Philip Randal Ark

Dear Friends. Dad died last Thursday. We will miss him. 

Philip Randal Ark, a beloved father, husband, and community member, died June 20, 2024 from cancer. He was born in Miami County to Horace Ark and Violet Waggoner. 

Philip graduated from Wayne High School and went on to complete pre-med in two years before attending Dental School at Ohio State University. He furthered his medical training with a residency in Youngstown. 

In 1967, Philip moved to Puerto Rico to serve with the Brethren Volunteer Service at a hospital in Castañer, located in the rainforest. This experience shaped his career and life. He completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Philip opened his own practice in Mayaguez, where he was one of the first oral and maxillofacial surgeons on the west side of the island. He practiced there until his retirement.

Philip was a man of many talents—a pilot, traveler, sailor, wood carver, Christian counselor, and even a pool shark during his college days. Known for his visionary spirit, he often saw practical and innovative uses for everything around him. He devoted his life to service, exhibiting creative humor, problem-solving skills, and a knack for building and fixing things. These talents, developed while constructing his parents’ house with his father, later helped him build his own home in Puerto Rico.

He had a passion for the beach and the ocean, enjoying activities like water skiing, spear fishing, snorkeling, and sailing. He enjoyed warm weather, driving fast convertibles, exercising in the jacuzzi, and watching sunsets. His favorite place to camp was Mona Island, where he took many friends and family to experience nature in its fullest. Philip loved animals, especially his dogs, and was known for taking in and nursing strays back to health.

Philip enjoyed an active social life in Columbus, Ohio, after returning there in January 2024. 

As an adventurer, he had more than nine lives and never expected cancer to be the cause of his passing, which was only discovered a few days before his death. Jesus was important to him, and we take comfort in knowing he is now enjoying time with his friends and family in heaven, philosophizing about life and matters of the heart.

Philip is survived by his two sisters, Gail van den Doel and Janice Pobst (Tom Pobst), his daughters Lorelei Ark, Raquel Ark (Olaf Stutenbaecker) and grandson Luke Stutenbaecker. Philip was married twice. Sandra Bowman was his first wife (mother of Raquel and Lorelei) and his second wife was Evelyn Torres Pagan. His stepchildren are Kathy Garcia, Melizza Garcia, and Pedro Garcia. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Charles Palmer, Isaac Pabon, Seanne Shanahan, Elia Garcia, and Jiselle Garcia.

A memorial service to celebrate Philip's life will take place at the Blue Minnow Barn and Lake, Tipp City, 5410 East State Rt. 571, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. His family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched are invited to attend and honor his remarkable journey.

Since dad loved the ocean, if you want to donate in his name, then supporting coastal and coral reef conservation in Puerto Rico is always appreciated. ISER Caribe is a non-profit organization that develops innovative research on ecological restoration of coral reefs, potable water, and climate change science. https://www.isercaribe.org/support