Richard James Clark

Richard James Clark, 84 of Petoskey, died March 8, 2026 at the Blissful Cottage in Petoskey.

Richard was born on April 15, 1941in Tilbury, Ontario, Canada, the son of Richard and Dorothy (Bulley) Clark.  He attended OUR LADY OF LOURDS CATHOLIC SCHOOL in River Rouge, MI from the 5th through the 12th grade.  He then attended Michigan State University where he was active in the ROTC, graduating in 1964.  Richard then attended the University of Toledo Law School in Toledo, Ohio, graduating in 1967 and being admitted to the Michigan Bar Association that same year.  Richard went on to practice Law for 40 years.

In 1968, Richard married his wife, Diane Gable, his daughter Lisa was born in 1970, and Laura in 1973.  Lisa has 4 children, Alex, Abbey (husband, Jaden), Audrey, and Cullen.  Laura and her husband, Michael Osterman have 4 children, Hope, Adam, Chloe, and Aaron.

Richard was a devotee of community service.  Richard and Diane lived and raised their children in Novi, Michigan, where Richard was very active in community service.  He served on the Planning Commission and the Novi City Council, culminating as Mayor of Novi for four years.

In 2005, Richard and Diane began their retirement in Petoskey, MI, where he kept his dedication to active participation in community service as a part of his retirement.  He taught at Northern Michigan Community College and St Michaels Academy.  He served on the Board of Directors for his Home Owners Association, the Historical Society, and Brother Dan’s Food Pantry.  He was a member of St Francis Xavier parish, serving on the Parish Counsil, the Indian Mission Restoration Committee, as well as being a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 40 years.

The family will receive friends at the Stone Funeral Home on Thursday, March 12th from 4-8pm with a Vigil Service at 7pm.  Visitation will continue Friday, March 13th from 9am-10am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with his funeral Mass immediately following at 10am.   Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory. 

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