CLARK, Richard (Dick) Phil

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, September 01, 2011 Richard (Dick) Phil Clark, 89, passed away Aug. 28, 2011. An Arizona native, he lived less than 100 miles from his birthplace, Prescott, where he grew up delivering milk for Clark Jersey Dairy, the family business. Richard was named after Arizona's first territorial governor, John Phillips, his great-granduncle. After serving in WWII as a Navy corpsman throughout the Pacific including Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, Richard went on in 1948 to earn a BS in animal husbandry at the University of Arizona. He "slung hash" at the University Commons to pay his way through school, was a member of Delta Chi fraternity, worked as a movie extra, and continued to satisfy his love of horses by playing polo. He married Dorothy Kellogg, and they moved to Whiteriver, where he was employed by the Indian Service, then a short move to Mesa and then Scottsdale where he worked for Ralston Purina and was proud of his recognition for his accomplishments. However, he would later say his career "was far less satisfying than siring and raising two beautiful daughters." Richard and Dorothy divorced, and in the mid-1960s he built a house in Scottsdale. Richard then married Mary Theresa Utar in 1970 and made their home together for the past 41 years. Theresa brought out the best in Richard, and they spent many of their early years traveling to Europe and Mexico, and visiting various friends and relatives around the country. His endearing smile and strong will carried him throughout his life, attracting friendships of every order. He was the original people person, and would strike up casual conversations with folks ranging from children to the elderly. "Willow Creek Road," his collection of short stories about he and his two brothers growing up in the Prescott area, was published in 2003. He enjoyed fishing, golf, building carretas and solving crossword puzzles. He loved cowboy ballads, and right up to his death knew the words and would sing "Red River Valley" and "Strawberry Roan" without missing a beat. Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Theresa Clark; daughters Carmen Morel (Bob) and Caroline Strasser (Brad); grandchildren Jack Edward Morel, Sophia Anna Morel, Clark Elliot Strasser and Gwenndolyn Grace Strasser; his sisters Hazel Clark Deming and Mary (Ray) Wineck, both of Prescott; and many other loving relatives. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of the Valley, 480-663-6500. Services will be at Messenger Mortuary on Indian School at Miller in Scottsdale on Sunday Sept. 4, 2011 at 2 p.m. followed by a reception at Richard and Mary Theresa's home. Information provided by survivors.