Clark Willett Obituary

Clark Willett Clark A. Willett, 93, of Arroyo Grande, passed away on October 18, 2015. Born in Santa Barbara, Calif., Clark grew up in the Casmalia area. After graduating from Santa Maria High School, Clark joined the Navy Seabees. Serving honorably in the South Pacific during World War II he received medals of commendation from the United States and Australian governments for rescuing a pilot from a burning plane. Clark worked as a heavy equipment operator and welder in the Santa Maria area. After moving to Arroyo Grande in 1964 he enjoyed many years as a woodcarver of historical wagons and animals. He took great delight in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Clark is survived by his wife Barbara, of 71 years; sons: Bob (Linda), Rex (Tricia), Jim, and daughter Nancy Nicoletto (Bob); 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother, John Willett and sister, Phyllis Searle. Clark was preceded in death by brother Homer and grandson Timothy. The family wishes to thank the staff of Bayside Care Center in Morro Bay and Wilshire Hospice of San Luis Obispo for their excellence in care. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on November 7 at the Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

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Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Oct. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Clark Willett

4 Entries

November 6, 2015

A man for all occasions. You are sorely missed. Thank-you Clark for my hand carved rabbit and your magical digging bar !!! Love to all XOXO.

Travis Willett

October 27, 2015

My Grandpa...

All I can say about him is from the way he treated me. He was fair, cantankerous at times and occasionally downright grumpy. Yet, I knew he loved me and I him. He taught me how to use power tools and a welder at way too young of an age, but then again...his lessons must have stuck. I still have all my fingers and I haven't poked out either of my eyes. Speaking of eyes, I learned how to shoot bb guns at his place and I still remember the just punishment I deserved/ received when he caught me shooting bb guns at cars; moving ones.

I looked forward to going over to his and my grandmother's place during the holidays. The holidays at the grandparents always reminded me of what the holidays should feel like. A regular Norman Rockwell painting. Great-uncles great-aunts, uncles, aunts, cousins and family friends...all under one roof, talking and eating together.

Later on, I saw the way he treated his first great-grandchildren, my sons, and I reminisced about what it was like to grow up with him as my grandfather. I hoped my boys would have been able to make some memories with him as well.

I love you grandpa and will miss you, your wisdom, reading your military magazines and most of all...miss your presence in mine and my children's lives. Blessings to you...

Christina Willett

October 27, 2015

I have so many fond memories of Clark. Many of them involve how much he loved my boys. I am so grateful to have met him and been part of his family. Praying for Barbara and family during this time and always. Much love...

Paul Bolla

October 25, 2015

Clark Willet was just about the saltiest, crustiest, old coot that I have ever met in my entire life. Though I know these are not your typical terms of endearment, I certainly mean them in just that way. I had the honor of being his next door neighbor for 5 years and he and Barbara have been sorely missed ever since they moved away. Clark was always ready to lend a hand or offer me much needed advise. Clark also had just the right tool and the Know how to deal with whatever happened to come up. To say Clark had a green thumb is an understatement. The abundance of beautiful fruits, berries, and artichokes that he could produce from this miserable rocky soil is nothing short of miraculous. Clark was also the most fierce gopher fighter that I know. Though he walked with two canes, he could work circles around men who were a quarter of his age. Whenever I had friends or family come visit from back home in Vacaville, I always made sure to bring them to meet Clark and Barbara. I can honestly say that in all my 43 years I have never met what I would consider to be a greater American than Clark Willet. My sincerest condolences to Barbara and the Willet family. Unfortunately, they don't make them like him anymore. Clark was truly one of a kind.

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