Alice Howell
For those of us in the luxury travel space, Clark was the encyclopedia on Latin America. My own first overseas trip was to live with a family in Peru in 1976, so i shared his love for the region. Clark was so helpful with advice (both for my personal travel and for client work). Very shortly before he left us he gave me great tips on driving in Nicaragua for a personal trip I took there in June. I was unable to thank him following my return (except in spirit) because he was taken so surprisingly and far too soon. So many in the travel world loved Clark--he was one of a kind.
- Richard Engle
Clark will always be a part of the Latin American travel industry. He’s a pioneer. A legend. I first met him at a travel expo in Washington, DC in 2005 when he was representing Chacras. Since then, I’ve admired his spirit of adventure, his devotion to clients, his warmth, and his craft. His family was always with him; he shared photos of Jacqui and the boys whenever I saw him at conferences. He’s a beautiful soul. Clark, here’s to you.
- John Montgomery
Pareciera que la vida se empieza a llevar a todos quienes amamos,
seres únicos, seres irremplazables,
seres de luz cuya presencia hacen de tu día el mejor.
Ese era Clarky, ese eras tu Clarky,
desde la primera vez que te conoci en el 2002,
tu sonrisa única y contagiosa,
ese tu humor negro mezclado con la pureza de tu ser,
me hizo quererte y tenerte en un lugar especial de mi corazón.
Te recuerdo y te recordaré siempre bromeando,
tu sarcasmo de gringo peruanizado,
esa picardía con la que siempre nos divertías.
Clarky,
gracias por existir,
gracias por tu amistad,
gracias por tus enseñanzas,
gracias por haber sido parte de mi vida, aunque lejos, siempre estuviste cerca.
Descansa y cuida de tu esposa, tus hijos y tu familia.
Un abrazo a la distancia Jaqui, Carter y Blake a toda la familia Kotula -Nimo.
- Maria del Pilar
Dear Jacqui, Carter and Blake,
When I close my eyes and think of Clark, I see him cruising through the streets of Glenwood on his skateboard. He made it look easy, ponytail waving in the wind, with a smile plastered to his face that was contagious.
I saw the way Clark fathered his boys and it left a long lasting mark. Growing up without that presence has made me appreciate it when I see it. And believe me, I saw it in Clark.
He was a man full of life and adventure. I will always carry him with me and all of you.
With endless love and support!
- Angela Martin
I was just starting to get to know Clark, but we became fast friends and I was looking forward to future adventures together. I am a Travel Advisor specializing in adventure trips, and Clark and I met at a lunch he hosted last November in Mill Valley. We bonded over our shared interests in mountain biking, adventure travel in general, living in San Rafael, all the places to explore in Marin, and the importance of family. Most of my colleagues sell cruises and would never consider adventure travel, so it was amazing to meet a travel friend who loved all the same things I did! We connected shortly before his passing about future Chile and Argentina trips, and I loved hearing about his joy and zest for Rancho Santana, Nicaragua. Clark will be forever missed, and I’ll be thinking of him every time I get in the saddle and hit the mountain bike trail. Sending lots of love to Clark’s family, who I know he loved more than anything.
- Matt Farber
Clark was and remains a guide. In all senses of that word: a selfless, insightful and trustworthy leader. Journeys and time with him joyful and cradled. A guide simultaneously light and heavy with warmth; resonance; gravity, harmony and depth - a compass in the fog and a star in the night by which to navigate. An evolved and joyful soul. Thank you.
- Matthew Vardy
Dane, Ryder, Makena and I were lucky enough to take a trip to Peru in 2023. When we were planning our trip the first and only person we reached out to was Clark. Clark hooked us up with one of his amazing adventure tours and we booked the trip without hesitation. Definitely one of the best decisions we ever made. Looking back on that trip, the places we got to see that were off the beaten path (like waaayyyy off the path), the beautiful hotels we got to stay at in remote Andean villages, our guide Joseph, the food and wine we enjoyed along the way - everything was special and spectacular - and we are so grateful to Clark. We know that connecting people with other people and sharing incredible locations and experiences was Clark’s passion, and we feel lucky that we got to experience just a tiny piece of that on our trip. Wish we had more time to travel and explore with you Clark - your spirit and love of adventure was inspiring and contagious.
- The Moler Family
I always loved Clark’s enthusiasm-it was incredibly infectious. He so clearly loved what he did and was so instructive and informative always. I will cherish forever the framed picture he sent me early 2020 comparing the picture with his properties; it hangs proudly in my Miami home where he took the trouble to reach out to me right after I moved. Thank you to the Kotula family for sharing him with the world - he was a gift to us all and is so terribly missed.
- Kathy Bernstein
Every time Clark came through Denver, he was always willing to take “”meetings”” outdoors. My favorite meeting was a hike through Chautauqua Park, followed by beers at a local brewery. The best thing about Clark was that our interactions never felt like presentations or pitches. They were genuine conversations about our personal lives and the state of the industry in Latin America. When we struggled finding space, he gave us recommendations that weren’t even in his portfolio. When we had trouble wrapping our heads around a product or increasing sales in a particular region, he took the time to brainstorm with us and find solutions.
The last time I saw Clark was in Ecuador in October 2023. When I arrived for dinner at Galapagos Safari Camp, he surprised me by opening the door in a neon tiger track suit (so very Clark)! He was in the middle of hosting a FAM through Ecuador but took the time to sit and eat with me and a few other crashers. Then, on the way home, I ran into him in the United Lounge at the airport. Our last conversation was about his vision for the future -- his hope to eventually scale back and focus on spending more time with his family. He was such an inspiration in that way, in having passion for his work but also fully prioritizing his personal life and family. That inspiration lives on and stays with me every single day.
- Elizabeth Frels
I am still thinking about this every day and ways to honor Clark in my own life. In the meantime here are a few things I wanted to share:
For anyone who wants to hear his voice again, he was a guest on my podcast twice and the last one (In the Now Ecuador) was such an important episode for me and I know, for him as well. https://bellandblytravel.com/luxury-travel-insider/podcast/in-the-now-ecuador/ ; https://bellandblytravel.com/luxury-travel-insider/podcast/nicaragua/.
Both episodes can be found on spotify, apple podcasts and more I mentioned in stories that the Ecuador episode might be the episode I was most proud of producing. Clark responded this, which I thought Jacqui might like to see:
Awww. So sweet. I actually felt the same way today you did after listening to the podcast. My wife listened to it on the the plane and she said “it’s pretty amazing what you have done with yourself since I met you as my penniless river guide in Peru 20+ years ago just aimlessly living the dream - you obviously haven’t been aimless, and you continue living the dream”. I really appreciated that episode too. It’s super meaningful. Thanks, friend. Big hug.
I think he was really proud that Jacqui said that and knowing that made me feel really great. And that was one of the last chats we had. We have another “”In the Now”” episode coming out soon on Egypt. I have dedicated the episode to Clark which you will be able to hear in the intro.
- Sarah Groen
There are a few people who have changed the course of my life and Clark Kotula was one of them. I met him in 2012 and he quickly, effortlessly and graciously guided me to the Brownell Mentoring program and launched me into this crazy wonderful business. I loved every chance I got to see Clark and hear about his adventures and new properties. Every single property in his collection has that special kind of soul that changes a traveler. But most of all, I loved hearing Clark talk about his wife that he was so in love with, and his boys that he adored.
Recently I was at a lunch from people around the world, and each one of them has been rattled by Clark’s sudden passing. The aftershocks continue, in positive ways. One now spends more time with his children, another makes more attempts to spend time with those important to him, another has changed per priorities. While I desperately wish Clark was here teaching us in person, I will look to the seas, the skies and those around me for his lessons. To best honor him, I will recognize every day is a gift.
I’ll miss you dearly, my inspiring friend.
- Courtney Regan
I have known Clark since he started his representation company and loved it when he came to Austin to share his passion for South America with our clients.
I am grateful to have traveled with him last October in Ecuador and that my lasting memories of Clark are seeing him in his element.
Clark’s imprint on our industry will last well beyond his years on this planet.
- Sam McClure
We first met Clark through our neighborhood school community, and our bond grew as our sons became close friends. Over the years, we shared countless carpools, school events, and sleepovers, deepening our connection. Clark was a kind and intelligent soul, always engaging in conversation and eager to lend a hand when it came to the boys. His joy in watching his son play sports was clearly reflected. We are forever grateful for the time we had with him as a friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.
- Erik and Patty Bruce
You can never be sure where a child gets their inspiration, but I think Clark started down the path towards his future life work by a 3rd grade teacher in Salinas, CA who talked about her trip to the Amazon. Then at age 14 his dad took him to a good gear store to outfit him for his first summer camp in the mountains of North Carolina. He was so charged up about “gear” that when he was 16, he was hired at the same store and taught rock climbing to customers. As you probably know, Clark continued to “love gear” and could talk and compare all kinds.
- Lynn Kotula
In Memory of Clark Kotula.
Our dear Clark was our faithful companion for over a decade. His unwavering loyalty towards Galapagos Safari Camp drew oceans of visitors who understood and appreciated our concept. He was highly regarded and respected globally for his expertise and objective guidance for travel in Latin America. But Clark was so much more than that to us, he was our mentor who we trusted completely, above all he was our dearest and adored friend. His light touch, kind manner, ability to see things objectively and professionally earned everyone’s respect. Clark was an inspiration. He was thirsty for life, appreciated beauty, nature, the fine and subtle suggestions the world has to offer. He went beyond prose and into the realm of poetry.
We take the liberty to post this in his honour and accompany Jacqui, Blake, Carter and the Kotula family in their grief, which is shared by us.
Clark, your memory will forever live in our crazy little paradise, which was also yours. We love you.
- Michael, Stephanie and the entire GSC team.
Clark was a wonderful friend and a positive influence to the Hughes Duque Family – Adri, Bryn, Natalia & Patrick
We first met Clark at our kids’ preschool in central San Rafael. We had just relocated from the UK by Adriana’s company. We had an instant connection with Clark as he, like us, loved travel, lived in different countries, and spoke multiple languages. The Kotulas were one of the few families with whom we could freely speak English from the UK, English from the US, and Spanish from Latin America, sometimes a mix of all three! This was critical to our settling into California and calling it our new home.
We will never forget when we nervously picked up Natalia and Patrick from their very first day of preschool aged 3, and finding them playing with a new friend, Carter. When we met Clark and Jacqui, and immediately realized that Carter must have recognized Patrick’s British accent and offered, as an older student, to help him settle in. Blake and Natalia also became very good friends. This genuine interest in other people and generosity with time, energy and attention, is no doubt one of Clark’s features that he passed on to his kids, and has inspired on those of us lucky to have met him.
There are many memories we have with Clark, from the daily encounters at our kids’ pre-school and elementary school, seeing his smile most days at the San Domenico neighborhood bus stop, to sharing Christmas dinner and family overnight stays.
We always enjoyed his recounting of the amazing trips he took with his family. He inspired many of our most memorable family moments, like our trip to Galapagos with 5 year old twins and 70 year old grandparents.
To us, Clark embodied the best of human qualities. He always showed a positive and healthy attitude, and helped enrich the lives of the people he touched. Clark, you will forever be in our hearts and memories.
With love,
- The Hughes-Duque Family
Clark was a wonderful friend and a positive influence to the Hughes Duque Family – Adri, Bryn, Natalia & Patrick
We first met Clark at our kids’ preschool in central San Rafael. We had just relocated from the UK by Adriana’s company. We had an instant connection with Clark as he, like us, loved travel, lived in different countries, and spoke multiple languages. The Kotulas were one of the few families with whom we could freely speak English from the UK, English from the US, and Spanish from Latin America, sometimes a mix of all three! This was critical to our settling into California and calling it our new home.
We will never forget when we nervously picked up Natalia and Patrick from their very first day of preschool aged 3, and finding them playing with a new friend, Carter. When we met Clark and Jacqui, and immediately realized that Carter must have recognized Patrick’s British accent and offered, as an older student, to help him settle in. Blake and Natalia also became very good friends. This genuine interest in other people and generosity with time, energy and attention, is no doubt one of Clark’s features that he passed on to his kids, and has inspired on those of us lucky to have met him.
There are many memories we have with Clark, from the daily encounters at our kids’ pre-school and elementary school, seeing his smile most days at the San Domenico neighborhood bus stop, to sharing Christmas dinner and family overnight stays.
We always enjoyed his recounting of the amazing trips he took with his family. He inspired many of our most memorable family moments, like our trip to Galapagos with 5 year old twins and 70 year old grandparents.
To us, Clark embodied the best of human qualities. He always showed a positive and healthy attitude, and helped enrich the lives of the people he touched. Clark, you will forever be in our hearts and memories.
With love,
- The Hughes-Duque Family
Four days before Clark died, we received his postcard from Hacienda Cristina, Argentina. He says it is one of his favorite places and he knows that we would love it. Other places he has told us we must visit are Rancho Santana, Nicaragua and Hacienda Zuleta, Ecuador. Clark has always been right with his travel recommendations, and we are planning to fill our time taking him up on those recommendations, even though he is gone.
- Mitch & Lynn Kotula
Four days before Clark died, we received his postcard from Hacienda Cristina, Argentina. He says it is one of his favorite places and he knows that we would love it. Other places he has told us we must visit are Rancho Santana, Nicaragua and Hacienda Zuleta, Ecuador. Clark has always been right with his travel recommendations, and we are planning to fill our time taking him up on those recommendations, even though he is gone.
- Mitch & Lynn Kotula
I won't forget the long walk from Cushnie to Ballater. It took a guy from the US to plan a 2 day, overnight trek from my house to my inlaws – off the beaten track. I set off with a shocking hangover, we camped in the rain, chewed our way through bogs and moorland and had a great time. Whisky, laughs & type 2 fun. Another memory is Clark picking us up from San Fran airport. He passed me a beer just before the Golden Gate Bridge & after crossing we drove up the hillside to enjoy the views and vantage points with another beer. Most people collect visitors and head straight home, but Clark was a guide, he wanted people to have an experience. This small thought epitomizes Clark and set the tone for a fantastic holiday.
- Neil
On our first trip to Peru we went white water rafting on the Apurimac River. We were briefed on an approaching grade 5 rapid, the same one that a rafting guide had died on a month earlier. Not surprisingly I was anxious, in fact I did not want to do it. Clark was the safety kayaker and assured me in his calm reassuring way that we would be ok and he would be right by our side all the way. He was true to his word and made sure I did not miss out on the buzz as we successfully navigated the rapid and celebrated downriver. That night he set up camp for our group and made dinner which we enjoyed around the fire. He was the cool river raft guide that stole my sis’s heart. Clarks was all about the experience – always ensuring his guests, clients and family got to the most out of every adventure.
- Angela
When Uncle Clark and I talked drinks and social media a few Christmases ago. He gave me a crash course in the best drinks for a night out and I gave him a crash course on social media which he loved. He taught me to make a really good vodka cranberry which was my drink all through my first year at uni. Now it is my drink again - for Clark. Also, I remember when he picked me up from the airport on my solo trip to San Fran – we drove over the Golden Gate with the windows down, sun roof open & music load.
- Neve
Riding our ‘chopper’ hire bikes through Yosemite. Mos & Kos. We were riding single file & I remember Uncle Clark getting on at me for constantly being too close & touching his back tyre so he pressed his break sharply sending me into the long grass where I fell off. I was 9 years old.
- Fraser
On a very cold, wet, snowy, icy mountain bike ride to the bottom of Mount Keen at Christmas time in Scotland we had to take shelter behind a stone wall on a bridge. Spirits were very low, as we were soaked and frozen, until Uncle Clark pulled out a picnic feast from his bag. He saved the day.
- Callum
Clark is the best! We are grateful to have met him when our boys, Jagger and Blake, were in Kindergarten at Glenwood. Jackie, Clark, and the boys are magnetic. We became instant friends drawn by the love of community, family, adventure and fun. We are blessed to have them as friends and have our children grow up together.
We have many amazing memories of Clark. Some of our most vivid are Mexico, (parents only shh I'm not saying a thing), Boxing day at the Kotula's, overbidding on auction items (hey it's for the kids), Jackie's Halloween Birthdays, Downieville, the list goes on and on.
We're so glad we got to spend time with Clark most recently at the Patton's end of the year party in June. He spoke then about the wonderful surfing trip to their house in Nicaragua he had recently returned from. He shared how the Dad crew went to yoga and surfed everyday and how relaxing it was. He glowed when he showed us videos of Carter from the weekend prior working on and accomplishing his goal of a 360 at Woodward, Tahoe.
Clark is such a special and rad dude with a spectacular life and the most amazing family. We think about him everyday, our memories of him remind us to seize the day and celebrate life like Clark did. We miss you so much buddy! We will forever see you one wheeling in our hood and kite surfing at Clarks Cove and most importantly we will always see you in Blake and Carter. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and amazing friend. Our lives are forever blessed with your family and friendship.
- LaWand
Clark’s sudden passing reminds us all of the fragility and sacredness of life. His adventurous spirit inspires us to live fully, savoring each moment, and to recognize the deep human connections we share with one another.
During the time our family knew Clark, we came to see him as a wonderful father to Carter and Blake, a friend to everyone around him, and a devoted partner to Jacqui. One of our most cherished memories of Clark involves a time when, though not physically present, he helped create a magical experience for our family. On a trip to Ecuador, he facilitated an unforgettable adventure in the Galápagos Islands, where we marveled at the wonder of nature, and during our stay at Hacienda Zuleta, where we gained a deeper understanding of the country’s history. The shared experiences with our children and extended family left a lasting impression. In particular, Dax, just 8 years old at the time, continues to recount the incredible marine wildlife he saw and the fireside chats with Margarita at Hacienda Zuleta. He still writes stories about the trip for school and dreams of returning to South America for more adventures.
When I think of Clark, I’m also reminded of the many fun group camping trips, most often centered around whitewater rafting on the American River. On our early rafting trips with Dax and Willa—when they were so small we practically had to sneak them onto the rafts—I always felt a sense of peace knowing Clark was trailing behind. As the confident and experienced water adventurer he was known to be, I trusted him to be there, ready to help if one of the little ones happened to fall overboard, always prepared to scoop them up with his calm expertise.
With the unfathomable void his passing has left, I hope Jacqui, Carter, and Blake can find some solace in hearing stories about him and in knowing and remembering the profound impact Clark had on everyone he touched.
- Sarah Walter
Clark was larger than life and his impact transcended his presence, whether he was in the room with us or far away in another corner of the world. Clark was not just someone we talked about fondly when he was with us; he was someone we kept talking about even when he wasn’t there. And that’s because he had this rare gift—a gift to leave a mark on every heart, every soul he encountered, and always for the better.
Some of my most cherished memories of Clark are from times when he wasn’t even in the room, and yet, somehow, his influence was everywhere. Whether we were in Ecuador, Zuleta, the rainforests of the Amazon, the Galapagos, Mexico, or kayaking the American River, Clark’s presence was always felt. He was known in these places as well as we know him here—his name lighting up conversations, bringing joy to people who may not have even met him. His reach was that profound.
Clark was more than a friend. He was a passport. A passport to other cultures, to new ways of thinking, to a deeper understanding of life itself. He opened up the world for all of us in ways we might never have imagined. He didn’t just explore the world—he connected it. He made it smaller, more intimate, more full of love.
Clark was a wonderful partner and husband. From the world travel that brought them initially together to the many adventures that defined their life partnership, Clark loved Jacqui with everything. Seeing them speak so gently to one another and joke lovingly around a campfire or on the lake in Tahoe helped me cherish my marriage all the more. Always respectful, always affectionate, always dedicated, always kind, Clark was intentional about his marriage.
Clark was also an incredible father - I look up to him as someone who knew how to prioritize the love of family. He set a phenomenal example of how to believe in your children, love them unconditionally, and be present for them. By exposing them to adventure, Clark gave them the confidence to try anything and live fully. Blake and Carter are such strong, emotionally balanced, and kind young men. Clark will live on in them and the world will be even better for it.
Clark didn’t take things too seriously and always went at his pace. Watching him bowl was a window into his life’s philosophy. A grown, strong man… carrying an 9lb ball designed for a child. Did he hurtle it down the lane? Nope; just a casual, precise toss that knocked down pins every time. Mr consistency. Mr I’m-going-to-bowl-my-way-and-I-don’t-care-what-it-looks-like. Of course, none of us were surprised when we ended up placing first in the league and 2nd in the championships!
Because of Clark, the world is a little more connected and a little more loving. He brought people together, made us see each other in new ways, and encouraged us to embrace the unfamiliar with open arms. His ability to make every place he went feel like home for everyone he met was something truly extraordinary.
Today, as we remember him, we don’t just mourn the loss of a friend; we celebrate the gift he was to all of us. Clark, you have shown us that the world is vast, but with the right heart, it can feel as close-knit as family. Thank you for lighting our paths, even when you were far away, and for leaving us all better than we were before we met you.
You will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.
- Gareth Walter
