Laconia------Ralph M. Clark 94, died Monday, July 18, 2016 at his home after a long illness that failed to diminish his spirit or positive outlook. He was a man who always looked to the future and lived the Golden Rule. He will be remembered as an honorable man with a wonderful sense of humor.
Ralph graduated from Milford, NH, High School in 1940. In 1939 he enlisted in the NH National Guard and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. In Europe, he served under General Patton with the 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, 3rd Army. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and at the Rhine Crossing into Nazi Germany. When the war ended, he was in Czechoslovakia, having walked across Europe. Some of Ralph’s military awards and decorations include: The Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, five Combat Service Bars, European Campaign Medal, Occupation Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. He was a charter member of VFW Post 6538 Townsend MA, a member of the Combat Infantryman’s Association, and a member of Veteran’s of the Battle of the Bulge.
Upon his return to civilian life in 1945, he worked in the lumber business with his father in Townsend MA. In 1953 he began his career with the US Postal Service as a rural route carrier, and in 1960 he was appointed Postmaster in West Townsend MA, remaining in that position until his retirement in 1978. In 1990 he and his wife, June, entered the Peace Corps and served two meaningful and productive years on the island of Grenada. There, they were instrumental in establishing a library in the town of Gouave, and, given Ralph’s love of reading, this was particularly appropriate. After the Peace Corps they returned to Laconia where, until the onset of his illness, Ralph enjoyed further biennial travels with June, puttering around the house and yard, and spending time on the boat in the company of his dear family, friends, and neighbors.
Ralph was born at home in Waldoboro ME on May 11, 1922, to Lloyd B and Blanche E (Goodwin) Clark.In 1946 he married the love of his life, June Sundstrom; they shared 69 years of wonderful happiness and adventures. Their children, JoAnn Clark of St Johnsbury VT; Diane Blankenburg and her husband Bill of Townsend MA; Jill Clark and husband Walt Burkett of Bellingham WA; grandchildren Jennifer Ovaska and Eric Ovaska of Townsend MA, Dylan Clark-Martin of Seattle WA and Caitlyn Clark-Martin, currently serving in the US Navy; and great-grandchildren Madison and Jake, will all miss Grampy tremendously.
For those who wish, memorial contributions in Ralph’s memory may be made to Central NH VNA & Hospice, 780 N Main St, Laconia NH, 03246 or Laconia Public Library, 695 N Main St, Laconia, NH 03246.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 1:00pm at The Beane Confrence Center, 35 Blueberry Lane, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street Laconia, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.