Ronnie Lynn Clark
I received the news this Saturday last
That our good friend Ronnie Clark had passed
I took a few moments to sit down and reflect
About a man to whom I had the utmost respect

He was born in nineteen forty-nine, early that fall
To Lacy and Betty Clark, from the town of Newhall
Even as a kid, his mechanical aptitude was very keen
So he took a job at C & W Construction, at the age of 19

It didn’t take long before the Owner started to know
In a matter of time, he’d have Ronnie running the show
It was a tough crowd, working with guys who put up gates, poles and fence
He quickly learned, his best defense was a good offense

He joined the Iron Workers Union and became a Master at his trade
And was very well known, for the great reputation that he made
He had no idea what a great career this would be
Working at C&W Construction, with the Bennett family

Many years later, he would meet Janelle, the love of his life
And soon he would propose, that she be his wife
But rumor has it, that in the beginning, she wasn't a fan
But he won her over, because he was an amazing man

He had many hobbies, one being, he liked to fish
Unfortunately, not many made it home, to be put on a dish
He loved his Jeep CJ-5 that could really get'r up
And had so much fun, fixing her up

He became part of our family as a distant in-law
And was good at ignoring, any drama that he saw
He had his demons, like all of us do
But he beat them all down, with help from Janelle and Mr. O’doule

After retiring, he joined the Ventura Lion’s Club, for something to do
And jumped right in, to handle that huge Barbeque
About that time, Puder became his name
And riding shotgun in the white Corvette, became his new game

As a believer, I know that this is all part of God’s plan.
So I look to his word so that I might understand.
I will continue to pray, so that I might comprehend why,
On Friday he took this unbelievable guy.

Sending you our heartfelt sympathies. We have fond memories of Ronnie, especially of him manning his big BBQ in the backyard for our Corvette Club events. Prayers for your strength and healing during this difficult time.

Our friend Ronnie Clark was many things in his lifetime – a hard worker (as you just heard from Mike), devoted husband, animal lover (as witnessed by the mini-zoo that was at his home), and a kind and gentle friend. 

He was a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but to many he was what a powerful, effective and loving human being looks like. He was a giant, whose tenacity was matched by his grace. He broke down barriers and did what he needed to do to get the job done, but never lost his belief in the human spirit and he believed that in the end everything will work out to the best of humanity.

And he was a fighter, he always wanted to do his very best — in the work that loved, his family that he adored, and even when he fell ill, when many of us would become bitter – he on the other hand remained upbeat and resilient throughout the entire process.  

Everything he did in life revolved around doing his best. Maybe at times those of us watching on wouldn’t do it the way that he did it – but he did and he got things done. 
That’s what he should be remembered for. There is simply nobody who possessed the strength, gentleness, and fierceness of Ronnie Clark. June and I, along with the Members Ventura Downtown Lions Club and the Ventura County Corvette Club, are deeply saddened by his passing, and we will mourn with his family, knowing full well that this is not the last time we will meet. 

Because a Love Beyond the Grave are never separated by it!

Janelle, we will miss Ronnie so much in the Corvette Club, especially his funny sense of humor.  Now he’s up there in Heaven waiting for the moment the two of you will be reunited again.  Love you “Cuz”.

Ronnie was a great friend of all the Ventura County Corvette Club Members. Even before he and Janelle found their ideal Corvette, as associate members of the club, they fit right in and made the club more vibrant. They opened their home to host the after the Ojai 4th of July Parade Party for the club and Ronnie would be the “Chief Barbecue Man”. No body would go away hungry. He will be missed. RIP Ronnie!

Janelle- I‘ve had a difficult time coming up with the right words, as there aren’t any. 

Ronnie was such a sweet man and the two of you were made for each other. I’ve enjoyed hearing the tales of your love story and I admire your never ending love and devotion, even now, as you organize and plan his celebration of life.  

What I will remember most is his kindness and that mischievous grin he wore - like he was up to something good.   He (and you) will always be in my heart. 

Ronnie- we will see you later!  Until then, I pray you are at peace.  You will be missed and are loved beyond measure.

I basically grew up knowing and being mentored by Ronnie.  He had a very strong work ethic, unique physical agility, highly competent problem solving skills together with a keen sense of humor!  As I got older, I came to understand what a truly unique person he was.  I looked forward to working with him in the field at various jobsites around the state as I came to understand that I would be learning new tricks of the trade from him as well as having some fun along the way.  We were always teasing each other and even in a difficult situation, would find a way to make light of the situation.  My Dad would almost constantly be in awe and proud of his accomplishments and was a target of Ronnie's jokes and prodding.  Even if I wasn't assigned to work with him that week, once he returned to the shop on Friday afternoons, I very much looked forward to our after work get togethers.  Even though later on I was to work in the office as his supervisor, he was always the boss with my respect and his lead I did follow.  He may have been somewhat short in stature, but was the tallest of Men and will always remain in my heart.  God speed, Ronnie!

Janelle. I’m so very sorry for your loss. You and Ronnie were a wonderful devoted couple. Always upbeat and positive about life. Janelle you are truly an angel for standing by and taking such good care of Ronnie this past year. I remember Ronnie as a sweet, kind and gentle man. May he Rest In Peace.

Our real first memory of spending time with Ronnie was at Big Bear Bash.   As the Vettes cruised through town we all sat outside a Mexican Restaurant while the “boys” bought us refreshments.   He was kind hearted, and while he was still able grilled us some great burgers on the 4th after the parade.    Always keep those wonderful memories in your heart.  Love, Debbie & Rudy

Dear Janelle,

My heart has been breaking for you during this time of Ronnie’s transition. He was your soul mate. You two were blessed to have each other and share a special bond that showed wherever you went. We are grateful for the memories we have shared together over the years with the VCCC. Ronnie was a sweetheart and will be missed. You are our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love you girl! XO

Love,
Mindy & Al Siemens
Your VCCC Buddies

We remember Ronnie as a sweet, kind, gentle man with quite a sense of humor!!!!   The sweetness and kindness that Ronnie and Janelle showed each other was a beautiful example of unconditional love.

Dearest Janelle, I was honored to meet Ronnie once in Nov 2021. He was friendly and funny and devoured some doughnuts while we watched Heartland. ❤️ I'm grateful that I got to spend time with him and Shellee that day at your home.  My deepest sympathies to you. From what I’ve heard and read, your love together knew no bounds, a once-in-a-lifetime soul bond. May he rest in peace in God’s arms for eternity. 

Paula Ayala

Ronnie is the love of Janelle's (my sweet daughter) life.  The last year has been difficult for him, and even when he was so ill and sometimes didn't understand what was happening to him he never lost his impish sense of humor.  The king of the one liners to the end. Rest in peace dear heart.
  Lynda Borges

The love of my life and the best man I have ever known. I know you will be waiting at the gates when it is my time. Until then, I will miss you terribly, but will hold you in my heart and know that you are always with me, looking over me. I love you and will hold you again. Your loving wife.

Ronnie Clark is considered a legend in our industry, our business and our family. Ronnie embodied the ethos and spirit of what our Dad, Bob Bennett thought was the epitome of a C&W Man!!  Being that I was very young when Ronnie started working at C&W, 1968 I believe, I grew up hearing Ronnie's name at home continuously as Ronnie was what Dad wanted everyone to strive to be. My first impressions when I first met this guy, was that he was relatively short, but had forearms like Popeye! Ronnie was well known for outworking everyone, and I was a recipient of this work ethic. In  the summer of 1977 C&W was building the tennis courts at Libby Park in Ojai. It was the middle of summer, like 110 degrees outside, Ronnie had me running around like a crazy person trying to keep up with him, but I simply couldn't keep up, and I had to deposit my recently eaten lunch in the trash can. Ronnie saw that I wasn't feeling so well, so he sent me back to the yard as I was apparently no help to him. Ronnie was also in possession of a very creative and inventive mind. Our yard still has some of the rustic inventions that Ronnie created. In most cases these inventions and creations were used to increase efficiency on the jobs he was working on, wanting to get his jobs done on time or early. It was impressive the things Ronnie was able to build and watch him implement. Our Dad seemed to want to adopt Ronnie as his own Son! Shortly after Ronnie retired, we had a street sign made with his name on it and placed in our parking lot at the yard, where it will always stay.  Ronnie also had a habit of trying to get my dad's wallet from him whenever possible, which is pretty funny if you know Bob Bennett! We have lost a true legend. Our condolences and heart felt sadness to Janelle and everyone who was lucky enough to have known Ronnie. I feel as this is the end of a great era in our lives. Rest in Peace Ronnie Clark!

It’s taken me a few days to wrap my head around your passing, Ronnie.  I hope you know how much you are going to be missed.  You and Janelle had a marriage that I aspire to.  Thank you for taking care of my bestie’s heart all these years.  I have loved and admired you since I met you.  I’m going to miss watching football with you when no one else was watching.  Fly high, my friend.

Janelle,  So sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. It's always a shock even if you know it's coming. I am sure he's in a better place with his parents and his 2 brothers an son. They are happy together now.  You have some great memories to hang on to. Just take one day at a time. I take as much time as you need. Because it's  not easy.
Sincerely,
Linda Clark

Ronnie was a part of my life for many years via my friendship with his best friend, his wife Janelle. 
He was a fabulous cook and together they hosted many memorable meals and gatherings throughout their marriage. Always an open heart and made the time to lend a helping hand when needed, he never grumbled or hesitated he just got to it and did whatever was necessary.
I will miss his wry sense of humor and take on life and all its complexities; he was a straight shooter but always with heart, you could count on him always.
I will miss you Ronnie Clark, yes I surely will.

Ronnie is a legend.  So many memories and stories to keep us all smiling, until we walk with him again.  We didn’t share DNA but we are still family.  There was this human mold that I’m not sure will ever be used again to cast such a dedicated, hard working soul.

OBITUARY

Ronnie Lynn Clark

19 September, 1949 – 8 September, 2023

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

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