Clarence Lawrence Walker Jr.

Clarence Lawrence Walker Jr., 86, of Provincetown, Massachusetts, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Provincetown after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Clarence lived a life that fused art, science, service, and celebration. We celebrate and honor him here today.

Born on July 6, 1939, in Harlem, New York, the son of Mamie Harding and Clarence Walker Sr., educated in the New York City school system, Clarence studied AAS electrical studies before receiving a BS in electrical engineering at the New York Institute of Technology 1964. In addition, he also studied the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and at the City College, City University of New York.

An avid and accomplished jazz drummer in his early years, Clarence played at the famed club Slugs in the 1960s. One late night, he and fellow musicians headed to Provincetown, a place that quickly became central to his life.

An engineer who founded and ran his own company Integrated Sciences Corporation for 28 years, Clarence established his footing previously at SESCO where he found success and tried and true friends. Clarence joined CRRC in 2018, a Chinese company, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of rail transit equipment, including high-speed trains, metro cars and light wagons. Clarence’s previous experiences with his own company and his knowledge of Mandarin were invaluable to CRRC in helping the company bridge the gap between China and the United States.

Captivated by the town’s love of art and beauty, its vibrancy and fine dining, and the rich mosaic of humanity; Clarence was irresistibly drawn to Provincetown. It was here he ultimately found his sanctuary and true home. The city fostered a deep sense of kinship and nurtured his profound love for the community. Clarence demonstrated unwavering dedication as a Town Meeting member, serving on the Provincetown Finance Committee for several years. Fellow member Stan Sikorski remembered his professionalism and objectivity, and a valued friendship that grew from their public service.

Clarence’s family recalls a man who walked to the beat of his own drum and loved good times, simple pleasures, good drinks, and good friends. Marcene wrote following his death “We who knew and loved you say thank you, thank you for all you gave us, for all the creative designs, for all the celebrations and generosity and love each day and each year for 86 beautiful years.” His son, Keir, had a strong bond with his father. This bond was buttressed by shared magical summer “annuals” together with Keir’s girlfriend, Adisa Durakovic, and close friends– always made better with fireworks close to his birthday, and New Year’s Eve. Lea, shared his love of science fiction, sailing, and reading—Dune and Star Trek were shared favorites—and she inherited his love of music, as well as his technical side, learning to solder computer boards with him in his first company’s warehouse.

For 36 years, Clarence’s life partner, Marcene Marcoux, shared his zest for work and wonder. “Clarence worked tirelessly, enthusiastically and lovingly,” she said, adding that he worked right up until a few days before he passed and sailed away “to new worlds on Naima,” his beloved boat. He loved trains, computer systems, quantum physics, calculus, and the stars, and he lived exuberantly, traveling with courage and curiosity.

Ironically, both Clarence and Marcene were staying at Frank Schaefer’s White Horse Inn during the 1980’s but never met. Additionally, both lived in Newton at the same time, only streets away but had never met. The couple serendipitously met when Marcene accompanied the late sculptor, Richard Pepitone, to Clarence’s 50th birthday party. Their story grew from that meeting. Both enjoyed the camaraderie of the town, sailing, and zest for life. Eventually owning a sailboat named Naima, which they often sailed in the evening. Marcene recalled being caught in what became known as Hurricane Bob while in Wellfleet Harbor. She said he refused to leave the boat in Wellfleet and that they sailed all night long, eventually arriving back in town at 6 in the morning.

Clarence is survived by his partner, Marcene Marcoux; his daughter, Lea Walker; and his son, Keir Walker.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 26, 12:30–4:00 p.m., at the Saki Room at JD’s Woodfire Grill, 258 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA. All are welcome.