Coke Clarke

With great sorrow, the family of Coke Clarke announces his passing on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at LaVerendrye Hospital, Fort Frances, Ontario. Coke was born on June 20, 1944, to Mathilda “Billie” and Tom Clarke Sr.

He attended school in Fort Frances, and started playing hockey for the Jr. Royals while in High School. He was picked up by the Green Bay Bobcats for two seasons, then came home to play for the Fort Frances Canadians until the team folded.

Besides his hockey, Coke was involved in the Fort Frances Men’s Fastball League for many years, playing for Esquire, White Pine, Ponderosa Steers, the Emperor Kings, to name a few.

He had a successful career in the construction business, working for several contractors in the Fort Frances area, and was well known for his carpentry skills.

His hobbies included bowling, both five-pin in Fort Frances and ten-pin in International Falls (IFalls), fishing, watching all sports, and recently he was a very avid card player at Sister Kennedy Centre and the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances as well as the Elks Club in IFalls, plus cards and bingo at the Moose Club in IFalls.

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 in Fort Frances, and the Loyal Order of the Moose Branch 1259 in IFalls, MN.

Coke was predeceased by his parents, Billie and Tom Clarke, sister Rosalie and brother-in-law Bob Ruport (IFalls, MN) and brother Tom Clarke Jr. (North Bay).

He is survived by his partner of 48 years, Maria Langenfurth, brother Paul (Joyce) Clarke and sister Julie (Brian) Lowry, and families.

Cremation has taken place. As per his request, there will be no service.

If desired, in memoriam donations may be made c/o Green Funeral Home to the Parkinsons Society, Central & Northern Ontario, 4211 Yonge Street Suite 316, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9 or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.