Ralph Clare; Labor Leader, Supporter of Hollywood Causes

Ralph Clare, a Hollywood labor leader and fund raiser for the film industry and leukemia victims, has died of cancer. He was 88.

Clare died Sunday at the Motion Picture and Television Country Hospital in Woodland Hills.

A stunt rider and extra in silent films, Clare was a Hollywood teamster, driving personnel and equipment to filming locations.

In 1930, he organized the Studio Transportation Drivers Local 399 and became its president. He served as the union’s chief executive officer from 1947 until his retirement in 1969.

Clare was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and in 1980 was instrumental in persuading MGM to donate $25 million to the fund. He also served as a board member of the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital and of the Motion Picture Pension Plan.

He founded the Los Angeles Chapter of the Leukemia Society of America Inc. and served as its president. In honor of his efforts on behalf of leukemia victims, the group established the Ralph Clare Research Award.

During World War II, Clare co-founded the Hollywood Canteen with Bette Davis and Jules Stein, and remained a trustee of the Hollywood Canteen Foundation until his death.

Clare, whose wife Yzoble died in 1963, is survived by two brothers and a sister.

The family has asked that any memorial donations be made to the Leukemia Society.