Debra Clark was that rare person who exuded kindness, compassion, and joy. She was also a loving wife, a person who worked to help people in distress, and a Chris Potter fan. Deb passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2001, a day after she spent a long weekend socializing with fellow fan friends at a celebrity hockey game in Los Angeles. It was a time she characterized as "perfect."

Dear Deb,

I can't believe you will not be reading this letter, but I had to write one last time to tell you how much your friendship meant to me. We bonded right from the start, helping each other. I would walk slower for you and you would repeat things for me. We had a great time in Whistler, sharing stories, pictures and just getting to know each other. I will always remember the look on your face when you saw CP for the first time! I shared your happiness at catching the game stick. Someone was watching over you to make Chris decide to throw it to you. You were such a good sport, taking all our teasing about selling it in your stride. I loved being a "Hat Squad" of two when we bought our cowboy hats and wore them to the game. We were a close group in Whistler and you have a place in all of our hearts.

You always made me feel special and appreciated. You e-mailed me and asked me to be your roommate in LA. That was all I needed to get me off the fence about taking the trip and I am so glad I did. I will treasure that weekend forever. You were determined that I would get to go horseback riding. It was hot and dusty, but you got a last ride for us and I didn't even fall off. Even though we only met in person twice, you were my friend. You touched everyone you met. Some CP pal was watching over you to make sure you got your Whistler picture signed and that you had one more talk with Chris after we thought he had left the arena. Again, you took our teasing in your stride about being a junior officer to Becky and you handled the meal money like a pro.

I know how much you loved Matt and we will try to support him. But, from the sound of it, he will be the one supporting us. I knew he was a special guy by the way you talked about him. In case you didn't have time to pack, we will make sure you get your jewelry, your CP picture, cowboy hat, and, of course, your hockey stick. Watch over us and save us a seat for the next game. Until then, we will miss you.

Deb was married to her husband, Matt, for twenty-three years. They had no children. She served in the Air Force Reserve. She loved Matt, jewelry, Chris and CP pals, and animals. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her on line and in person.
- Shannon H.

Well, Deb, I almost didn't make it to the L.A. game. My hesitation about going was finally dampened by the anticipation of another opportunity to meet CP fans, and to reconnect with old friends. For me, that's the real payoff of making these trips: friendship. And what a gem we all found in Los Angeles!

From the moment we met, Deb Clark impressed me with her cheerfulness and positive energy. As the weekend progressed, I came to know her kindness and sensitivity as well.

At the hotel after we'd met, we all wondered how it could be, that we were so different - our occupations, our ages, our lifestyles - and yet all so alike. Instanteous connections and lifelong friendships are made at these games. Post-midnight chat sessions are the norm, as is the sound of laughter. It's like being welcomed into a family, and you know instantly that you are not alone. Deb was one of "our" family.

Throughout the weekend Deb was always thinking outside of herself, making sure that everyone felt included. I didn't hear her utter a single negative word the entire weekend. She laughed a lot. I like that in a person.

On one of our drives through L.A. we chattered away constantly, as if we had known each other for years. She and I found a common ground on an issue that interested us both, and we made plans to work together after our return home. We talked about her work, how she helped people. She told me about how she and her husband, Matt, joked that the Air Force had to send them both 6,000 miles away to the Phillipines so they could meet. How she knew the instant she saw him that Matt was her soulmate. About how on her birthday each year, for 23 years in a row, he came up with something completely unexpected to surprise her. One year, knowing that she liked Magnum, P.I. and the Ferrari that Tom Selleck drove on the show, he surprised her by renting the same model Ferrari, picking her up at work, and spiriting her away for an exclusive weekend on the Queen Mary. How happy she was to just be with him.

Several times during the weekend Deb mentioned how happy she was. She said that meeting new friends and getting to see CP again made the weekend "perfect." She left Los Angeles Sunday night so that she could spend some extra time with her husband.

I'll never understand why we lost her. And regardless of how many tears fall, I suppose that I'm not meant to understand. I do know that I will dearly miss this lovely person, and the chance to get to know her better.

It was perfect, Deb. I'm sorry that we won't have the opportunity for more perfect weekends with you.

Strange, the bonds that form among total strangers in this fandom. That a group of individuals, united under their admiration for one man, one actor, can be so instantaneously linked in thought and emotion...to anyone outside the fandom it must sound incredible. And it is. Incredible. Emotional. Wonderful. We miss you, Deb.
-Elise R.