A Volunteer of the Decades

Clark Redeker didn't expect a standing ovation.

But that is exactly what greeted him at the 26th annual City of Newark Volunteer Recognition Ceremony last week.

The Newark resident is turning 94 in June and he continues to serve the city he has called home since 1940.

"I am what I am. I didn't ask for that," Redeker said modestly about the recognition he received at .

From his time as an Eagle Scout to his years serving on Newark's City Council, Redeker said volunteering has always played an important role in his life.

"I am doing what I like to do, and it's about giving back to the city," Redeker said.

Redeker dedicates his Monday mornings volunteering for senior services and programs held at the .

There, he greets and assists visitors for three hours.

"I do it for fun, and the thing is I get along with the LOLs and the LOMs – little old ladies and little old men – because I am one," he said with a laugh.

The 93-year-old has seen Newark through decades of history, from its incorporation in 1955 and the appointment of its first mayor, George Silliman.

He came straight to Newark after finishing his post-secondary education at Stanford University.

He has worked as a chief chemist for a former chemical plant and was the former director for the Alameda County Water District.

He even served as mayor at one point during his eight years sitting on the City Council.

"It was fun," he said of those days. "None of us had ever held public office before. We had to play it by ear, and it was a voluntary job," he recalled while sporting his alma mater's cap. "It was quite an experience."

And it was an experience he wasn't betting on. The former councilman said he never thought he'd win a seat on the council.

"There were 15 of us running, I came out No. 3," he recalled.

He has no regrets. Redeker said he is honored to have been part of setting up the city.

A proud father of three and great-grandfather of six, Redeker has no plans to stop volunteering any time soon. In fact, he plans to devote more time to voluntary efforts.

"You have to keep busy or else you get metal in between your gears," he said. "I will be 94 in June, and I plan to live until 100."