John Clark

1953 - 2023

John Clark
November 11, 1953 - July 28, 2023
Arroyo Grande, California - John Clark, a loving husband and father, and brilliant winemaker of California wines, passed away on July 28, 2023, at the age of 69. John was born on November 11, 1953, in La Jolla, CA, to the late Dorothy and Owen Clark. Growing up blocks from Windansea beach, he cultivated a love of the ocean, sense of adventure, and exuberance for life which he shared with everyone.
John attended La Jolla High School, where he was a baseball star, graduating in 1971. He then studied Chemistry at UCSD, graduating in 1977. It was in La Jolla he met his future wife Kelley, who lived across the street from his childhood home while also attending UCSD. John and Kelley became interested in wine making after being introduced to the nascent wine industry in Sonoita, AZ by Kelley's father. They decided to attend Fresno State to study enology and viticulture, obtaining advanced degrees to pursue their careers. Upon graduating, John got a job as a cellar rat at Corbett Canyon Winery, and the two moved to the Central Coast where they lived together for the next 38 years, raising two children, Sarah and Blake.
Through personal sacrifice, unparalleled work ethic, care for details, and empathic management, John rose in the Wine Group to become Vice President of Premium Wine Operations. He and Kelley also founded and poured their passion into Brophy Clark Cellars, a beloved wine brand locally and beyond. He retired in 2016 to pursue his passion for life, and of course keep making wine in his "free time", helping start a venture with Chad and Lauren Rava to become a premier producer of sparkling wine on the Central Coast. John was a scientist in every sense, and he effused a passion for knowledge which came out through his approach to making wine and mentoring. He mentored many throughout his life and truly took joy in passing on his wisdom.
John had a wide range of hobbies and interests, and many people were privileged to call him their friend. He loved spending time outdoors, hiking, playing horseshoes, traveling, and enjoying his house in Loreto, BCS. He was an avid fisherman, particularly enjoying fishing in Loreto. He was a dedicated Padres and Chargers fan, a fandom that he passed on to his son (for better or worse). John also had a passion for music and vinyl records from the 70s and 80s, which he would bring out at every get together he and Kelley hosted.
John was most content with his friends and family, glass of wine and cigar in hand, telling stories of exploits, mostly true but occasionally embellished, while watching the sun set over the mountains in Loreto. He had a unique ability to make those in his presence feel joy, passion, and love. He is survived and deeply missed by his daughter, Sarah Clark, his son, John Blake Clark, his brother, Mike Clark, his wife, Kelley Brophy Clark, and their beloved cats, Ernie and Linus. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Gretchen Clark and Cathy Wheatley.
John made and uncorked countless bottles of joy. His legacy will live on through his children and the many winemakers he mentored - cheers to his life!
A celebration of John's life will be held at 12:00 PM on September 3, 2023 at Center of Effort Wines in Arroyo Grande, CA. All who knew and loved John are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John's memory to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society or the Cancer Support Community - California Central Coast.