Robert J. "Bob" Clark

With profound sadness, the Clark family shares that Bob Clark passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his beloved family.
A Visionary in Energy Leadership
Bob Clark was a pioneering force in the oil and gas industry for over five decades. Bob founded and led four successful midstream companies-Bear Paw Energy, Bear Cub Energy, Bear Tracker Energy, and 3Bear Energy-each headquartered in Denver and known for innovation and integrity. His leadership style was defined by humility, mentorship, and a deep commitment to ethical business practices. Bob's ability to build successful companies reflected his entrepreneurial spirit, technical acumen, and commitment to operational excellence. Known for his strategic insight, quiet leadership, and unwavering integrity, Bob earned the respect of peers across the energy sector. He served on numerous public company boards, including Antero Resources Corp. where he served as a director since 2013.
Despite his remarkable business achievements, Bob measured success not in dollars, but in the people he mentored and the values he upheld. As longtime colleague Michael Wozniak shared: "Bob's quiet leadership by example ensured that all those around him acted ethically and fairly. His most endearing quality was the genuine interest he took in each and every one of his business and personal associates. His generosity-of time, spirit, and resources-is his true legacy."
Bob's early career included leadership roles at NICOR Exploration, Ladd Petroleum, and SOCO Gas Systems/Snyder Oil Corporation. He held a B.S. in Accounting from Bradley University and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Western Energy Alliance Rocky Mountain Hall of Fame in 2014 and his honoring as Wildcatter of the Year in 2019.
A Life Rooted in Family and Faith
Born in Gibsonburg, Ohio, to Stanley and Ruth Clark, Bob was raised in Tonica, Illinois, alongside his sister Betty. His mother's words-"It's better to give than to receive"-became a guiding principle in his life.
Bob met his high school sweetheart, Kathleen A. Sons, in a graduating class of just 32 students. They married in August 1965 and shared nearly 60 years of love and partnership. Together, they raised three children-Kimberly (married to Bart), Jacqueline (married to Shayne), and Michael-and were blessed with six grandchildren: Alexis, Ayden, Alexandra, McKenna, Liam, and Clark.
Kim reflected, "Our father taught us that words matter. He reminded us to think before we speak, lead with kindness, and use our voices to uplift others." Jackie shared, "He lived by the Golden Rule to do to others as you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31), and instilled in us the value of giving generously and compassionately." Mike noted, "A father's influence shapes the man his son becomes-quietly, deeply, and forever."
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Service
Bob's deep commitment to community was most visible through the RJ Clark Family Foundation, established in 2004. Guided by the family's values of integrity, compassion, faith, joy, and passion, the Foundation has impacted thousands of children across Colorado. The Foundation's Junior Advisory Board continues Bob's legacy by volunteering thousands of hours and engaging in thoughtful philanthropy.
Bob served on the Board of Directors at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver for nearly a decade, where the Clarks endowed a fund to support club-level staff, championed capital campaigns, and supported youth leadership programs. At Judi's House, Bob supported both infrastructure and bereavement staff as a Board member for nine years. Bob also served on the Board of Trustees for Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation for nearly ten years, where he and Kathy endowed a Chair in Pediatric Cancer Therapeutics and funded the first training program for pediatric mental health nurse practitioners. As Capital Campaign Chair for the Tennyson Center for Children, Bob helped secure funding for its current headquarters and remained a steadfast supporter for decades. He also served nearly a decade on the Board of Trustees at Bradley University, where the Clarks funded the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center and contributed to the new Business and Engineering Convergence Center.
Rebecca Franciscus, the Foundation's Executive Director, shared: "Bob focused on helping people who help people. He leaves a legacy of profound impact; inspiring future generations to dream big, care deeply, and make a real difference."
A Life Well-Lived
Bob's passions extended beyond business and philanthropy. He was an avid wine collector, favoring bold California Cabernet Sauvignon that mirrored his personality. His cellar, featured in Wine Spectator, was curated through personal relationships with boutique Napa producers. As he once said, "There are so many fine wines in the world, I figured I'd be better off to focus my collection on Napa Cabernets and know the varietal really well." He also loved golf and was a cherished member of the Ravenna Country Club community, often seen in his personalized "Big Bear" golf cart.
Bob shared recently: "I've been blessed beyond measure-not by what I've built, but by the people who've walked beside me. The love of family, friends, and colleagues has been the greatest gift of all." The Clark family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during these past months, and for the many friends and colleagues who have shown enduring kindness over the years. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Bob is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Janice Duffell; his niece, Mary Ann Mejia; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ken Sons, Mike Sons, Steve Sons, Sandy Sons, and Cindy Wilson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Duffell, and his brother-in-law, Jim Sons. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to honor Bob to Judi's House (https://judishouse.org ; 10125 E 25th Ave, Aurora, CO 80010) or Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver (https://www.bgcmd.org ; 2017 W. 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80204).