Robert “Bob” Dempsey Clark, 84, died in his sleep on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, the result of cancer.
Robert leaves behind his daughter Andrea Clark, daughter-in-law Cynthia Heeb Clark, grandsons Wesley and Oliver Clark, all of Sacramento; a brother Richard Clark of Bakersfield; a nephew Paul Bullard of Seattle; nieces Karen Bullard of Seattle and Brenda McDonough of Huntington Beach, as well as many cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in death by both parents, his first wife Virginia Veninga Clark, sister Martha Clark Bradshaw, and son Byron Clark.
Robert was born in San Francisco, a month after the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. Robert graduated from Williams Union Elementary School and Williams Union High School. He attended the University of California, Davis and received a degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Robert farmed for several years in the Williams area, before embarking on a 25-year career as manager of the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District in Willows. Robert also worked as an international consultant in the irrigation field and served as a director of the Water Education Foundation. After retirement from GCID, Robert continued his passion for water resources and infrastructure by managing the North Delta Water Agency, Reclamation District No. 2047, Sacramento River Water Contractors Association, and California Central Valley Flood Control Association.
He lived for a short time in Citrus Heights before he settled in Rancho Cordova. Robert enjoyed spending summers at his cabin in Clipper Mills. He was a stellar “Papa” to his two grandsons, attending almost every sporting event and birthday. Robert was a train enthusiast, always enjoyed a good bargain, and never once turned down ice cream. He was soft spoken, but always had a twinkle in his eye, and he made an excellent apple pie.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, at the East Lawn Elk Grove Cemetery. Robert will be inurned next to his beloved son, Byron Clark, and his first wife, Virginia Clark. ■
PUBLISHED 02/10/2022 • COLUSA COUNTY PIONEER REVIEW #2022-0202