Thomas CLARKE

THOMAS ‘TOM’ CLARKE It is with great sorrow that Tom’s family announces his passing on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2004, with his loving companion and soul mate, Patricia Boyer, at his side, at the Scollard Site of the North Bay Regional Hospital in North Bay, Ont. after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Tom was 61 years of age. Tom was born Aug. 26, 1942 to Mathilda “Billie” and Thomas Clarke Sr. at Fort Frances, Ont., the second oldest of five children. After graduating from Fort Frances High, he worked on the construction of the Noden Causeway until he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1962. During his 30-year career, he was posted at the following radar sites: Holberg, B.C.; Beaverlodge, Alta.; Moose Jaw, Sask.; Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Louther (near Kapuskasing), Ont.; Chibougamau, Que.; St. Margarets, N.B.; and Goose Bay, Labrador (not in that order). His final posting was to North Bay in 1982 until retirement as sergeant in 1992. Besides Pat, Tom will be missed by his mother, “Billie” Clarke; brothers, Coke (Maria) and Paul (Joyce); sister, Julie (Brian) Lowry; nephews, Darcy (Brenda) Ruport, Leland (Connie) Ruport, Tyler (Amy) Lowry, Shawn Lowry (special friend, Melanie), and Billy-Joe Clarke; as well as nieces, Wanda Ruport and Sharlene Clarke. Tom was predeceased by his father, Thomas Clarke Sr; and sister, Rosalie Ruport and brother-in-law, Bob Ruport, of International Falls, Mn. Tom was a very active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #23 of North Bay, and enjoyed the many activities associated with the Legion, especially darts. He also enjoyed hunting very much when he had the opportunity. A celebration of his life was held Friday, Aug. 27, 2004 at Hillside Funeral Service at North Bay. A Legion memorial service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances on Friday, Sept. 17, 2004 at 11 a.m., with Padre John Chornabay officiating. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Honourary pallbearers will be Jim Fowler, Hilding Ronmark, and his nephews, Tyler Lowry, Shawn Lowry, Darcy Ruport, and Leland Ruport. In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice.