Steven Leuck, a contractor in Eugene, Oregon, worked for Clark in his New York City home in the mid-1980s. Having grown up on "Bandstand," he was "thrilled" to work for him.

"Mr. Clark called me at home and told me personally how much he appreciated the extra time and work it took to get [his] specialty lighting purchased, delivered and installed on time," he said. "He gave me his home phone number and told me that if I should ever need anything that he could do for me that I should never hesitate to call on him. I have worked with many celebrities over the years but he was far and away the kindest, most thoughtful gentleman of all the celebrities I have ever met or had the pleasure to work with."

1. He gave people opportunities

Maggie Kortchmar, back when she was known as Maggie Lee, had a song played on "American Bandstand" in the 1980s.

"He said my name so sweetly: he was thoughtful, and concerned with the kids saying it was okay."

Unfortunately, the record got a lukewarm response, but "Dick Clark looked right into the camera, and told me he liked it and for me to keep plugging. A very generous, kind man."