COLIN ‘COKE’ CLARKE

With great sorrow, the family of Colin “Coke” Clarke announces his passing on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Coke was born 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, the Ponderosa Steers, and 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 10-pin in International Falls), fishing, and watching all sports.
Recently, he was a very avid card player at the Sister Kennedy Centre and the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances, as well as the Elks Club in International Falls, plus cards and Bingo at the Moose Club in International Falls.
He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances and the Loyal Order of the Moose Br. 1259 in International Falls.
Coke was predeceased by his parents, Billie and Tom Clarke; sister, Rosalie, and brother-in-law, Bob Ruport, of International Falls; and brother, Tom Clarke Jr. of North Bay, Ont.
He is survived by his partner of 48 years, Maria Langenfurth; and 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 St., Suite 316, Toronto, Ont., M2P 2A9 or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com