THE REVEREND JOHN LESTER (JACK) CLARKE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THE REVEREND JOHN LESTER (JACK) CLARKE On Sunday, February 3, 2002, The Reverend John Lester (Jack) Clarke died peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital. Born in Winnipeg on March 25, 1917, the youngest child of William Clarke and Mary Ann Clarke, he is predeceased by his brothers, William (George), James (Jim), and sister Florence (Floss). He is survived by his beloved of wife of 48 years, Gwen; his daughter, Sr. Valerie Clarke, SSJD, Toronto; his son Gordon Clarke (Michelle) granddaughters Lucie and Karen, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in Canada, England and the United States. The son of a north end butcher, he reveled in his family life and musical interests. He joined St. Matthews Anglican Church as a youth, stoking the boilers in the early mornings, joining the choir, and later becoming a tenor soloist. He met his future bride, Gwen, while singing in the church choir. He was also a vestry member and warden, and served on numerous committees. With Gwen, he was a regular hospital visitor on behalf of the parish for over 20 years. His musical background was nurtured by training with W.H. Anderson and Hugh Bancroft, and he was a member of the Winnipeg Choristers. He enlisted in the RCAF during Second World War, and fought as a Desert Rat with the British 8th Army. Upon returning to Winnipeg, he worked briefly with Winnipeg Hydro, and then studied electrical engineering at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1950 with a BSc Eng. For 29 years he worked for the City of Winnipeg with the City Signals Department, and later in the Communications Branch. He was instrumental in bring 999 (later 911) emergency service to Winnipeg. He was an active member of the Professional Engineers Association. With his family, he was happy to enjoy cottaging at Sandy Hook, and volunteered with the Sandy Hook and River Heights Community Clubs. In his retirement years, he studied theology at St. Johns College, and received his MDiv. He was priested All Saints Day 1981, and ministered with Gwen in many rural parishes, at Lions Manor, and as an Honorary Assistant at St. Matthews. A teaser right up until the day before he passed away, his eyes always lit up in the presence of his grandchildren, and pets Pickles and Patches. A memorial service will be held at St. Matthews Anglican Church, 641 St. Matthews Ave., on Thursday, February 7 at 2:00 p.m. Former choristers are welcome to join the choir; rehearsal Wednesday 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of St. Matthews Anglican Church, or the Alzheimers Society of Manitoba. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2002