Obituary
Ronald Archibald John Clarke, formally of Chance Cove, Trinity Bay, living in St. John’s, age 92
Dad stepped into the arms of Jesus on January 1, 2022, after a brief illness. He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Vera (nee Bishop); his sons, Kerry (deceased) and Kathleen; Bradley and Jennifer; Michael and Arlene; and his daughter, Melanie and Glenn. Dad also leaves behind his precious grandchildren; Kayla (Roger), Kaitlin (Tyler), Sarah, Peter, Alexander and Leah; and one great granddaughter, Nora.
Dad spent his life as a dedicated teacher beginning in 1947 in Ireland’s Eye. He taught in Shearstown, on Bell Island, in Foxtrap, C.B.S., in St. John’s and in Mt. Pearl. He retired in 1984 and then began a second career teaching at M.U.N. He retired completely from teaching in 1994 but he always said he would teach for free if they allowed him to do it… such was his love of educating young people. Dad was a dedicated volunteer. He donated 250 units of blood; he was an active member of the Lion’s Club in Mt. Pearl; and he was a devoted member of the church community. He was a Sunday school teacher, a Lay Reader, a friendly visitor, a member of the Cemetery Committee and a writer for the Anglican Life monthly journal since 1977. Dad was a devout Christian and enjoyed all activities connected with the church.
Dad enjoyed politics and even ran for public office in 1984. He was an avid watcher of hockey and never wavered from his love of the Toronto Maple Leafs, even though they haven’t won a Stanley Cup for decades.
Dad loved people! He spoke to everyone he passed by. He never missed an opportunity to try and make someone’s day better. He would say, it doesn’t take much to be kind to someone and to show kindness so always be kind.
The family would like to thank; Chantille, Veronica and Salome who cared for dad like he was a member of their own families. Also, we would like to thank the nurses and doctors involved in the Palliative Care Program at the Miller Center, Coombs Compassionate Home Care and Amy from the Community Home Care Program, whose support we greatly appreciated over the last months and years.
Visitation will be held at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue on Tuesday, January 4th from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm. Dad’s funeral service will take place on Wednesday, January 5, at 11:00am from the church of St. Mary the Virgin on Craigmiller Avenue and he will be buried in Chance Cove, Trinity Bay following the church service. Due to Covid restrictions at this time, the funeral is by invitation only. As per government of NL regulations, proof of vaccination is required to attend. A memorial service will be planned in the future to celebrate dad’s life. Donations are greatly appreciated in dad’s name to the Primate’s World Relief Fund. The service can be seen online at by going to www.barretts.ca.
Dad’s favorite writer was Shakespeare so from Hamlet , “Goodnight, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ronald Clarke 2022..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N