Donald L. Clark

FOLSOM —

The Honorable Donald Lincoln Clark, retired Judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court, passed away on January 12, 2023. Don resided in Folsom, California since 2004 with his wife, Janice Metcalf Clark, who passed away in 2009.

Judge Clark was born in San Diego in 1929. After graduating as a member of the Hoover High School Class of 1947, Don received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Yale University in 1951. Don spent his summers working aboard the ferry boats crossing the bay between downtown San Diego and Coronado, a memory he fondly shared with others.

After graduating from college, Don served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War, providing office support to military leadership while stationed in Ft. Benning, Georgia. While in the service, he was accepted into UCLA Law School and graduated in 1956.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Harry Clark, a San Diego district attorney, Don spent his 42-year legal career in public service. After passing

December 20, 1929 - January 12, 2023 the California bar exam, he was hired by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office in 1957. He worked in the civil section and later transferred to the San Diego County Counsel’s Office when that separate office was created by the Board of Supervisors. Don was appointed County Counsel of San Diego County in 1976, and in 1983 was appointed County Counsel of Santa Clara County. In 1989, Governor Deukmejian appointed him as a Superior Court judge, and Don served on the bench for ten years before retiring at age 70.

While attending UCLA, Don met Janice Metcalf, a student in the UCLA teaching program, and he often recalled their first date at her sorority dance. Janice quickly became the love of his life. They were married in 1956

and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006.

Together, they were devoted parents and grandparents. Don is survived by his son Jeffrey Clark (London, England), Martha Clark Lofgren (Folsom, California), and Alex C. Clark (Las Vegas, Nevada). Don also is survived by five grandchildren: Julie Lofgren (34), Kayleen Lofgren (32), Owen Smith-clark (27), Willem Smith-clark (25), and Harry Lincoln Lu-clark (5). Son-in-law Jim Lofgren and daughter-in-law Ning Lu-clark have been important in Don’s life as well. All of Don’s surviving family members celebrated his 93rd birthday with him in December.

Throughout his life, Don always had a close canine companion, the most recent buddy being “Rusty,” a King Charles Cavalier who was by his side through his restful passing. A piano player from childhood, Don was proud of his Steinway Grand Piano, and he played his favorite music until a few weeks before his final days.

Don believed in traditional values, he always said “thank you” to everyone who helped him, and he will be remembered for his love of American history and, in recent years, memorizing the Presidents of the United States and the Gettysburg Address. Don had high standards as well as a very kind heart. He held a deep conviction to treat everyone with respect and love. He ended his days at Oakmont of Folsom, passing due to old age. Don’s family is grateful to his personal caregiver for three years, Kimberly, the staff at Oakmont, and the UC Davis hospice team for their compassionate care in his final days.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am, February 18 at Miller Funeral Home, 507 Scott Street, Folsom. Details (including for virtual participation) are available at www. miller funeral home folsom. net. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice General Support Fund of the UC Davis Foundation (give.ucdavis. edu) or Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (www. childadvocatessv.org), two organizations that have had a major impact in the life of the Clark Family.

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