Charles “Chuck” Clarke was born July 2, 1934 and went to meet his maker November 25, 2017.
Chuck was predeceased by his mother and father Beatrice and Charles Clarke.
Chuck is survived by Carol, his wife of 56 years, daughter Kathleen Clarke, son Patrick Clarke, granddaughters Tori-Ann Colosimo and Cora Schaaf-Clarke.
Chuck was a proud member of the S.M.W.I.A. Union Local 357.
To my dearest grandfather: you taught me a hell of a lot and left so many amazing memories. I was never ready for you to go but I know you’re watching over me, guiding me through life. Don’t you worry, mom, Pat and I will look after grandma as she is very sad, but she is so thankful to have been with you for so many amazing years.
I’ll miss your funny humor – like when I was small and asked what was for supper, you’d reply with “fried snowballs and rabbit tracks”. How when I came to the door after not seeing you for a long time, you would greet me with a handsome smile “Oh Tori, old kid, how are ya?” You always made everyone laugh, when you didn’t like something you would just say it how it was “well what the hell, why’s everyone pickin’ on me?”
You were a man of such passion, dedicating every day to working on your cars, “Model A, Model T, and the Mercury for which I always looked up to you. You were always at the car shows and local fairs, showing off your cars and stationary engines. When you weren’t up at the house and working in the garage, grandma and I would page you on the intercom to come have supper “fried snowballs and rabbit tracks”, about which I would always get a laugh.
I’ll never forget the day I decided to get a small Siamese kitten with no tail and bright blue eyes and brought him home…. of course, without permission, and gave him to you and grandma. He grew on you and quickly became your best friend following you down to your garage every day for your morning coffee. That cat was a dog in disguise. Grandpa you would say “Old Bob what a good old cat”. Bobby Blue Eyes, you called him.
When you went into the hospital, Bob thought you had gone and decided he needed to go too; he’s been waiting for your fight to be over up in heaven for a while now, wanting to take that first short walk with you down the driveway to your garage where you both would sit with the door open, ready to welcome anyone who stopped by for a coffee.
Grandpa I hope you’re proud of me. I live for my passion of horses as you did for your cars and I pray you know how much I love you. I thank you for all those car rides and long chats and stories and the times you comforted me when I needed you most. You always made me laugh with your funny sayings. I am so lucky to have had you in my life. Your fight is now over, and I know you’re in a better place. My hero, my guardian angel, my Grandfather.
A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the Murillo Town Hall from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
