Judge William P. Clark passed away at his Shandon ranch east of Paso Robles on Saturday at the age of 81. He led a long and distinguished career as a public servant, as a Superior Court Judge in San Luis Obispo County and later as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court. He worked on Ronald Reagan’s first campaign for Governor, and later followed him to Sacramento as Chief of Staff. When Reagan went to Washington in 1980, Bill Clark went too, serving as Deputy Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and later as Secretary of the Interior. He was the President’s most trusted and dependable advisor, serving him not just as another aide or cabinet secretary, but as a friend— someone who truly understood him.
I first met the Judge in Washington, DC when he was serving as Secretary of the Interior. A cattle rancher and fourth generation Californian, Bill was a lifelong conservationist who restored the public’s trust in the Interior Department after his predecessor’s disastrous term.
I believe Judge Clark’s single greatest accomplishment was to lay the groundwork to undermine Soviet communism and win the Cold War by working to contain and reverse the expansion of Soviet influence throughout the world. He was a key player in the efforts to build the Strategic Defense Initiative, which protects the United States from nuclear missiles, and was one of the architects of President Reagan’s strategy of “peace through strength.” It is safe to say that the end of the Cold War was due in part to his tireless work as National Security Advisor and commitment to the inherent dignity of all human persons.
But more important than any of his professional accomplishments, Bill Clark was an honest, decent man who was devoted to his Catholic faith. If you look at his long and varied career you can find several characteristics that were always part of his life: Self-reliance. Optimism. Modesty. Loyalty. Determination. A sense of humor. When Bill returned to San Luis Obispo County after his service in Washington, he built a chapel on his Shandon ranch, donating it and 160 acres to the local community once it was complete—just one example of his incredible generosity and deep faith.
Bill was a devoted husband to his late wife Joan, and a wonderful father to his five children. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and community.
In recognition of his lifetime of public service, the San Luis Obispo County Republican Party awards the Judge William P. Clark Leadership Award to individuals who demonstrate a selfless dedication to public service and outstanding integrity of character in the spirit of Judge Clark. Though he has left us now, we will continue to remember his immeasurable impact and years of service both to his local community and to the nation.