Aldon Eastman Clark

Aldon was born and raised in San Diego. The oldest of three, he and his siblings enjoyed a happy childhood filled with all-day family beach outings, a little mischief, and memorable vacations camping in Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. He was a bright, hard-working student who graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego in 1949 and then went off to USC for college. Initially interested in pursuing a career in architecture, Aldon decided to switch fields and become a physician. He transferred from USC to Stanford University and graduated from Stanford Medical School in 1957. He then completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Minnesota and UCLA. After residency, he moved to San Francisco to serve two years as a medical officer in the Navy.

Aldon met his future wife, Patsy Norberg, on a blind date arranged by his sister, Margaret (Peg), who was one of Patsy’s best friends in high school. They married in San Diego in 1955, raised four children (Karen, Kenneth, Duane, and Eric), and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last June.

In 1962, Aldon moved his family to Laguna Beach (where he and Patsy spent the first night of their honeymoon), and within a year, they were able to purchase their first home. This “house on the hill” had unobstructed views of Catalina and San Clemente Islands and up and down the coast from San Diego to LA. Eventually, he would put his architectural skills to work, designing renovations to create a dream home like no other. He often spoke of how fortunate he was to live there.

Aldon established a pediatrics practice in town soon after arriving, and for many years, he was the only pediatrician in South Orange County. Throughout most of his career, he had a solo medical practice. In his last eight years of practice, his son Eric had the good fortune to work side by side with him. Aldon was always passionate about his work and cared deeply for his patients and their families, who fondly remember him for his humor, calm demeanor, compassion, Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirts, and unique office pets, like rescued raccoons and parakeets. He practiced for 52 years, retiring at the age of 83.

Aldon was known for being young at heart with an adventurous spirit. He ice-skated frozen Minnesota lakes after late-night residency shifts, body-surfed in the Pacific Ocean during work breaks, and traveled the world with family and close friends. He summited Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet) at the age of 73, accompanied by son Duane, son-in-law Brad, and grandson Derrick. He bought cool cars and gadgets on a whim and was never afraid to adopt the latest technology or try something new. His zest for life at every stage was contagious.

Aldon’s greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with Patsy and watching his four children grow up and start families of their own. He also cherished sharing special experiences and vacations with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his siblings and their families. Aldon’s family feels lucky to have spent so much quality time with him over the years and will fondly remember his goofy sense of humor, generosity, wisdom, storytelling, obsession with sweets, funny text messages, and frequent expressions of love and gratitude.

Aldon touched so many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lila and Donald Clark, and his sister, Margaret (Peg) Bobertz.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Clark; his 4 children: Karen (Brad) Baker, Kenneth (Debbie) Clark, Duane (Grace) Clark, and Eric (Jenny) Clark; 10 grandchildren: Jessica (Chris) Porter, David (Vanessa) Clark, Derrick (Naomi) Clark, Ashley (Chris) Clave, Stefani Baker, Robert (Genevieve) Clark, Scott Clark, Katherine (Paul) Beck, Rachel Clark, and Ryan Clark; 13 great-grandchildren; and, his brother, Gary Clark.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to City of Hope or Children's Hospital of Orange County. Per Aldon’s wishes, his family will gather privately to honor him.