Olin Harold Clarke
March 3, 1944 to January 17, 2024
Obituary
It is with sad hearts, that the family of Olin Harold Clarke of St. John’s, announce his passing on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s, after a brief illness. Born March 3, 1944 in Fredericton, N.B., he was the son of the late Kenneth O. and Nellie L. (Phillips) Clarke.
Olin started his career with Singer in New Brunswick in 1969, eventually travelling to Halifax and Ottawa with Singer before settling in St. John’s with his family in 1978 as Newfoundland’s authorized Singer representative. After many years with Singer, Olin opened Victorian Bridal and Tuxedo Rentals, operating for many years, before owning his last business alongside his son Jason, Premier Formalwear and Classy Dry Cleaners. Olin was involved in the wedding industry and other smaller business ventures over the years. Olin was always very social and enjoyed his coffees with friends. His children remember walking through the mall with him taking much longer than expected as he stopped to chat with people along the way. He loved to discuss the stock market and his investments and spending quality time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Olin is survived by one daughter, Krista L. Clarke (Fred Cumby); and two sons, Jeff O. Clarke (Melanie McCarthy) and Jason R. Clarke (Amy) of St. John’s and their mother Greta Wakeling of CBS with whom he remained in touch with throughout their lives; three grandsons, Zackery Clarke of Langley, B.C., Nicholas Day (Megan) of Halifax, N.S. and Connor Clarke, of St. John’s; two granddaughters, Tiffany Day of St. John’s and Samantha Clarke (Kerry Howell) of CBS; two great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Leo Howell. Also surviving is Olin’s brother, Ronald “Ron” D. Clarke of Burnaby. B.C.; sister-in-law Darlene Clarke of Fredericton; a niece and nephews; long-time friends Roz and Nina; and friends and former colleagues.
Predeceased by his parents and brother Dwayne Clarke.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Olin’s life will take place at the Manuel’s River Interpretation Centre, Discovery Room, in CBS on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 1-6 pm. All are welcome. Interment is planned for this spring/summer in the Rural Cemetery Extension, Woodstock Road, Fredericton.
My sincere condolences.
I’m sorry to hear of Olin’s passing. My condolences to the family. So true, he was such a social person there to chat with a friendly smile and wanted to hear your news.
Olin was a breakfast customer at A&W in Mount Pearl which is how we met. He was always friendly, kind & smiling. I would enjoy seeing him & hearing him say ” hello my dear”. I saw his obituary today & was saddened a kind man had left this world.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Roz and Olins family,
Condolences to you on the passing of Olin, may god be with you through this difficult time.
I was fortunate to have met olin through my Sister Roz and I always enjoyed our conversations., he was so friendly ,kind, and thoughtful to others . Olin took time out to make other feel important and one of the persons was my Mom, My mom adored Olin for good reason and for that I am grateful. Olin it was an honour 🙏 my you rest in peace .
Sue Ann
Krista and family
Condolences on the loss of your dad, may the great memories you have of him get you through this difficult time. May he RIP
Bob Morgan
I’m am so sorry to hear of Olin’s passing, we spent many times together during the time we both had a business in the Avalon Mall, my condolences to all his families !
Roz and Olin’s family. We send our deepest condolences on the passing of Olin. He was such a great friend to my sister Roz over the years. I had the privilege of meeting him a few times and remember that great smile of his. Keep his memory in your hearts and remember he is still with you , just in a different way . God Bless
Doug & Laura Butler
Krista, My deepest Sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your father. Hold your memories close.
Jay, Amy and family. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort at this time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve. Cherish the memories that you have of him. Be assured that you now have an angel looking over you and yours. Take care.
Tiffany and Nick, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. He had such a full life and I hope you find peace in the memories he left if your heart.
Krista, Jeff and Jason – I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I have so many fond memories of him. Sending you all heaps of love.
Rosalind 7 family, We are so sorry to hear of Olin’s passing Our sincere condolences to you and his family and friends.
So very sorry for the loss of Olin. Our condolences to all his loved ones.
Eugene (cousin) and Jeanne Phillips
To Krista and family. Condolences on the passing of your father. Hope you will find comfort in your memories of him and I know that you will find support from those who care for you.
Krista, Jeff and Jason my sincere condolences with the passing of your Dad. I have fond memories of Olin and the Clarke family. Hold all the great memories close in your hearts as you mourn his passing. Love to all.
Very sad to hear of Olin’s passing, so early in his
elder years. He was a real risk taker, and business
fellow. I was a Sales Manager with Singer and worked
very closely with him. My most sincere condolences
to Olin’s family Ron Cybulski Moncton NB
Krista, Jeff & Jason, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s death. Your father was a very kind and gentle man and always treated me like part of your family. He always had the biggest smile when I would see him. He’ll be greatly missed. Sending much love your way.