Johnson Clark ’43

John died April 27, 2007, in Summit Hospital, Oakland, Calif., of complications from a heart procedure. He was 85.

A 55-year resident of Lafayette, Calif., John was a home builder, an athlete, history buff, civic worker, and Democratic activist. With his wife, Louise, and friend Jeff Heaton, John launched a project last year on a Lafayette hillside that he co-owned, erecting 3,000 crosses to commemorate troop deaths in Iraq. The project drew widespread media attention, setting off public accolades and criticism. The California Senate, Assembly, and Contra Costa Board of Supervisors all hailed John's accomplishments after his death.

John was born in Evanston, Ill., grew up in Winnetka, and prepared at New Trier High School. At Princeton he majored in biology, played freshman football, was on the varsity swimming and track teams, and joined Quadrangle Club. He left Princeton in 1942, served in the Navy, and later graduated from the University of Chicago.

Over the years he enjoyed Boy Scout outings, swimming, bicycling, and whitewater kayaking. He founded a triathlon at the Lafayette Reservoir in which 50 athletes participated.

He married Louise Harvey in 1948. She survives, along with their four sons, two daughters, and 14 grandchildren, including triplets born five days before John died.