Ralph Clark, 96, Lake Bluff

Ralph Ridgway Clark, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, at the age of 96. A life well-lived and deeply cherished by all who knew him, Ralph’s legacy is one of integrity, adventure, and a profound love of nature.

Born on December 2, 1927, at Evanston Hospital to Harriet Ridgway Clark and Samuel Harris Clark, Ralph spent his entire life on the North Shore of Chicago. He grew up in Winnetka, raised his family in Northbrook, and in his retirement years, made his home in Lake Bluff. He and his beloved wife, Mary, also created treasured memories at their cabin, “Clark’s Camp,” in the serene Northwoods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary Campbell Clark; his sister, Marjorie Hagenah (William); his brother, Samuel Harris Clark Jr. (Connie); and many loyal bird dogs. He is survived by his three children, Stephen Ridgway Clark (Jan), Julie Clark O’Malley (Don), and John Harris Clark (Kiki); his eight grandchildren, Ben Clark, Grant Clark (Elle), Kasey Wood (Trevor), Sam O'Malley (Megan), Perry Minter (Trey), Lucy Pelletier (Erik), Henry Clark (Kate), and Harris Clark (Josie); and 16 great-grandchildren, Aniston, Hensley, Dillon, Tate, Murphy, Beezy, Hattie, Jack, Tommy, Clark, Sage, Byrdie, Susie, Miller, Molly, and Pearl. He is also survived by countless friends whose lives he touched with kindness, wisdom, and generosity.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Ralph had a deep connection to nature. He excelled in sailing, having won the prestigious Great Lakes Championships in his one-design boat “Aramas” and completed the Chicago to Mackinac race several times, finishing first in his class on one occasion. He was a guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, an avid bird hunter, fly fisherman, and bow hunter. He was particularly fond of his side-by-side shotgun, his handmade split-cane fly rod and his traditional long bow. Above all, Ralph’s message was simple: It wasn’t about the victory or the harvest, but about being fully present and appreciating the beauty of nature and one’s surroundings.

Ralph attended New Trier High School and Bradley University before proudly serving in the United States Army. He began his business career in the industrial equipment supplies business, eventually advancing to become President and later becoming Owner of Durrie Sales. Known for his integrity and honesty, Ralph’s handshake was his bond—a standard he carried both in business and in life.

However, Ralph’s ultimate passion was his beloved Northwoods cabin. There, he and Mary created a sanctuary where they could disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other. Whether hunting, fishing, running their bird dogs, canoeing, or simply enjoying the stillness of the forest, “Clark’s Camp” became the place where their hearts found peace. It was truly their "happy place," and it remains a symbol of their shared love for the simple joys of life.

A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest at 11:00 AM on January 25, 2025. The family invites all who knew and loved Ralph to join them in honoring his memory.

In Ralph’s spirit, we are reminded to treasure the moments we have, embrace the outdoors, and hold the people we love close. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks you consider a donation in his memory and honor to either The Des Plaines Wetlands Conservancy (donations can be mailed to the Des Plaines Wetlands Conservancy c/o Halter Wildlife, 9626 113th Street, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158) or friends of Lake Bluff Park District (online contributions can be made on friendsoflbparks.org/support).

Info: www.wenbanfh.com or (847)234-0022.