Jack Clarke Memorial Service

The official memorial service for Jack Clarke was held at Queen’s College in Melbourne on 7 April 2017. A large number of relatives, friends and former colleagues were welcomed by the present Master, Dr Stewart Gill.

Jack’s beloved choir, led by longtime friend Faleiry Koczkar and accompanied by Lorna Ogilvie, opened proceedings with two hymns, specifically chosen by him – Morte Criste and Gwahoddiad.

Heartfelt reflections, leavened by humour and wit, were delivered in some style by Kate Kerr, Jack’s younger daughter and by past student David Lawrence. Everybody in the hall could agree with the sentiments expressed – pure respect and admiration for Jack with his legendary compassion, fairness, humanity, love of family and, overall, simply for his intrinsic goodness.

Former colleague Associate Professor Ronald Farren-Price played the Adagio from Beethoven’s Sonata Pathetique Opus 13 before the Rev. Professor Robert Gribben led the gathering in prayers.

Fittingly, the exit music was a recording of Vivaldi’s Gloria, performed by Queen’s College Chapel Choir in 1967, conducted by Jack’s beloved widow Elaine.

Of course, Elaine was for many years also an accompanist for Victoria Welsh Choir and gave many years of devoted service to the choir, along with Jack.

The choir’s Vice-President Drew Hopkins crafted the following words for the Memorial Service booklet:

Jack joined the Victoria Welsh Choir in April 1994, and, as both an administrator and a chorister, made a huge contribution to its success. Jack was at various times the choir’s marketing manager, a management committee member and the choir’s President, and was made a life member of the choir in recognition of his outstanding service. Typically, all these functions were carried out competently, with charm and grace, and with a nuanced understanding of people’s behaviour and needs. But it was as a soloist that Jack will be readily remembered by audiences and fellow choristers alike. His rich bass-baritone voice, especially his moving rendition of “Working Man” – a tribute to the harsh lives of coal miners –  frequently brought standing ovations from audiences.