Charlie and Harriet (Andrew) CLARK, 1995 I was greatly saddened a couple of says ago to learn that my dear Uncle Charlie CLARK has passed away. As one of his daughters mentioned, he was just 99 days short of his 95th birthday, and had a long life well lived. Uncle Charlie married my mother's sister Harriet ANDREW, and I grew up knowing them both while living in Duncan, BC. When I later learned that I also had a more distant connection with him through his MCDONALD, BOUNDY and CORNISH maternal lines (they were both from PEI after all!), so much the better!
I have kept in touch with him over the years, as we share a love of genealogy and computers. He was a gifted mechanic and tinker and was always exploring and doing new things. Up until recently he was even teaching other elderly seniors how to use the computer. The following obituary tells more about his interesting life and achievements. I will surely miss him.
I have kept in touch with him over the years, as we share a love of genealogy and computers. He was a gifted mechanic and tinker and was always exploring and doing new things. Up until recently he was even teaching other elderly seniors how to use the computer. The following obituary tells more about his interesting life and achievements. I will surely miss him.
Charles Bruce Clark
April 21, 1920 - January 11, 2015
Charles lived a long and productive life, but now with spirit released, he has left us to follow his dream ... to be back with the love of his life, Harriet, who died June 9th, 2009 ... and reunite with his eldest son Arnold who died in 1994.
The only son born to Bertha Lillian and Artemis Bruce Clark in Linkletter, P.E.I., his only surviving sister Fern Caseley, died a few short months before.
Left to carry on a legacy long begun: sons Gerry (Bev), and Bruce; daughters Elaine Paull (Bill) and Mary Braithwaite (Murray). Grandchildren: Richard Clark; Adrienne and Angela Clark; Lisa and Laura Paull; Brandon Clark. Great Grandchildren: A.J. and Dexter; Randy and Mary; Garret and Amy; Cody; Abby and Treavor.
His very first venture into the business world began at the tender age of 14, raising fox. Lucrative earnings were short lived when a devastating disease virtually killed the Island's fox population two years later. From there he worked with his father selling Massy Ferguson equipment, and operating Clark's Gas Station with towing and repair service. His last business endeavour on Prince Edward Island was Clark's Taxi Service.
Most of Harriet's family had settled out west, and so, in the spring of 1953 Charles and Harriet travelled across Canada with their young family. There was a pit stop in Toronto when their "self-camperized" van would travel no more. Charles, always a lover of vehicles, ordered a Volkswagen Beetle. "Hot off the press" was a fond memory for him, as he watched his car being built in the factory! Cramming Arnold (9), Gerry (7), Elaine (3) and his dear adventurous wife (pregnant with Mary) into their new car, the trek across Canada was completed. After that epic journey, neither had desire to venture far beyond their settled lives in Duncan, on Vancouver Island!
Charles became well known while working as a mechanic for Evans Motors. But many will remember Clark's Locksmith, owned and operated from 1969 until his retirement in 1992. He helped in organizing the Kiwanis Ambulance Society back in 1956, and drove Cowichan Valley's first Inhalator. After 19-1/2 years as a Duncan Volunteer Fireman and Assistant Fire Chief, Charles earned the distinction of Honorary Member.
His absolute love of cars lead him to eventually own an astounding 89 vehicles in his lifetime ... and Charles fondly remembered them all by name, model and year to the very end!
If ever there was a moment to celebrate life, we do so with great pride as Dad leaves a long, healthy and adventurous journey behind to follow his dream. The separation after 67 years of married life was deeply felt, and we now find comfort in lasting memories of Mom and Dad ... together again.
A memorial service for our father will be held at a later date.
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