Vernon Elroy Clarke

Vernon was born in McPhee’s Corner, Nova Scotia, on September 7, 1930, the eldest son of Roy and Emma Clark. Vernon was pre-deceased by his parents, by his brothers Irving and Alfred and by his brother-in-law Kenneth and sister-in-law Ola. Vernon is survived by his wife Madeline; his three sons Gregory (Pauline) of Port Williams, Stephen (Mary) of Quispamsis, and Jeffrey (Candas) of Mineville; grandchildren Emma (Tyler), Amy, Richard (Megan), Andrew (Britteny), Christin (Edmund), Brandon (Kelsey), Amanda (Alex); great-grandchildren Beauden, Xavier, Everette, Neve, Sadie, and Jack; sister Jean (Ron); sisters-in-law Louise, Jackie, Barb, Sylvia (Ron); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vernon started his career working for the Royal Bank and Household Finance in Truro but in March 1958 Vernon joined Standard Life in Halifax, where he remained throughout his long and successful career spanning approximately 60 years, continuing to assist his clients long after he had “retired”. During his life insurance career, Vernon achieved his CHFC and CLU designations and in several years was recognized as a member of the MDRT.

Married to Madeline on June 20, 1953, Vernon was a loving husband and father right to the very end, with a life-long emphasis and focus on his family, of which he was very proud. In early years, Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and family camping. When he had a vacation cottage built on the Northumberland Straight, it replaced camping, although periodic hunting and fishing trips continued, primarily for fellowship, which he also very much enjoyed. Vernon was a founding member of the Malagash Cottage Owners Association serving on the executive and as its President. Vernon was also an avid Kiwanian in Dartmouth, also serving on its executive and as its President, receiving life-time membership in recognition of his 50 years of loyal service and community contributions. A life-long member of Woodlawn United Church, he had a strong faith and a deeply felt responsibility to contribute to the life of the church and its community, having served in many capacities over the years from chair or member of various stewardship and decision-making committees to the minister’s elder.

A very much-loved husband, father, brother and uncle, Vernon was always there to lend his support in times of need as well as to take on a leadership and collaborative role. His patient and optimistic demeanor will be dearly missed as will his story and joke telling and uplifting laughter.

The family would like to thank the Halifax Hospice and the Bayshore Home Health team.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Halifax Hospice or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Visitation will be held at A.L. Mattatall’s Funeral Home (217 Portland Street, Dartmouth) 6:00-8:00 pm Friday April 28. The service of remembrance and celebration will be held at Woodlawn United Church (54 Woodlawn Road) 11:00 am Saturday April 29, reception to follow downstairs. A family interment will occur on Sunday afternoon April 30.