James Wesley 'Wes' Clarke
Passed in: Reserve Mines
Passed on: May 10th, 2014
It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of our dear father James Wesley Clarke. Dad was short four strokes of his 85th birthday. Words cannot express the loss we feel. Dad was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Dad passed away peacefully on May 10, 2014, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his four children at his side.
Dad was predeceased by our mother Irene Clarke in 2009. He missed Mom very much and had a difficult time to carry on over the years without her. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Edward Lewis Clarke and the late Catherine (McNeil) Clarke, Dad was also predeceased by two brothers Blair and Gorden.
Dad started his teaching career in 1953 in Louisbourg. He often shared many of his fond memories and stories of all the wonderful people he met and worked with. In 1954 he took a position at Lakevale School on Grand Lake Road. He taught many grade levels and was also the principal for 37 years. He was a member of Gordon United Church and a member of the church choir.
Dad enjoyed his 26 years of retirement. It is an understatement to say that his passion was golf and truly had great respect for the game and played many rounds at his second home Lingan Golf and Country Club. He also loved to go salmon fishing especially in North River, hitting golf balls on the Airport road, having coffee at McDonalds with the boys and walking Dominion Beach were always part of Dad’s daily routine, however, his greatest love was his family.
Dad is survived by his four children who he was very proud of and adored, Cathy (Sheldon Ribeiro), Valerie (Ken Yanzetich), Faye (Gerald Fiset) and Blair (Cheryl Boutilier). He also was the proud grandfather of Danielle, Grant, Isaac, Nicole, Spencer and Mason, and two great-grandchildren, Elli and Godric.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sampson and all the staff on the fourth floor at the Regional Hospital for their wonderful care he received there. Dad also spent a short stay in Parkland where the staff provided great support and care.
Respecting Dad’s wishes there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay. Memorial service will take place May 15, 2014, in Gordon United Church Reserve Mines, at 11 a.m. with Martha MacDonald officiating. Interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of ones choice.
Online condolences can be sent to family www.pattenfuneral.com.
