Alistair Winthrop Conger Clark, of Greenwich, Connecticut, died on June 28, 2021, at the age of 42, after a long and heroic battle with a neurologic anaplastic oligodendroglioma. He was born May 21, 1979, in New York, New York, to Natalie Biraben and David Clark.
Alistair was a traveler, a gentleman, an asset to all.
Survived by Alexandra Webb Clark, his adoring wife, and Virginia and Augusta, his two young daughters, will carry his unique legacy. He is also survived by his mother Natalie, stepfather Pierre Biraben, brother Ian Clark and niece and nephew. Alistair's friends, who lovingly called him "Aldo," also serve as family members and share in the grief.
In his 42 years, Alistair traveled to five continents and over 60 countries. Curious, adaptive, reverent of the natural world, creative, and kind, Alistair lived a full and vibrant life. He loved to see the world, explore every city and country landmark, and discuss his adventures. Alexandra will instill these traits in his girls.
Alistair's magnetic personality was evident to all. He was a connector, and his keen introductions shaped several friendships and marriages. He genuinely cared about improving other's lives, and his generous spirit celebrated everyone's successes.
Raised in Manhattan, Alistair graduated from St. Bernard's; several of his best adult friendships were with "old boys." The school's foundation was seminal in his life. He graduated from The Kent School, excelling on the tennis and cross-country teams and forming deep bonds with students and teachers alike.
He graduated in 2001 from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics. Thereafter, he took a position with Sullivan & Cromwell and earned a Master of Arts degree in Political Policy and Development from Fordham University. Alistair's passion for travel took him to Hong Kong for a role, then back to New York City for a position at Goldman Sachs.
Alistair enrolled at IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, to earn his MBA. He fine-tuned his international experience, founded the Emerging Markets Club, and traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, where he worked pro bono to advise three local women in their business projects.
Next, Alistair took a position in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Jones Lang LaSalle. He was most proud of his New York Green Bank role, where he was the third hire in 2014 as Director of Clean Energy Project & Structured Finance. With an early passion for renewable energy and climate change, Alistair participated in the full cycle of transaction execution for the $1.0 billion public investment fund.
He was selected by Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs as "Carnegie New Leader." He was also named one of the world's "Top 99 Under 33 Foreign Policy Leaders" by The Diplomatic Courier. He was an active member of The Brook Club, The Economic Club of New York, and The Pilgrims.
Alistair exhibited unparalleled enthusiasm, strength, and perseverance while navigating the difficulties that accompany the neurological disease process. His dauntless determination to balance treatment, life, and work was magnificent. Throughout, he maintained courage, optimism, resilience, and grace.
The Clark Family is forever grateful and indebted to the Neurological Surgery and Neuro-Oncology teams at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Their care, genius, treatment options, and compassion buoyed and sustained us for eight and a half years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Alistair Clark's name to The Brain Tumor Center Gift Fund in Neurology research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
https://medicine.givenow.columbia.edu/?alloc=16367#
A memorial service will be held at Stanwich Congregational Church in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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