William Sanders Clark

December 28, 1920 - October 19, 2015

William Sanders Clark passed away on October 19, 2015, at the age of 94.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, but a resident of San Francisco since 1947, Mr. Clark received his formal education at University School in Cleveland and at Dartmouth College (’42) and the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration in Hanover, New Hampshire. His business career was spent with the Standard Oil Company of California, the Farrington Manufacturing Company of Needham Heights, Massachusetts, and the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was a Past President of the San Francisco Life Underwriters Association.

A Captain in the United States Marine Corps in World War II, Mr. Clark served with the 5th Amphibian Tractor Battalion that landed the assault waves of Marine infantry on Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. His unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its performance at Saipan and Iwo Jima.

Mr. Clark felt strongly about a citizen’s responsibility to his community and served many years as President and Board member of the Cow Hollow Improvement Association. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Achenbach Graphic Arts Council.

He was a member of the Olympic Club and Commonwealth Club. He was an avid reader, a lover of art and derived much pleasure from multiple collecting interests and listening to classical music. Were Mr. Clark asked what two events in his life gave him the most pride he would reply his marriage to his wife Polly and his service to his country in World War II as a United States Marine. Mr. Clark was predeceased by his beloved Polly earlier this year, and his son William Sanders Clark, Jr.

Survivors include his two children, Richard H. Clark of Pasadena and Anne Clark Claman of San Rafael, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Burial will be private. A Memorial Service will be held at The Episcopal Church of St. Mary The Virgin, 2325 Union Street, San Francisco on December 28 at 2pm. Friends are welcome. A reception will follow at The Century Club of San Francisco.

The family suggests contributions if desired be made to Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755; University School, 2785 SOM Center Rd., Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022; the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts – Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Attn, Karin Breuer, 100 34th Avenue, S.F. CA 94121 or to the charity of one’s choice.