RALPH BARBER CLARKE B.A., C.L.U.

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RALPH BARBER CLARKE B.A., C.L.U. With sadness, the family announces Ralphs peaceful death on Monday, October 18, 2004. Dearly loved husband of Ferne, who after 64 years of marriage, predeceased him in March of this year. Ralph is survived by his children, Elizabeth, Bruce and his wife Diana and by his beloved grandchildren, Melanie and Megan Clarke, Mark and Miles Gould. Only son of the late Walter E. and Louise Clarke, Ralph was born in Medora, Manitoba on April 28, 1911. Educated at St. Johns College School in Winnipeg, Ralph was blessed by friendships that lasted a lifetime with Frank Lupton and Jack Williams. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1933 and joined his father in running the family business, The Cash Store, in Minnedosa, Manitoba. In 1948, Ralph began a long and personally satisfying career in the life insurance business with North American Life (later Manulife) earning his Canadian Life Underwriter designation. In 1956, Ralph and family re-located to Brandon where he and Ferne lived with much happiness amongst their friends and neighbours on 27th Street for over forty-six years. Ralph chose to become an Anglican in his late teens and for the rest of his life was a dedicated servant of his church, first at St. Marks in Minnedosa and then at St. Matthews in Brandon. Ralph was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Minnedosa, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine Club in Brandon. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Kiwanis Club. In his youth, Ralph was a crack tennis player; he enjoyed golf and curling and was a loyal Blue Bomber fan to the end. Always actively interested in politics, he and Ferne were proud to become Honourary Life Members of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. A student and lover of Shakespeare, Ralph was well known for his great recall of long passages from his favourite works of the Bard, generally inspired by a healthy dose or two of single malt. On retiresment, he developed a keen interest in genealogy, tracing his roots back to the United Empire Loyalists. Always a gentleman, ethical in busines, caring of his family, Ralph will also be warmly remembered for his quick wit and fine sense of humour. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home in Brandon and Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home in Winnipeg for their loving care and kindness to Ralph. Thanks also to Reverend Jessie Kehler for her timely words of comfort and prayer. At Ralphs request, a private family service will take place on October 23, 2004 in the Chapel at St. Matthews Anglican Cathedral, Brandon. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. "Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" from Hamlet by William Shakespeare Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, (204) 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 23, 2004