Clara Alice Irene Livingston (Kafka) August |
| Posted 2009-06-21 by Fountain Hills Times |
| Clara Alice Irene Kafka Livingston August Pohl entered our world on January 27, 1919 in Saratoga Springs, New York and passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona on August 14, 2008. She left an indelible mark on the many relatives and friends who shared her life journey. She was one of six children born to Otto Kafka and Alice Minerva Stickney Kafka. Her father was a successful New York industrialist and steel export magnate who immigrated to America from Bohemia (Czechoslovakia) several years after the turn of the century. Just shy of becoming a Centenarian, her longevity was duly recognized by the White House in a special Letter of Congratulations from the President and First Lady of the United States, signed by George and Laura Bush, an achievement and honor of which she was extremely proud. Clara marched to her own drummer, touching the hearts of many who cherished her warm friendship and generous heart. Of special note was her sensitive and caring nature. She was a “people person” and welcomed all to her doorstep with open arms to share her home, her family, her talents and her wherewithal. During World War II, Clara worked in an assembly factory and was also employed in her father’s steel export business. In later years, she worked for the Miami Herald (1950s) in their advertising department as a graphic designer and during the 1960s, worked for The Arizona Republic in a similar capacity. She also was employed by the Scottsdale Daily Progress as a writer and art director covering issues of community interest. During the course of her life span, Clara volunteered her services to numerous local organizations in Miami, Florida as well as Scottsdale, Arizona. She participated in many events held by the Chamber of Commerce and the Scottsdale Jaycees, especially their annual Parada del Sol, and was active in the Scottsdale Community Theater. She had the honor of accompanying the latter group to the White House and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts with President Ronald Reagan in attendance. Highly educated and intelligent, Clara constantly worked to improve her education, earning several Degrees from Arizona State University, i.e., Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAE) and a Masters Degree in Art & Education (both in 1971). In 1978 - not one to sit still for long - she received her Doctorate in Art & Education (EDD). Utilizing these skills, she became a Professor at Scottsdale Community College for several years. She was also musically gifted with an ability to sing, play the piano and guitar, entertaining all those willing to lend an ear. With a sense of adventure, she found time to try her hand at flying under the watchful eye of her son, a FAA flight instructor. Clara is survived by her son Philip Eric August and wife Lynev; a daughter; two grandchildren, Charles Erik Evensen and Kealoha Luana August; two great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews, too numerous to itemize here, but lovingly remembered. Memorial Services are pending to be held at a later date in Mount Peace Cemetery, St. Cloud, Florida, where her grandfather and mother have been laid to rest. We love you Clara. Your maverick spirit and kindness will live in our hearts forever and your warm presence on this earth will be honored and dearly missed. “They who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Published in The Fountain Hills Times September 17, 2008. See Also: Find A Grave |
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