Arthur Charles Clarke

Arthur Charles Clarke - 86: It is with deep regret the Clarke family announces the passing of one of Dartmouth's life long citizens. Arthur Charles Clarke passed away on May 8, 2011 at Dartmouth General Hospital. Born, in Dartmouth, on March 1, 1925, he was the son of the late Arthur and Hilda (Johnston) Clarke. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. His pride for his Dartmouth roots was evident in his many stories of "old Dartmouth". As a young man he worked at the Starr Manufacturing Company , "the old skate factory". He then moved on to the Dartmouth Shipyards where he met his first wife Mary (Webb). Art retired in 1985 after more than 30 years of service with the Canadian Coast Guard, having served on the CCGS Lady Laurier, the CCGS Edward Cornwallis and the CCGS Sir William Alexander. He finished his career as an employee of the Coast Guard Yard. Art was a dedicated bowler who "set pins" and took pointers from the late Spud Beazley. Besides bowling, Art enjoyed spending his time using his skills as a handyman around his own home and those of his family or anyone in need. His unconditional love of family will forever be remembered by his second wife, Shirley (Webb); son, Bernard (Donna), Port McNeill , BC.; Veronica (Lyle) Brown, Fall River; Coline (George) Damczyk, Fall River; Doreen MacIsaac, Eastern Passage and Shirley's family Donald Clarke; Dorothy (Dan) Gibson; Paul (Debbie) Clarke, all of Dartmouth; Leanne (Pat) Theriault, Waverley; Marilyn (Denis) Tremblay and Ernest Clarke, Dartmouth. He was a beaming "Pops" to 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Art was predeceased by his wife Mary (Webb); son Allan, brother Wilfred ``Buster``; sisters Dorothy Edwards and Elsie who died in infancy and son-in-law Joseph A. MacIsaac.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Portland Street, Dartmouth, on Wednesday, May 11th, 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Lung Association Nova Scotia or a charity of ones choice. On-line condolences may be sent to www.mattatallfuneralhome.com. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday 1:30 pm at St. Thomas More Church, Caledonia Road, Dartmouth, with Fr. Ronald Carnes officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall.

“Art`s family was his life, so his life will live on.”