Michael John Clark ’71, M.A. ’72 was born in Richmond, Ind., Jan. 10, 1949. He passed away unexpectedly in San Luis Obispo on July 23, 2013.

He grew up in Campbell after living in Indiana for the first four years of his life. He attended Saint Lucy Catholic School in Campbell from the first through eighth grades. He attended Campbell High School where he played football and wrestled. He then attended Santa Clara University where he played football and graduated with a master’s in history and teaching.

During his time attending Santa Clara University he met Maryanne Patricia Scott, “Patty.”

After graduating in 1971 and marriage in 1972, he worked for Atascadero Unified School District, where he taught English, history and driver’s education for 14 years. He also coached swimming and football.

In 1973 he received his master’s in administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

After 14 years of teaching, he became the assistant principal at Atascadero Junior High. He then went on to become an elementary school principal at Creston and Carissa Plains, Lewis Avenue, San Benito and San Gabriel.

Mike retired in 2005 from Atascadero Unified School District and worked for a short time at Mission Prep High School as an assistant principal. 

He lived in Los Osos from 1972 to 2006, when he moved to Paso Robles to be closer to his children and grandchildren. In 2006 he became a proud grandpa.

He was a grandpa to five grandchildren. He was a proud father to three children, Kimberly Rivas (Dan), Kristi Roberson (Matt) and Will Clark (Autumn).

His students, faculty, wife, children, grandchildren and extended family were everything to him. He was dedicated to always making them happy. His sense of humor, smile and his laughter were contagious. He was selfless and often unwilling to take credit for his accomplishments. He always fought for the underdog and a just outcome. The likes of him will not soon enter this world again.

Mike was an animal lover and will be missed by his dogs, Sheena and Stryker, and his three kitties, which were dependent upon him for their many daily walks and treats.

He is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, two sisters, Colleen Chiaramonte and Cathy Blass, brother, Tom Clark, and many nieces and nephews.