Canton, Ohio
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
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
January 22, 2014
May the Peace of Christ be with you all. I keep you in my prayers.
Lori A Kortkamp
January 21, 2014 | Canton, OH
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.
Charlie Winkelman
January 18, 2014 | Jersey Shore, PA
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.
Frankj Weinstock, MD
January 17, 2014 | Canton, OH
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
January 16, 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...
Renee Kopache
January 15, 2014 | Cincinnati, OH
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...
January 15, 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
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.
Paul & Janet Martin
January 14, 2014 | Canton, OH
