Paul Clarke

A photo of Paul Clarke

Service:

Private

Paul Franklin Clarke, February 21, 1922 – May 2, 2018

With loving sadness we say goodbye to our 96 year-old father, Paul Franklin Clarke, and with gratitude we remember his long and wonderful life. Predeceased by his beloved wife Aileen, and missed by his dear sister Muriel Askin, children Janis, Jon, Paula, Greg, and Julie, grandchildren Raphael, Kim, Gail, Fiona and Thomas, and precious great-grandson Gabriel. Born in Blenheim to Blanche and Jack Clarke, Paul loved working the family farm. In 1943 he graduated from University of Toronto in electrical engineering, then enjoyed a fulfilling career with Windsor’s Ford Motor Company as safety manager, and later was a consultant to Chatham industries. He and Aileen lived a happy retirement in Erie Beach, where he and his son built his dream home. There they enjoyed the lake, their gardens, bridge games, and singalongs, always welcoming new and old friends. Paul had a relentless passion for invention and creative home-improvements, and his adventurous spirit kept him travelling, skiing, biking and kayaking well into his 80s. Paul had great compassion for the welfare of others, working with the United Way, Kiwanis Club, and Industrial Accident Prevention Association. He and Aileen created a Guelph University scholarship for agriculture students in financial need, and fundraised for Orchestra London creating the “Music, Muffins and More” program to showcase young Kent county musicians. A poet, church organist, and beautiful tenor singer, Paul lived a life full of music, passing this love on to his children and grandchildren.

Family will hold a private memorial service for him on the land he loved. Memorial donations may be made to United Way of London or Chatham-Kent, or the United Nations Refugee Agency.

 

Submit a Condolence

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Do you want this condolence to be private?

Condolences

Dear Jon. I was searching for you and came up with your Dad's Obituary. I am so sorry for you and all your siblings at the loss of your dad. My goodness he lived a long life! And who knew he was an organist - I guess I totally forgot that. Hugs to you all. And Jon - please email me if you feel so inclined - I'd love to have a chat. Love Penny Wedd

to my dear adopted Clarke family, You will miss this larger-than-life man, who didn't miss a minute of living life to the fullest. He created many memories: the sailing on the Detroit River in a canoe, the long days of skiing at Blue Mountain, so tired after a full day spent on the slopes that he could hardly eat. Always at ready to ply guests with Aileen's delicious jam and bread. His laughter, though not as often since the passing of his dear Taffy, will be missed. Never short on creativity: the buzzer system on Riverside, the garbage cupboard at Erie Beach, the killer fly zapping system as a young boy. Who will forget his wonderful rendition of Gershwin's music he performed at his 90th, or his practicing Phantom of the Opera for the church service in Blenheim? Hw many times did he pick up a young fellow hitchhiking on the drive, to bring them home for a square meal. Who can forget your mother looking down at the far end of the dining table over a tremendous Thanksgiving dinner saying, "Paul..." Love and sympathy to you all. Bev and Pete

Dear Paula and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a real trooper... staying so active even into his eighties .... his secret to longevity for sure ! I always admired your Dad for his steadfast determination when working on his projects. Fond memories of the lovely home on Riverside Drive and the Erie Beach home - made with love and hard work for his precious Aileen... Paul was always smiling and gave the best hugs. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you today and may the wonderful family memories keep you in peace and forever in your hearts. Hugs. Yvonne

Paul and Aileen were wonderful, fun loving and talented people, whose lives, we were fortunate enough to cross paths with. We will always remember being invited to their home for a Christmas celebration both in Windsor and Erie Beach...great sing songs and laughter, and good food. I know Donna and Bruce Suitor always enjoyed Paul's visits on his way up to ski. You must have many good memories. Our sympathy for your loss.

Dear Jan, Ray, Raphael and Kim and all the family, We feel so blessed to have known Paul, if only briefly. His strength of character, passion for life, and caring were traits immediately evident. We were delighted to receive a poem thanking us for a small favour we did for him once. That was so unique and so special. We send our sincere condolences and blessings as you gather to celebrate Paul's life.

To all of the Clarke family a heartfelt note of sympathy upon the loss of your father. May he be at peace. Thinking of you . Leisa

My sincere condolences. I have many wonderful memories of Paul who was an integral member of my Orchestra London committee for many years. His passion for music and dedication to our committee was very much appreciated! He worked tirelessly to showcase many exceptional young performers from the Chatham Kent area in the Music, Muffins and More programs over several years. I am pleased to read that Paul’s love for music is being carried on by his children and grandchildren 🎶. May cherished memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Our Sincere condolences are with you all at this time. I (Roy) have many childhood memories of your family, when you would visit your Grandparents on Cameron Street in Blenheim. We both have many memories of your dad since we moved to Erie Beach, and also at Cedar Springs Church.. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him..