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William D. Clarke

About

Denison University

FUNERAL HOME

Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home

710 Tuscarawas St W

Canton, Ohio

William Clarke Obituary

William D. Clarke 'Bill'
age 84, of Canton, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. He was born June 26, 1929 in Canton, Ohio to Roy B. and Evelyn Walker Clarke, Bill was a lifelong resident of Canton, serving as Chairman and CEO of Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company until his retirement in 2005. Bill's dedication to his hometown is evident in his life of service to this community. He received the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Award of Merit for his volunteerism with the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Young Life, Rotary, Mount Union, Walsh and Malone Universities, Canton City Schools and many other organizations. However, Bill preferred to work behind the scenes, building relationships and forging partnerships to put vision into action. Clarke was an ordained deacon and elder of Christ Presbyterian Church, and remained deeply committed to the church's ministry at Camp Wakonda. An advocate and activist for human rights around the world, Bill was a founding board member and director of Habitat for Humanity, International, traveling the globe to expand Habitat's international housing ministry for over 20 years. Clarke's service as Chairman of Refugees International took him to war zones and refugee camps from Croatia to Thailand. He was honored with an Alumni Citation Award by Denison University for his 'ability to look at the world through a wide-angle lens, and his commitment to local and global action that empowers people to live more fulfilling lives.'
Bill's life of volunteerism would not be possible without the commitment of his loving wife of 59 years, Joan H. Clarke; and four daughters, Sioux 'Susan' Finney (Bruce), Krista Clarke-Brownstein (Michael), Polly Clarke, and Niffer (Jennifer) Clarke (Jim Farrell). 'Paho' was dearly loved by his grandchildren, Jeff Henrickson, John Ferguson, Stephen Finney, Becca Finney and Hannah Clarke Levine. He is also survived by two sisters, Marilyn King (Charles) and Dorothy Carlson (Victor) and a host of 'adopted' family around the world.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 in Christ Presbyterian Church. Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (Tonight) in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home, 710 Tuscarawas St. W. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the William D. and Joan Clarke Charitable Fund at Stark Community Foundation, 400 Market Ave. N., Suite 200, Canton, OH 44702, Christ Presbyterian Church, 530 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, OH 44702 or a charity of your choice. You may sign our guest book at
shriverfuneralhomes.com
Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Homes & Cremation Service
330-455-0349
Shriverfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Repository on Jan. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William Clarke

15 Entries

January 22, 2014

Sorry to note this passing--a truly good person for every endeavor he chose--his school, his business, his community, his charities--we will miss his wisdom.
Melvin and Elaine Lazarus

Lori A Kortkamp

January 21, 2014

May the Peace of Christ be with you all. I keep you in my prayers.

Charlie Winkelman

January 18, 2014

I didn't know Bill well personally, but certainly knew of him through his daughters, with whom I have always been impressed. What an inspiring life! You are all in my prayers.

Frankj Weinstock, MD

January 17, 2014

I extend my sympathy to Bill's family. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile and never bragged. However, I did get many "snip its" of the wonderful things that he did. He helped many people and was truly a good person.

He will e missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

January 16, 2014

Joan, We were deeply saddened to learn of Bill's recent death. May God continue to comfort, guide and bless you and all your dear family. Love and prayers, Bill and Dottie Briggs

Renee Kopache

January 15, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Clarke's family and friends.

I will forever be grateful for Mr. Clarke's kindness, gentleness, encouragement, and support during my time with YoungLife as a troubled high school kid. I will never forget the life lessons that I learned through him…many that I couldn't understand 30 years ago guide my life today.

Please know during this time of sadness that your husband, father, grandpa, friend, or colleague changed so many lives for the better. He will be missed, but not forgotten. The lives he touched will touch lives for many generations to come.

January 15, 2014

So sorry that I did not learn of your until this afternnoon and missed the opportunity to share in Bill's memorial! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you celebrate the life of a man who was truly a special and beloved father, friend and community leader. His smile lit up a room, and his soul was as sweet and gentle as any we have ever known. His place in heaven is one reserved for those of God's children who lived their lives, and encouraged all others to live, the way our Lord intended! Sympathy to all of you, Binny and Bob Manard

January 14, 2014

Ah Bill, we shall surely miss you - you leave behind a whole host of lives that have been touched by your warm heart and ready smile. Our hearts are with your family at this time. Joan, we love you dearly, and pray for you during this time of sorrow. Bill and Becky Quigley

Paul & Janet Martin

January 14, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to Bill's family. As a leader of Operation Positive, City of Canton Youth Programs, he exemplified the leadership that was needed to propel the program at a time in which the City needed his leadership. He will be greatly missed.

Alene Helling

January 14, 2014

Rememoring with you a life so important
to so many. With love & sympathy

Alene Helling

Dee Gramoy

January 14, 2014

I met Bill and his family back in the 70's while I waitressed at Butler's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant and I have many fond memories of them all. Bill always had a way of making you feel special. He was always present and interested and full of humor. Quick with a smile and always a compliment he was a rare treasure. We did several rafting, kayaking adventures and I loved his adventurous spirit. It was a true honor to know him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Heaven has gained quite the angel....hope they can handle him LOL!

Carol Spotleson Gallagher

January 14, 2014

Sioux,
Holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

January 14, 2014

So very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I came to know of Bill's devotion to Canton Rotary many years ago when I worked with him there. The family has my sincere sympathies.

Jan Baker

January 14, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 14, 2014

Larry and Nancy Dolvin, met Bill many years ago through exchange student programs. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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