CLARKE, Edward Charles – 103, passed away peacefully in Yarmouth Regional Hospital on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. Born in Annapolis Royal on November 19, 1911, he was raised as the only child of Edwin Rupert Clarke and Florence Nightingale (Harris) Clarke in Lequille. Ed began his work life in his father’s business, Annapolis Royal Nurseries, where he no doubt developed his green thumb. A veteran of the RCAF, he spent much of his career in automotive part sales, but his true passion in life was his music. Forever the entertainer, Ed played in military bands and dance bands, at birthday parties and blue grass jam sessions. He played the clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, piano and organ and always provided the musical entertainment at family celebrations – especially those in his honour! A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Ed was predeceased by his wife, Helen (nee Syda); brother-in-laws Lawrence, Hubert and Berkley and sister-in-laws Mildred Beckwith and Margaret (Morrell) Larche. He is survived by sons Haylett (Nina), Pine Tree; Terry (Eleanor Scovil), Amherst, and daughter Sandra (Garth) Killam, Hillview. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Hayley Clarke (David Landrigan), Halifax; Andrew (Cherisse) Clarke, Dartmouth; Jennifer Clarke (Harley Ronan), London, UK; Allison (Corey) Winchester, Grand Prairie, AB and Lindsay (Jonathan) LeBlanc, Belleville, his great granddaughter Gabriella Clarke, Dartmouth, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Ed is survived by his very special friend, Donna Linn, Weatherford, Texas, who has become a part of our family also. The family would like to extend special thanks to Paul Comeau, Sophie Bourque and Jane White, and to the Victorian Order of Nurses, Yarmouth Argyle Home Support Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs, whose collective kind assistance enabled him to remain in his own home. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Yarmouth, where visitation took place from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service was held on Thursday, February 26 at 2:00 PM at Beacon United Church, Yarmouth, Rev. Sharon Lohnes and Rev. Ray Corbett officiated. Burial will be at a later date in Yarmouth Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maple Grove and Yarmouth High Schools Memorial Club, or to a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be sent to: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guestbook on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net
It was a wonderful life.