John Russell Clark of St. George, Utah, passed away on June 8, 2010, of pancreatic cancer. An avid marathon runner since the age of 61, John was known to many as a very health-conscious physician. When his own father passed away nine months ago at nearly 109 years of age, many agreed that John would be another centenarian and possibly even outlive Russell B. Clark. "Clarks don't get cancer," he had told his family in recent years, having conducted a study of his genealogy in 1981 which revealed that his progenitors had mostly died of old age, strokes, and bicycle or car accidents.
John was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 19, 1933, to Russell B. and Ruby Dorius Clark. John learned the meaning of "work" at an early age, spending his summers on the family farm in Georgetown, Idaho. His early interest in medicine was encouraged while working alongside his father, a well-established physician in Chicago. The family moved to southern California during John's high school years. He later attended Stanford University where he met his wife, Antoinette Evans. They were married April 18, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple, then moved to Philadelphia so he could complete his studies at Hahnemann Medical School in 1959. Their six children were born in Philadelphia, Hawaii, Salt Lake City, and Long Beach before John set up his neurosurgical practice in Chico, California, in 1969. The family remained in Chico for 25 years, where John's professional and community service included the Boy Scouts of America, the Butte-Glenn County Medical Society, and the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, among others. Politically active in the community, John spear-headed numerous fundraisers and campaigns from their vibrant home, and an open-door policy brought in many foster children over the years.
John had obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed flying with his family, as well as water-skiing, snow-skiing, and mountain-climbing. More than reaching the top himself, John's greatest thrill was to tow others using a rope tied around his waist. He often told his grandchildren, "Someday you will do the same for me."
In 1991, John was called into active military duty during Desert Storm, and his service in Dubai and Kuwait meant leaving his thriving medical practice in Chico. Upon his return, John and Antoinette began their transition to Utah, but retirement brought no slowing of his pace. At age 61, he began running two marathons each year, totaling 24 marathons by his final age of 76.
John was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life, serving in various capacities. Favorite callings included scoutmaster and bishop. He loved to meet new people, always showing his interest in others. He often championed the underdog, quietly doing good and building the lives of others. After retirement, John regularly traveled to Ethiopia as a volunteer humanitarian doctor, treating patients and training medical students at the University of Addis Ababa and the Black Lion Hospital. He has also served medical missions in Guatemala, Singapore, Tanzania, China and Bulgaria.
He is survived by his wife, Antoinette Evans Clark, and his children: April Clark Clive (Cliff); John Evans Clark (Kathleen); David Dorius Clark (Dodie); Sara Clark Madsen (Steve); Wendy Clark Ludlow (Brian); and Colleen Niau Clark Fear (Paul). He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Two sisters include Beverly Clark Johnson (Dale) and Barbara Clark Boies (Bob), and two brothers, Robert Brent Clark (Anne) and Stephen Craig Clark (Lindi).
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 18, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Bloomington Third Ward chapel at 3519 Manzanita Road, St George, Utah. A viewing will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, located at 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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