KENNETH FAVOR CLARKE, JR. – May 18, 1927 - July 28, 2010.
• Born May 18, 1927 in Lexington Massachusetts to Kenneth Favor Clarke, Sr. and Kathryn Chase (Collieson) Clarke. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, attended Radar Electrical School and returned to his beloved New Hampshire after an Honorable Discharge.
• A graduate of Kimball Union Academy in 1948, Ken was a member of the Ski Patrol (student leader), Outing Club, French Club (President), & the Senior Council, Class Secretary. During his senior year, he was voted: "Done Most for the School". As he would say, "the best years of my life". He was surrounded by many friends as a vibrant, popular young man. He then attended Dartmouth College and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in 1952. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and The Outing Club. His most remembered stories are around skiing Tuckerman's Ravine and the friendship with his SAE brothers.
• As a resident of Southborough, Massachusetts and Meredith New Hampshire, he was the owner of Welder's Supply of Worcester, and Northeast Safety Products, Auburn Massachusetts. He served on local Welding Society Boards. He was also an active member and Deacon of Pilgrim Congregational Church, Southborough Massachusetts.
• He was an avid boater on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH and began racing Garwood boats in 1948 with his Dad, Kenneth Clarke, Sr. Wildcat IV was a 28ft. mahogany boat with a Liberty, 12 cylinder, 550 HP and drove at the speed of 52 MPH. His love of this sport carried on for 50 years. Our first family boat in the 1960's was a wooden Pen Yan with a 25 HP Johnson outboard named the Honey Bees. He knew every square inch, every buoy and every island on "The Lake". His many friends still vacation and own homes in the Lakes Region.
• Ken sold his business in early 1980 and moved full time to New Hampshire. He worked as a part- time teacher in the Gilford School System until full retirement. As a member of Meredith Lion's Club from 1987 -2000, he served as 2nd Vice President for the 1987 - 1988 year. He then served as the club's President for the years 1988 through 1990. – He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow in 1996. Thanks to his mentor and good friend Dick Fleming. His favorite activity and fund raiser was the annual July 4th Rubber Duckie Race.
• In 2000, Ken, moved to California to be near his daughters and grandson. In his last years, he was lovingly cared for @ Britannia Lodge by Pat, Richard and Joanne Hounsell of Palm Desert, California. They are angels to our family.
Ken leaves two daughters; Wendy Clarke of La Quinta, CA, & Julie Clarke of Palm Desert, CA, a grandson; Kenneth Clarke Lewis also of Palm Desert CA, and cousins; Rosemary Jackson Woodman & husband Arthur of Londonderry, New Hampshire, Jonathan Tetherly & wife Kay, of Chicopee Massachusetts, David "Babe" Jackson & wife Patty of Florida.
Ken's Service and Burial will be held on Saturday, August 7th, 2010 @ 11: 00 a.m.
Monroe Cemetery, Rowland Avenue @ Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington Massachusetts (Behind the former Muzzey High/Condos) Ken will be laid to rest with his parents, and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kimball Union Academy, P.O. Box 188, Main Street Meriden, New Hampshire 03770 or The Meredith Lions Club, P.O. Box 1720, Meredith New Hampshire 03253.