Arthur G. Clarke, Jr.

Date of Birth

October 14, 1932

Date of Death

July 16, 2020

Arthur G. Clarke, beloved father and grandfather and longtime resident of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, passed away suddenly on July 16, 2020 due to complications following a catastrophic stroke.

Art was born in Los Angeles, California on October 14, 1932 to Arthur and Amy Clarke. After graduating from Hollywood High School, he was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War and was stationed at the Nevada Test Site as part of the military’s desire to learn how troops would withstand the effects of nuclear warfare. After serving his time in the army, he attended UCLA where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1959. He was a lifelong Bruins fan.

He married Dixie Garbutt in 1957 and they had three children, Robin (Clarke) LaFevers, Timothy Clarke, and Matthew Clarke. Art and Dixie divorced in 1965 and in 1970 he married Becky Kay Webb. Shortly thereafter they moved to Mammoth Lakes, California, where he worked with Dempsey Construction. In 1976, Art and Kay were blessed with a daughter, Kimberly, who was at his side when he passed.

Being a father was one of Art’s great joys in life. That dedication and commitment to being a hands-on dad had him relocating to Santa Barbara, California in 1980 so that he could be closer to his older children. After a long career as a C.P.A., Art wanted to make a difference in his community and spent many hours over many years working for Priority Homes, Inc., to have affordable housing brought to Santa Barbara with Oak Grove Condominiums.

After his wife Kay passed away, in 2009 Art moved to Ventura, California to care for his youngest grandson, Caleb. They spent many wonderful hours together, camping, hiking, and reveling in one another’s company. He often claimed that being Caleb’s nanny was the highlight of his career.

Art embraced all of life—both the bitter and the sweet—and met it head on, sleeves rolled up, eager to do his duty and trusting in his faith to see him through. He was a man of deep convictions and a constant faith in Jesus Christ, and was actively involved in a number of local churches, including El Montecito Presbyterian and Encounter.

Art shared his love of nature with his children and grandchildren by taking them hiking, backpacking, skiing and biking.  He also loved to travel. In 1960 he crewed on the schooner Wanderer, sailing from Sausalito, California to Tahiti and back again. That trip was followed with rafting down the Grand Canyon, exploring the Eastern Sierras and Yosemite, visits to Israel, British Columbia, England, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Amsterdam, and many of the National Parks.  When he was in his 70s, he biked the Italian Coast and went on a D-Day Tour through Europe.

He is survived by his children, Robin LaFevers (Mark), Timothy Clarke (Susan), Matthew Clarke and Kimberly Arce (Alex), his grandchildren, Adam LaFevers, Eric LaFevers, Caleb Arce, Tony Clarke, Corissa Davidson, and great grandchildren, Allen Davidson, Tyler Davidson, Sam Davidson, Lilly Davidson, Dillon Clarke, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Art filled out lives with joy, touched our souls and moved our hearts. We are grateful for the time he shared with us here on earth and our love goes with him as he embarks on his newest journey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Yosemite Conservancy or Food Share of Ventura County.

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