Robert L. Clark

Robert Lee Clark of Ojai passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. His wife, Kathleen, passed away on December 22, 2010. Bob is survived by his brother, Guy; four children, Steven Michael (Leah), Carolyn Ann, David James (Jackie) and Daniel Guy; and six grandchildren, Jason, Christian, Jonah, Shawn, Wyatt, and Julia. He was 84.

Bob was born in Atwood, Kansas on March 18, 1927. When Bob was ten, at the height of the Great Depression, the family moved to Portland, Oregon, where he worked as a paper boy to help his family get by. Bob attended Benson Polytechnic High School, where he worked on the school newspaper. He entered Army Basic Training in 1945. After the war, Bob studied at Boston University for one year and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a singing career.

Bob found great fortune in Los Angeles, but not as the next Frank Sinatra. In 1954 he met the love of his life, Kathleen Farrell. They married that same year and settled in West Los Angeles, where they raised four children. Bob worked as a media Sales Representative for Hearst Advertising Service, McGraw Hill, and Cahners Publications. He handled advertising accounts for such prominent magazines as Architectural Record and Professional Builder. Bob enjoyed meeting with clients and took pride in his work, he joined Toastmasters for a time to improve his speaking skills. But he especially loved coming home nightly to dinner with Kathleen and their four kids. He had a wonderful singing voice and was always entertaining the family with his favorite songs, encouraging the kids to join in, or to pick out the next record to be played. He had a marvelous, witty sense of humor; he relished silly word play and delighted in kidding around with friends.

Besides his love of music and laughter, Bob also had a driving wish to give back, to volunteer and help those in need. Throughout much of the 1970s, Bob volunteered for M2 Prison Ministries, which matches inmates with mentors. He always showed great compassion for the men he worked with. Bob had a kind, loving heart, and he shared his warmth with everyone.

When Bob retired in 1989, he and Kathleen crossed the country on motor home trips, visiting 41 states and spending time with extended family along the way. They also fulfilled a long-held dream and moved to Ojai, CA. They quickly made Ojai their home town, and they became active in Ojai Presbyterian Church, where Bob and Kathleen became members of Mariners Club. Bob enjoyed ushering at services and participating in men’s Bible study. Bob also volunteered for Ojai Valley Family Shelter, was a member of the Ojai Valley Retired Men’s Club, and played softball in the local senior league. Bob made friends wherever he went. Ojai residents knew the familiar sight of Bob’s smiling face as he walked through town with a cheery air and friendly greetings. His warmth, humor, and love will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The Memorial Service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, at Ojai Presbyterian Church, with a reception following in Stockham Hall, at the church. Please join us to celebrate the life of Bob Clark.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ojai Valley Family Shelter or HELP of Ojai. Any contribution will go a long way to help those in the community who are in need.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com