Alan Ross Clarke

CLARKE, Alan Ross – (82) of Vancouver passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2013. Sadly pre deceased by his son Jasper (Michiko) in 2010. Survived by his wife, Lisa, eldest son Nigel, daughters Constance Surerus (Brian) and Geraldine; beloved grandchildren, Akiko and Dexter Clarke of Squamish, Spenser, Andreas and Lindsay Surerus of Ft. St. John; step-grandchildren, Sean Surerus (Bronwen) of Ft. St. John and Julia Walsh (Sean) and their children Liliana and Aedan of Calgary; sister Elizabeth MacIntosh Gillies in Ireland, brother Ian Monro Clarke (Jane) in South Carolina; nephews Adrian Ross (Carolynn), Richard and Timothy Clarke in New York; Step-Niece Morag Gillies in Scotland; as well as other relatives and friends in USA, UK and Canada. A descendant of Sir James Duke, Lord Mayor of London; acclaimed Scottish artist, Robert Monro and Scottish banker, Henry Ross (Grandfather) on his mother’s side. Originally from Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, ARC began his scholarly and artistic life at his parents’ (and grandparents’) prep school, Pownall Hall in Wilmslow, where he excelled and ultimately went on to Oxford studying Latin and Ancient Greek before moving to Canada in 1955. He eventually settled in Vancouver as a professional and gifted artist (also a private school teacher of Latin and Art). He is most fondly remembered for his superb paintings, portraits, water colors, pen and ink sketches and witty caricatures; his impressive intellect; encyclopedic knowledge; love of sailing, reading, music and photography; athleticism; crippling dry humor and trails of sweet tobacco smoke from his ever-present pipe. ARC was a devout Anglican and made many lifelong friends at his church, where he was the organist during Sunday services for over 40 years (and sometime Warden and Lay Minister). All who knew and loved him will dearly miss him. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge his supportive son-in-law, Brian Surerus; his dear friend, Lesley Scott, for her caring support especially during the last few years of his illness; Rev. Gord Dominey; the caring doctors and nurses at VGH; as well as his personal physician, Dr. Charles Webb, for his uncommon support and compassion. Funeral services to be held: Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 1:00 pm including Anglican service followed by reception at: Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial St., Burnaby, BC. Phone: 604-435-6688. While flowers are appreciated, donations can also be made in his honor to the Canadian Cancer Society.