Vale Jack Clarke

Vale Jack Clarke OAM 19 May 1921 – 13 December 2016

About 30 choristers and ex-choristers, and some partners, farewelled their esteemed retired Life Member Jack Clarke on 19 December 2016 at the Camberwell Uniting Church, where he and Elaine worshipped for many years. Not surprisingly, the church was absolutely crammed full of family, friends and colleagues, all united to pay their respects to this most admired and universally loved humanitarian.

The Rev. Ian Brown officiated, assisted by the Rev. Prof. Robert Gribben, a long-standing friend and ex-student, who reflected on the text in 1 Corinthians 13.

An ex-colleague and friend John Castles AM delivered a splendid eulogy, as did grand-daughter Amy Parsons on behalf of the grandchildren and son David Clarke for the four children. Grand-daughters Sarah and Emma Kerr read extracts from the bible and daughter Jenny Parsons sang her own heartfelt tribute with the classic John Rutter anthem For The Beauty Of The Earth.

Choristers sat together and led the singing of three hymns: Now Thank We All Our God, Thine Be The Glory and Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.

Love was the abiding theme of the service – love of family, love of friends, love of music and compassion for all. A truly remarkable man who touched many of our lives.