September 1, 1942 to March 19, 2023
With great sadness, the family of Laurie James Clarke announce his sudden and unexpected passing at 80 years young at the Health Sciences Centre.
He leaves to mourn, his beloved wife of 57 years, Peggy, daughter Shannon (Frankie) Fekete, Debra (Raymond) and son, Bobby Joe. Grandsons, Cody, Keenan and Athan. Siblings, Alec, Doug, Kay, Verna, great Aunt Clara Donald and, sister-in-law Gail Joyce and extended families.
He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Doughie, grandparents, Cynthia and James Clarke, Uncles Jimmy, Hector, Huey and Bert (Margie), siblings, Peggy, Richard, Ronnie, Dale, Dennis, David, Janice, Danny and, Hughie and in-laws, Isabel and Luther Yates.
Dad was born in Selkirk, Manitoba and raised in East Lower Fort Garry by his grandparents. Dad grew up alongside his Auntie Clara, Uncles Jimmy and Hector, and Cousins Robert and Robin on the Clarke property across the river from Lower Fort Garry.
Dad was an upholsterer by trade, but having hurt his back went back to school where he took accounting. He sold cars and eventually became a courier for many years before retiring at 69.
Dad was an avid golfer, playing at least 100 games a season during his retirement, and getting two hole in ones at Selkirk Golf Course. He was quite the pool shark and known around the city for his skills. The Kurpen Kues had the pleasure of having dad on their team and earned themselves a trip to Vegas to play in a tournament. Although, they didn’t win the game, they won for Best Dressed and their photo hung in the big stadium the following year at the next tournament.
Dad also enjoyed playing the slots and bingo with mom every now and then. He also enjoyed playing crib with his partner Bucky. He loved to tell a good joke, even if it was only him laughing. He had a love of country music and when he went out for a ride, you could always hear him coming back a block away with his music blaring. Dad always had a big smile and those blues eyes could charm anyone.
No words could truly be expressed on how we are feeling at this time, but one thing is for sure, is that we love you dad and will miss you tremendously. Our memories will last a lifetime.
As per dad’s wishes, no service will be held. Cremation has taken place and a private burial will be held at a later date.
Hey dad, what do you call a dog who does magic? A Labra-Cadabrador
Love your family