Robert William Clark

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert William Clark, who left this world on November 15, 2023, at the age of 90. He departed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 25,1933, Robert William Clark was born in Portland, Oregon. Robert William Clark served in the Korean War. He was the father of 4 children, daughter Kelly, and sons' Billy, Michael, and Patrick. Robert, whom people would call Bill, Billy, and on rare occasions Robert, is the son of Harold and Francis Clark, and brother to Harold, Kathleen, Francis Ann, and Susan. From an early age, Bill displayed a liking for mischievous fun which, while he never stopped, he did tone it down with age. However, certain things he maintained to the very end, and as such, he will always be remembered for stealing people's noses (he did this just days before he passed in his hospital bed), making bunny ears behind some unsuspecting person in a photo; for always reminding people who asked where he was going that he was going "crazy," and for always reminding people that he wanted them to give him "a million dollars." Bill LOVED family get togethers and would have them often at the home that he and his father built in Milwaukie, Oregon. There he held all Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners followed by dessert. He maintained this tradition for most of his children's lives and anyone was welcome to attend, and no one would be turned away. The closest he ever came to asking someone to leave is when they showed up in Oregon Duck’s attire. Bill wanted his family and friends to get together more often than just Thanksgiving and Christmas, so he and his wife Mary would host many get-togethers. Some were barbecues where Bill never missed this opportunity to make "his" potato and macaroni salads for the people he loved. There would be other meals when he would highlight his love and skill for making spaghetti and meatballs. Bill always came up with a reason to get his family and friends together! Not everyone may know that it had been debated whether it would be appropriate to put "Robert Willam Clark, Maker of the Best, One of a Kind, and Most Incomparable Rice Patties the World has ever known" on his tombstone. However, it was decided it wouldn't fit. Fun fact, word on the street is that his son Billy's wife, Laurie, has come the closest to duplicating them. Who knew, that the boy who unscrewed the salt and pepper shaker lids in the teachers' lunch room, who enjoyed throwing a stink bomb in a movie theater, and knocked on peoples' doors after lighting a sack of ...... on fire, would turn out to be such a dedicated and loving family man and friend to so many, all the while making faith in God the number one priority in life. Bill attended mass every Sunday, and often went to other churches. He and his sister Kathleen went to the same intensive bible study for over 30 years. Against their will, Bill made each of his children attend mass and weekly Catechism. We had no foresight that faith would become an important part of our lives that would "eventually" govern our choices as adults. To this day, Bill is the only person who retired from NW Natural Gas Company that had worked there for 51 years. It was his work ethic, his faith, and his commitment to do good, combined with a jokester sense of humor, that made him fun to know, a valuable role model, and allowed him to support all of his family members as children and adults in so many ways, and often their friends too. Bill was also known for things like working out his whole life, running, and being a diehard Beaver's fan. He attended many seasons of Beaver Football games. Bill was such a kind man, that he even learned to tolerate Duck fans and tattoos. Bill touched many people by working to live his personal and biblical values which included seeing EVERY family member as important, and if they would give him an opportunity, he would show it. In addition to friends and others, Bill also touched people who did not even know him, because he did things behind the scenes and wanted no glory such as saving someone from drowning or pulling someone out of a wrecked burning car. It is no surprise that Bill will leave a lasting impact on his family, friends, and community. Bill is survived by his wife Mary, his 4 children, and MANY family members who will cherish the memories of his love, guidance, and laughter. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Bill will be held on December 8, 2023, at Christ the King. A Rosary will start at 10:30 am; the funeral service will start at 11:00 am, and the reception will start immediately after the service. Attendees will need to be at Willamette National Cemetery for the Military Ceremony which will include a 21 gun salute by 2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a Charity or Organization of your choice. A cause close to the Clark Family's heart is the Alzheimer's Foundation. As we mourn the loss of Bill, let us also celebrate the legacy that he leaves behind—a legacy of God and faith, love, laughter, and Family. May Bill rest in eternal peace.

Robert William Clark

June 25, 1933 - November 15, 2023