September 3, 1947 - October 23, 2019
A special 'buddy' died October 23, 2019. A wonderful husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and a friend to his family and the legions of people he and Valda met where they lived and wherever they travelled. Marvin bravely faced his battle with cancer, but could not win. He died at home in Duncan B.C. with Valda and brother Ron at his side.
Marvin will be greatly missed by Valda, his wife of 50 years. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Armstrong (Jim), and brothers Ron Clarke (Judith), Allan Clarke (Lorraine), and Blaine Clarke (Janice), and sisters-in-law, Cheryl Solmie and Lynn Gourlay.
"Uncle Marv" leaves numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins who will miss his guidance and counsel on life. Everyone has been left with all-powerful memories of humour and laughter that trailed him wherever he travelled. Lessons given around the nineteenth hole: how to prepare cut-plug herring and surviving arctic nights in a tent have been forever burnt into our memories. Marv's entry into the world happened in the Regina General Hospital to parents Walter Richard (Dick) and Katherine Clarke. He spent the first 19 years of his life in rural Saskatchewan around Hearne, Avonlea and Rouleau.
Four days after turning 19 Marvin joined the RCMP and completed training in both Penhold, Alberta, and Regina. After graduation he was posted to Ladysmith, BC, where he soon fell in love with mild temperatures, the ocean and Valda. All provided much enjoyment over the next 50 years.
Marvin enjoyed a long and successful career in several branches of the RCMP in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Highlights include his time as an instructor and head of the law department at Depot Division, Regina, travelling with Pierre Elliot Trudeau on his last trip to the NWT with his three sons, and reaching his goal of the rank of Staff Sargent.
Marvin always believed that integrity and honesty were trademarks of life, followed by being organized and building strong social networks. Many friends, both professional and personal, spilled from these principles. Marvin particularly enjoyed working with young people. He loved family reunions where his one-liners were legendary.
His passion for camping, fishing, hunting, curling and golfing steered him on many adventures with family and friends. Settling in the Cowichan Valley after 30 years with the RCMP, Marvin pursued his love of golf in earnest, spending most days doing the '18 small things' on his agenda. He was a 20-year member of Duncan Meadows Golf Club where he pursued his passion in summer, and from 2006 onward, up and down California's Coachella Valley through the winter. Valda asked him if he needed anything one evening near the end of his time with us. His response: "Just a tee time."
The family would like to thank Dr. S. MacGregor and the Coleman Clinic, Dr. W. Neilson, Dr. V. Masuda and Dr. J. Ng, as well as the community nurses and the staff of Cowichan District Hospital.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Agency (Victoria), or the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society in his memory.