The Blue Ridge Mycological Society is deeply saddened by the loss of one of its members, Clark Bechtle, who passed away in early December at the age of 32 after a sudden and severe illness. A heartfelt obituary, which can be found here beautifully captures the essence of Clark’s life and legacy. It provides a glimpse into his background and the remarkable person he was. The BRMS board, alongside the community, felt it fitting to share their thoughts about Clark and his impact on the club and those around him. He was not only a dedicated member but a friend to many.

Clark became a member of the club in the fall of 2022, and from the outset, he was actively engaged and eager to share his knowledge. At his first meeting, he spent a long time in the parking lot connecting with others, exchanging stories about both the challenges and joys of life—and, of course, fungi. This was a shared experience for many in the club, as Clark had a unique ability to connect with others. He quickly became an unofficial greeter, welcoming newcomers and making everyone feel included. His extensive experience working with non-profit organizations made him particularly adept at identifying and addressing needs before they were even voiced.

As BRMS grew and evolved, Clark played a key role behind the scenes, offering insightful advice and thoughtful suggestions to help guide the club’s direction. One of his most memorable contributions was his habit of counting heads before each foray, ensuring that every participant returned safely at the end of the outing.

During the brief time Clark was involved with BRMS, his passion for mycology flourished. What started as a hobby focused on foraging for food expanded into a deeper interest in the ecological roles of fungi within forest ecosystems. His curiosity grew, and he became increasingly fascinated by the scientific aspects of mycology, including specimen documentation and proper collection techniques. This year marked a pivotal point in his journey, as he took part in a volunteer retreat designed to brainstorm ideas for the future of the club. Clark not only contributed at the event but continued to revisit those discussions in subsequent encounters, underscoring his dedication to the club’s growth.

Clark also stepped beyond the comfort of regular club activities, attending two out-of-state mushroom events: the Field to Lab event and the West Virginia Mushroom Foray, both hosted by the West Virginia Mushroom Club. His participation in these events further fueled his enthusiasm for mycology and his desire to expand his knowledge. He became more involved in strengthening the club’s infrastructure, offering recommendations like the new membership management system, which he was actively working to implement.

In addition to his contributions to BRMS, Clark was dedicated to the Quarry Gardens, which has served as the club’s base since its founding in 2018. He joined the Quarry Gardens board of directors and planned to increase his involvement, drawing on his expertise in grants and non-profit work.

Clark’s love for BRMS was evident in both his actions and his spirit. He showed up, made newcomers feel welcome, supported fellow members, and infused the group with a sense of warmth, humor, and kindness. His loss leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy will live on through the ongoing work and mission of the club.

The BRMS board is exploring ways to honor Clark, such as dedicating a physical space or item in his memory, creating a recurring event or foray, and establishing a scholarship to help members attend events that inspired him. The club welcomes feedback on these ideas and invites contributions via email at [email protected].

Those who haven’t yet read Clark’s obituary are encouraged to do so. Anyone wishing to share stories or memories can do so through the “memories” link at the bottom of this page. Lastly, Clark’s family has requested that financial donations in his honor be made to the Quarry Gardens at Schuyler. Donations can be made through their website with a note specifying that the contribution is in memory of Clark Bechtle.