Clarke died of kidney failure on 17 June 2015 at Allamanda Hospital in Southport, Queensland.
Clarke is survived by his wife Helen and sons Marcus and Nicolas.
His daughter Monique died of breast cancer in 2009.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten paid tribute to Clarke in Parliament on the day of his death by stating that a great Australian had been lost with his death.
Herb Elliott, Australian 1500 m Olympic gold medallist,  said "Ron was a great man.
His contribution to athletics was enormous.
He was also a wonderful contributor to public health through lifestyle programs and gymnasiums and the communities in which he lived.
Ron will be greatly missed".

John Landy, who famously helped Clarke when he fell during a mile race at the 1956 Australian Championships, said, "Ron Clarke, by his running feats inspired Australian distance runners and in a world sense, demonstrated the potential athletics achievements possible."
Frank Shorter, the 1972 Olympic marathon gold medallist said "Ron Clarke was my idol.
I grew up seeing Ron Clarke in the dark blue singlet with the V on it – to me that was the symbol of running."
Clarke died of kidney failure on 17 June 2015 at Allamanda Hospital in Southport, Queensland. Clarke is survived by his wife Helen and sons Marcus and Nicolas. His daughter Monique died of breast cancer in 2009.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten paid tribute to Clarke in Parliament on the day of his death by stating that a great Australian had been lost with his death. Herb Elliott, Australian 1500 m Olympic gold medallist,  said "Ron was a great man. His contribution to athletics was enormous. He was also a wonderful contributor to public health through lifestyle programs and gymnasiums and the communities in which he lived. Ron will be greatly missed".
John Landy, who famously helped Clarke when he fell during a mile race at the 1956 Australian Championships, said, "Ron Clarke, by his running feats inspired Australian distance runners and in a world sense, demonstrated the potential athletics achievements possible." Frank Shorter, the 1972 Olympic marathon gold medallist said "Ron Clarke was my idol. I grew up seeing Ron Clarke in the dark blue singlet with the V on it – to me that was the symbol of running."
Ron Clarke