Obituary of David Roland Clarke

It is with sadness and very heavy hearts that the family of David Roland Clarke of Victoria, announce his peaceful passing on Monday, June 29, 2020. David was predeceased by his wife, Annie (nee Stephenson) in 1974, and his grandson, Cory Laing in 1986. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Eva (Gene) Laing, CBS and son, David (Nellie), Brookside. Also leaving with very special memories are his grandchildren, Stephen (Kara), Christopher (Claudette), David (Jody), and Jacqueline. David was also loving great-grandfather to Ainsley, Alexander, Connor, Clarke, Payton, Lyam, and Wyatt. Sharing in our sorrow and memories are his sisters-in-law, Viola Clarke and Lillian Clarke, and his brother-in-law and life long friend, William Stephenson, all of Victoria. David will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends, especially his neighbours of Church Road, Victoria. David was born to Isaac and Mary Ann Clarke of Victoria; and was predeceased by his parents, his siblings and their spouses, Leonard (Olive), Adelaide (Solomen) LeGrow, Dora (Jacob) Newell, Roland, Gladys, Hansen (Edna), Desmond (Jean), Melvin, and Gerald. David’s life centered around his family and his work. He worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator. He often boasted of being in nearly every community in Newfoundland, since he worked on the construction of the Trans Canada Highway in the province from its start to finish. David was a great story teller and often entertained his children, his grandchildren and in later years his great-grandchildren about his work experiences in the province as well as his fishing trips to Labrador. He was well known by many people in Victoria for his long and accurate memory, often spinning yarns about the “old days in Victoria.” To the staff at Bay Roberts Retirement Centre the family extends heartfelt thanks for the outstanding care provided throughout David’s stay there. To nephew Gerald Clarke and his family, niece Shirley White and her husband Tony, neighbours Lester Vaters, John Parsons, Charles Little, Alvin Slade, and many other neighbours who often visited, words cannot express our appreciation for the support and assistance you gave over the years to help David remain in his own home in Victoria for so long. Following government legislation due to the current pandemic, a private visitation will take place at Noel's Funeral Home, followed by private funeral service from Noel’s Memorial Chapel, Carbonear. Interment in the United Church Cemetery, Victoria. As an expression of sympathy, donations in his memory may be made to Victoria United Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 129, Victoria, NL, A0A 4G0.