Costa Mesa Planning Commissioner Clarence Clarke Dies

Services will be held today and Thursday for longtime Planning Commissioner Clarence (Chic) Clarke, who died Monday after returning home from a morning jog. He was 60.

Clarke, who was appointed to the Planning Commission 23 years ago, also was president of the Costa Mesa Senior Citizens Corp. and was involved with with Casa Teresa, a home for single mothers, and YMCA Indian guides, among others.

“There are many people in this city who will never know how they were benefited by Chic Clarke,” said Councilman Joe Erickson, who served on the Planning Commission with him. “He didn’t take a lot of credit for the things he did.”

During his 23 years on the Planning Commission, the longest term of service in city history, Clarke helped shape many development projects. He served as chairman several times and was known for his analytical approach to solving problems.

“He ran a very efficient meeting without being rude to people,” said Perry Valentine, secretary of the Planning Commission. “He would always ask questions, keep the staff on its toes.”

He is survived by his wife, Jody; sons David, Jay, Brian, Todd, Scott; and daughter Amy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. John the Baptist School or Casa Teresa.

A rosary for Clarke will be said today at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1015 Baker St. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.