Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"The depression was just over and there was rather deep hatred in this area (Sugar House) against policemen and people would find out that my dad (Ray Cahoon) was a cop, they would not let their kids play with me. This not only tightens down the circle of friends but also created additional problems with the hatred the parents had for policemen. The kids felt it was only right to even up the score by fighting with a cop’s kid. There were some real agitators in the school and they would get a different group every night to pick a fight with me. When I would get home, I would hurry and wash the blood off and change clothes because I knew my dad did not approve of fighting and I did not want him to know that his occupation was the reason. I had many scuffles and while I was big and could take care of myself, when there were two or three of them I sometimes ended up the looser. I wore glasses all through school and often times they would be broken. About this time I became acquainted with another boy whose dad was a cop, Percy Clark. We became inseparable friends. Between the two of us there were very few who felt like they could beat us. We were always for the underdog and at recess or noon the whole school would turn out and have a snowball fight. We would divide up on both sides of the field and then charge each other with snowballs. Percy and I would always be on the team that was being beaten and soon that team would win." Reflections from Glen Cahoon a close friend of Percy Clark. He was devastated at the death of his friend. Placed in here by Glen's son.

Glen S. Cahoon, Captain
SLC Police - 33 years

August 23, 2023

Det. Clark,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Salt Lake City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 11, 2023

Rest in peace Detective Clark.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 11, 2022

Way back in 1966 my brother (who was only 16 years old at the time ) was arrested and charged with a robbery he did not commit.
He was held in jail for 30 days because my parents didn't have the money for the cash bond to bail him out.
Detective Clark got wind of it and was able to prove there was no way my brother commited the crime. Turns out the "eyewitness" that fingered my brother was the culprit.

Susan McCaskill
Private citizen

December 9, 2019

Had a dream about Percy Clark last night. In the dream he wanted his family to know he loves them. He wanted me to know he died doing what he loved, protecting others.

Thinking back to then, each night he would come into the pharmacy where I worked and tell me I would be okay. I lived thanks to him. A gift I will never forget.

Little did I know that my husband had worked with Percy on the police force and was there the night he died. We love you Percy. Thanks for showing up in my dreams.

Judith Zimmerman, Ph.D.
A citizen

November 10, 2019

Its always a honor to be able to tell people about you. Missing you forever.

Kathy Koester
Daughter. Salt lake city police dept

May 17, 2019

Miss you daddy...

Kathy Koester
Daughter

May 14, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

January 13, 2018

My hero, my dad.

Kathy Clark Koester
Daughter

January 14, 2017

Truly my hero. 43 yrs gone. Forever in my heart. Miss you forever.

Kathy Koester
daughter, Kathy Clark Koester

January 10, 2016

Hi sweetheart, another birthday gone by. We all miss you and our thoughts and love have stayed with us through the years. The family has grown by leaps and bounds, our grandchildren and great grandchildren are beautiful, smart and a joy to behold. We have kept your memory alive and each child feels like they knew you. I cherish the memories of our time together, and they have sustained me through these long years apart. Until we bmeet again, I Love You

Marny
wife

February 19, 2014

I wanted to repost to correct your eow anniverary. Today is the thirty-ninth year since you and your family made the supreme sacrifice as you protected your community.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 11, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 46th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. I am sure you are proud that your family has continued the legacy of both you and your father of serving and protecting.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 11, 2012

Daddy, can't believe it's been 39 yrs. Today Officer Jared Francom is being layed to rest. So sad. I love and miss you, daddy. Always in my heart. Give my Todd a big hug and kiss for me, I miss him so bad. Love, Kath

Kathy Clark Koester
daughter, Kathy Clark Koester

January 11, 2012

two days before Percy was killed, he picked up my daughter, Shannon, to take her to lunch. It was two days before her second birthday and because he knew he would be working on her birthday, he wanted to spend some time with her. He took her to MCDONALD'S, a very special day for both of them, grandfather and grand daughter. I remember seeing both of them return that day. It was hard to say who was happier. Percy was an incredible man, whom I greatly loved and respected. I know he rests in peace.

Sharon Adderly
He was my father-in-law and grandfather to my son & daughter

January 10, 2012

Kathy;

I was a Salt Lake City Police Officer from 1965-1972 when I joined the US Secret Service. I remember your dad with the fondest of memories. He was in charge of the police range and I spent a lot of time there shooting. Your dad was a very respected detective and was willing to share his time and talents with others. I remember I had a personal gun that wasn't working and we sat on the porch of the range house while he took it apart and fixed it. It took hours but he enjoyed doing favors for his friends. He was a gentle man and you should be very proud of him. Although he was very senior to me at the time, I was honored to call him a friend.

Special Agent Keith Stauffer
US Secret Service - retired

December 8, 2011

Forever Loved and Missed..

Kathy Clark Koester
daughter

January 11, 2010

Hi darling, another year gone by,another birthday missed.We all love and cherish the memories that have sustained us through the years.The family is doing well,and still growing. Watch over your grandson Lynn who is a police officer in ST. George.I love you and miss you so much.Thank you for the years we had together, and we will see each other again.
loving you always,
Maurine

Anonymous

February 19, 2009

Percy was my first hero.

As a young boy whose family looked after the police range where Percy spent some time I remember my brief time with him. I knew and loved many of the officers from the various agencies who practiced at the range, however Percy stood head and shoulders above them. Not simply because he was tall, but because he was winsome and charming.

I recall doing some shooting with Percy, he had a rifle that I truly loved, it shot .38 Special. It made a lot of noise and made me feel like a man when he'd let me shoot it. (Even though I was just a small boy) One morning he came up to the range to do some shooting, he had brought an entire coffee can full of .38 special to let me shoot through his rifle. It wasn't a week later that his light was extinguished.

Thank you Percy for the impression you left on a little boy so many years ago. I have always enjoyed teaching young men and women the joy of shooting, it's my hope to affect one person the way you affected me.

Steve Heath
Friend

May 22, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 31, 2008

Daddy,Lynn & lori have moved to the warn St. George. They love it, and the girls do too.He is with the St. George police, they treat him so good, they just love him. So dad please keep a good eye on him. He truly looks up to you. Miss and love you forever, Kath

Kathy Clark KOESTER
Father

March 7, 2008

For Justice And Law Good Men Must Die, But Death Cannot Kill Their Names". From the back of his" Medal Of Honor". Daddy, not a day goes by we don't think of you. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take. But by the moments that take our breath away." Today, Tomorrow, Always, Kath P.S. Give my Todd a huge hug and kiss for me. And give Pat's Rick a huge kiss and hug for her. Luv.

Kathy Clark Koester
Father

March 5, 2008

Happy Birthday sweetheart. This is a day we would have been together for a party with all of our family. What a celebration!! You are so loved and the memories keep us going, but the longing for you is still within me every day. I love you so much, and look forward to being with you someday.
Marny Feb.19, 2008

February 19, 2008

I just think that it is so nice to be able to read about him. I wish that had gotten to meet him. He will always be remember. Can't wait till the day i get to meet him in heaven.

Nick Clark
grandson

January 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 3, 2008