Ralwin George Clarke

Ralwin George Clarke aka “Ralph” was born in Clarendon Jamaica on March 15, 1943. He died on February 07, 2014 after suffering a cerebrovascular accidents commonly known as a stroke. The second youngest of his 6 siblings, he had 4 sisters and 2 brothers, all of whom presently survived him. He attended school in Tweedside All-Age School in Clarendon, Jamaica. At 16 years of age, he ambitiously stepped out of the comforts of his parents home and resided with his sister Dorrell McLeod in Kingston Jamaica to embark on a trade that would define his legacy as a professional AutoBody Repair specialist. He went to trade school in Kingston as an apprentice and shortly became a master tradesman.

Ralwin met his late wife, Pearl Rebecca Clarke and 3 years later in 1968. The union produced two lovely daughters, Karen Clarke (deceased) and Kerry-Ann Nicole Kelly. He had four boys as well. Junior, Anthony, Oswald, and Odean. Seeking better opportunities for his family, Ralwin moved to Bermuda in 1974 to lay the foundation for what would be a long illustrious career as a master auto-body tradesman. His wife joined him a year later in 1975. Always wanting to be the best at his trade, he went to further expand his skill sets at the Ziebart International Trade School where he earned further certification in his trade in August 1978.

Ralwin and Pearl emigrated to the United States in 1979 where he became highly sought after for his tradesman experience and was at the height of his career. He worked for some of the largest car dealerships in South Florida and towards the end of his career worked 5 years for Greyhound Bus Company while maintaining a private practice and then retired shortly after in 2004.

He was a founding member of the West Indian Social Club where he held various positions and was a very popular member of his West Indian Community. During the weekend you could be certain to find him partying with his fellow members and friends, playing dominoes and planning the next special event.

He loved travelling and was always ready to go on a new adventure. Ralwin and Pearl went on numerous cruises to different parts of the world and he was always beaming with excitement at the thought of going on a trip and had numerous stories to tell when he returned. He especially loved going back to Jamaica to visit his sister and two brothers or his childhood home and neighborhood where he grew up. No matter what was ailing him throughout life he always maintained a positive and stoic demeanor on the outside and so he left us quietly and peacefully and will remain in our hearts forever.

Ralwin George “Ralph” Clarke is survived by his sisters, Gloria Forbes, Dorrell McLeod, Olive Gordon, Beryl Knight, brothers, Percival “Cecil” Clarke and Denton Clarke. Four sons, Junior, Oswald, Anthony, Odean and daughter Kerry-Ann Nicole Clarke, 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends who loved him dearly.