Barbara “Maga” Snow Clark
January 4, 1926 - September 10, 2014
On Wednesday, September 10, Barbara Clark, a resident of Walnut Creek, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully; she was surrounded by her loving family -- daughters, Linda and Nancy Clark, her two grandsons, John and Mark Grossmann, and her two sons-in-law, Del Chandler and Brian Grossmann. The unique void she leaves is massive.
Barbara was born in Centerville to Sidney and Virginia Snow. Her father, Sidney, and grandfather, Henry Snow, were adventurers, naturalists, and documentary film makers in the 1920s and 30s. Henry started the Snow Museum in Oakland in 1922 (the predecessor to the current Oakland Museum) and Sidney started the Oakland Zoo in 1935.
Literally raised in the zoo, Barbara spent all her time working alongside her beloved father caring for the animals and helping to build a zoo. As a child, some of her special pets included a skunk, a snake, a capuchin monkey, as well as an elephant, chimpanzee, polar bear, lions, etc.
A graduate of Castlemont High School, she went onto UC Berkeley, where she met the love of her life, John Clark. Married in 1945, they joined her father’s vision to create a world-class zoo. John and Barbara assumed the concessions business – running the food stands and rides – while still helping with the care of the animals.
In 1951, three joyous occasions occurred, Barbara gave birth to her first child, Linda, and Sidney adopted Effie, the elephant, and Rosebud, the chimpanzee. Barbara loved to share the stories of raising Linda and Nancy with all of the animals.
For 42 years, Barbara worked alongside her parents and then alongside John. After the death of Sid in 1959 and Virginia in 1968, John and Barbara sold the concessions business to the East Bay Zoological Society in 1977. They hoped that with control of the concessions, the Zoo Society would continue to make the family’s dream a reality.
The next chapter was filled with family, friends, loads of fun, and travel. Moving to the Central Valley, they bought and named their property, Rancho-NutsSo-Grande. Raising 70 acres of walnuts and 80 acres of alfalfa, the work was hard but rewarding.
One of Barbara’s greatest joys was getting back in the saddle. Trail rides in the Sierras and other beautiful locations became unforgettable family outings.
After losing the love of her life in 1997, Barbara decided to return to the Bay Area to be close to family.
In her 80’s Barbara took up belly dancing and playing the stumpf fiddle (while shimmying). And, yes, several of her performances are on YouTube.
She had a full life, yet was ready for more. She loved her family deeply and she was loved deeply. She will be missed, but most importantly she will be remembered for her love and caring, her humor and her worrying, and her uniqueness.
A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 3:00 PM, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 1550 Diablo Road, Danville, CA, (925) 837-4993 with a “Maga” party following.
The family appreciates any donations be made in Barbara Snow Clark’s name to the Oakland Zoo (www. oaklandzoo.org) or contact Matt Rasmussen at (510) 632-9525 x154.