Vale Elaine Clarke 4 April 1928 – 8 October 2018

About twenty choristers joined Elaine’s many friends and relatives at her funeral service on 12 October 2018 which was held at Camberwell Uniting Church where she and Jack worshipped for many years.

The Rev. Ivan Poole welcomed everybody and, after the opening prayer, the church filled with the singing of Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, accompanied by Jeannie Poole.

Three grand-daughters – Sarah Kerr, Amy Parsons and Emma Kerr – separately read from the bible and the poem Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep.

Rev. Poole gave the homily before Victoria Welsh Choir moved to the front to sing two of Elaine’s favourites – Calon Lân and Gwahoddiad, led by Faleiry Koczkar and accompanied by Lorna Ogilvie.

Daughter Jenny Parsons and grandson Andrew Kerr then reflected on Elaine’s life as the loving mother of four adopted children, as a beloved granny and as a wife to Jack. It was clear that she was undoubtedly a wonderful and loving influence on the whole family.

Her musical talents had evidently been passed down as seven members took the stage to perform When I Survey the Wondrous Cross complete with some very fine harmonising.

After the Lord’s Prayer, all rose to sing Abide with Me before the Rev. Poole gave the Blessing and the Committal.

As the casket was borne out followed by the family, the church was filled with a choir recording of Jack, accompanied by Elaine, singing his signature song Working Man. After the first verse, all choristers very naturally started humming along, as they had done countless times before, letting the moment lead them into their parts, building up to the magnificent emotional finale with Jack’s fine voice soaring over the choir. As an impromptu performance, we felt at one with Jack and Elaine for the final time. Rest in peace.

Tony Davies

14 October 2018