Henry Dudek Honored With Artistic Bench At B.B. Clarke Beach

In spite of weather on Saturday that was wet and gray there were plenty of warm memories, and full hearts at B.B. Clarke Beach on the Madison Isthmus.  It was there that the family of Henry Dudek, including his sister Mary Delores Yates from Pennsylvania, close friend Clare Nicolls also from the Keystone State, along with Henry’s  ’Madison family’, gathered to dedicate his memorial bench.  Henry passed away in May 2007.  During his nearly two decades of living on the Isthmus he often was seen sitting on a park bench enjoying the views of the lake and sky.  Therefore those who gathered on Saturday thought the bench was a most fitting tribute to a brother, and friend.

In addition to those gathering for Henry Dudek the community also gathered to welcome the five new benches to the neighborhood.   Ericka Koviunen is to be applauded for the outstanding creativity and work that she poured into these benches.

The benches will be allowed to rust for several months before a layer of treatment will be applied to preserve the look, and stop the aging process.

Gary Tipler, a great friend for the needs of the B.B. Clarke Beach sitting alongside artist Ericka Koviunen.