Kevin William Clarke
July 8, 1943 to November 3, 2024
Obituary
It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of Kevin William Clarke, aged 81 years on November 3, 2024.
Predeceased by his parents, Austin and Clara, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Martha, brothers Billy and Austin, sisters Debbie, Belinda, Laura, and Grace, brother-in-law George and sisters-in-law Margaret and Jean.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis, daughters Sherry (Cyril) and Lori (Roger), and grandchildren Cassandra, Madison, and Metsae. Also left with fond and loving memories are his sister Joan, brother-in-law/best friend Peter, brothers-in-law Wayne (Mary) and Terry, sister-in law Sandy, nephew Jason (Jennifer), and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Kevin was a proud Teacher and School Administrator for 30 years. He began his career as a teacher at the early age of 16. At only 18, he became the Principal of St. Augustine’s School on Bell Island. After a few years teaching on Bell Island, Portugal Cove and St. John’s, he settled at Cowan Heights Elementary as a Grade 6 Teacher, where he happily remained until his retirement. He was a dedicated and caring teacher who enriched the lives of countless students with his infectious enthusiasm for life and learning. His students held a deep affection for him and after he retired, he was delighted to run into and chat with former students who remembered him, and whom he always remembered. He will be sadly missed by his students and colleagues alike.
Kevin was a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family fiercely. His passion for his wife, and pride for his two daughters and grandchildren, was evident to all who encountered him. He was a force to be reckoned with. He was equally happy to engage in a good debate, or take part in a good joke, and approached both with a smile. He had a tenacious appetite for knowledge and regularly engaged those around him in rousing discussions of academic interest. If you met Kevin, you remembered Kevin.
Our family would like to thank Compassion Homecare for their patience and kindness. A special thanks to Lily and Cathy for their camaraderie toward Kevin, and the love they have shown our family. We also would like to thank all of those who have reached out to our family to offer condolences, words of comfort, and friendship.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will occur at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador https://nlparkinson.ca/donate/
To Kevin’s wife and family. We were so saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Clarke’s passing. He was my 6th Grade teacher at Cowan Heights Elementary in 1978-79. I remember his humour, kindness and most of all his passion for education and the caring he exhibited towards his students. He wanted us all to succeed and it consistently came through in his teaching. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
I am very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing, he was a regular caller at Harvey’s Oil I spoke to Mr. Clarke on a regular basis when he called to order his oil. I enjoyed talking to him each time he called to hear about his day and to just have a chat. I’m going to miss his calls and hear all about his stories he would tell me when we spoke, he put a smile on my face after each conversation. My sincerest condolences to his family, rest in peace Kevin.
Deanne Mitchell
(Harvey’s Oil)
Kevin was a regular caller and client for us at Johnson Insurance. We were all very pleased to talk to him because he was such a sweet person to talk to always. Yesterday when we heard the news the whole team was shocked and saddened. Our condolences for the family 💐
So sorry to hear of Mr. Clarke’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to you all . I remember being a student in Mr. Clarke’s class in Cowan Heights Elementary, all those years ago. Cherish your memories. Rest in peace sir🙏
Phyllis and family, Sorry to read of Kevin’s passing. We extend our sincere condolences. Phyllis and I worked together at Leisure World. Marion and Eric
I send my sincere condolences to the Clarke family. I am an employee at NLCU who had many phone interactions with Kevin for long years. He always expressed how much he appreciated us and he was pretty special to our team at the Member Solutions Centre. Kevin loved to talk about his family so all of your names were very familiar to us. He was a good soul and we will miss his calls, his voice and his stories so much. His obituary photo is the first time I actually saw him but he is exactly how I would have pictured him. I can almost hear him speak. I welled up when I heard the news because he was that special to us. Oh, how I would love to answer the phone today and hear his voice again. Rest in peace dear Kevin.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Clarke. He taught me in grade six the first year that Cowan Heights Elementary opened. He was a great teacher and I enjoyed being in his class. My condolences to his family. I’m sure he will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. He taught me at Bishop Feild back in the 60’s, and when I worked for Paradise up until 2020 he came to my office from time to have a chat. He was one of the better teachers, and he forgot no one. He will he missed.
My heartfelt condolences to Kevin’s family. I have had many long conversations with Kevin over the years. He was so kind and cheerful. Always so nice. He will be missed so much but all who knew him.
Sherry, Cyril and families,
Our sincere condolences to you all at this most sad and difficult time! So very sorry for your loss!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sincerest condolences to the Clarke Family.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Kevin’s Passing. I remember him well as I too was born and raised on Bell Island and was a friend to his sister Debbie.
Sending my Deepest Condolences to his family and friends.
Condolences to Kevin’s family. Kevin was indeed a very nice person; loved to tease and have fun with his sister, Debbie (my very close friend during our teens and young adult life). Kevin always had a story and was very good at telling it. RIP
Phyllis and family; our deepest condolences on the loss of Kevin. He was a wonderful man he will be missed by all who knew him.. Wade, Louise and family.
Mrs. Clarke, Sherry, Lori & families:
Such a pleasure to have known Kevin. Shocked and saddened by his passing.
I’ll remember the many stories he often told, of his teaching days, and of growing up on his beloved Bell Island. He made my working with him so easy, usually, while listening to the very best country classics. I’ll miss our many chats and laughs.
While his presence will be greatly missed, may your memories bring comfort in the days ahead. Rest easy Kev, until we meet again.
Scott and I send our deepest condolences to all the family. Mr Clarke always had a smile and laugh to share with those around him. We wish you all comfort in this most difficult time. Scott and Karen Yetman
Phyllis and Family sincere condolences to you and your family. RIP Kevin