Clarke Bagby Congdon passes away at age 78
Menlo Park resident Clarke Bagby Congdon, age 78, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 1, 2025, after braving a two-year battle with cancer.
A 5th-generation Californian, Clarke was born July 31, 1946 in Palo Alto. For 56 years, he was an amazing, devoted husband to Judy as well as a proud father of sons Chip and Brian. He loved teasing his grandsons, Dylan, Matteo, Sammie and Finley Congdon.
Clarke grew up in Menlo Park with his father Clarke, Sr., mother Lorraine and sisters Sally Berry (Howard) and Nancy Whiting (Jerry). He will be missed by his sister-in-law Janet Burttram (George) and brother-in-law Buz Bancroft (Joyce), and his many nieces and nephews.
He will be remembered as a Marine, surfer, sailor, skier, swimmer, water polo player, home and auto tinkerer, 49er, Giants and Stanford fan — and his love for Lake Tahoe.
Clarke was a legend in the office supply industry and a storyteller with unforgettable energy and lust for laughter with friends and family. He cherished his Tuesday lunch bunch at Lutticken’s and his Thursday drinks with his buddies at Harry’s Hofbrau, and the Boys of Spring and their Wednesday Zoom calls.
Editor’s footnote: Photo of Clark with VW bus is from the 1964 Menlo-Atherton High School yearbook, the year he graduated. The caption describes the 1958 Volkswagen bus as sporting “a powerful four cylinder, 60 horsepower engine with a four-speed floor box.”
Susan Chilton March 12, 2025 at 3:42 pm
Always remembered, Clark. Rest in peace. Class of ‘64 Menlo Atherton.
sharon shafer March 13, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Our Dearest Judy, what a great life and family u all shared , lived and loved. Our thoughts n prayers are very much with you all and the family! Memories got you! Much love and RIP Clarke! Jimmy loved the days working with YOU❤️❤️❤️
Jimmy Shafer March 14, 2025 at 3:55 pm
Clarke is a great friend. Worked for him after coming back from 3.5 years in Viet Nam. Use to ride around on bicycles on weekends and stopped at every bar on our way around Menlo and the hills, never fell off. Judy is my Kissing cousin that I love dearly and my Heart is with her big time. Some great memories of our times together with you, Judy, and Clarke.
Jimmy
Robert gaughran March 13, 2025 at 3:14 pm
I. Had the great pleasure of coaching Clarke, at Menlo Atherton High School in the sports of swimming & Water Polo. He was an exceptional athlete, having achieved all league honors in both sports. He was a joy to coach and was extremely popular with his teammates. It was a great joy to have had Clarke in my life
Carrie Dean-Hood (CDH) March 13, 2025 at 6:50 pm
I knew Clark from my 25 years in office products & many golf tournaments
Annette Massey March 14, 2025 at 4:51 am
Clarke, whom I refer to lovingly as “Coach”, was the best boss and I knew I liked him from the day we interviewed. He introduced me to one of my besties knowing we would get along. He and I shared the same birthday wihich we acknowledged every year. I will cherish his stories and the love he had for his wife. His memory and the desire to be more like him will stay forever with me. Keep those angels in line until we meet again, Coach!
Ingrid Kehlet-Smith March 14, 2025 at 10:17 pm
I am so sorry to read of Clarke’s passing. We were very good friends in the 1960’s at Meeks Bay Resort. He and his family are in my prayers.
Travis Ann Bilteau March 16, 2025 at 3:07 pm
My dear friend Judy, I just found out
About Clarke and wanted to send you and your family my condolences,
I must say I am totally devastated by his passing, He will always be remember as a True Gentleman and a wonderful friend to all sending your family lots of love