Randall K. Clarke Died May 2, 2020

Randall K. Clarke

Died May 2, 2020

ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP – Randall Kent Clarke, 81, loving husband, and father passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Randy was born in Redford on a summer day on August 28, 1938 the fourth child of Earle and Elsie (Souder) Clarke.  He grew up in a loving, God fearing family with six siblings.  In his youth, the family spent their summers on the shores of Lake Leelanau in Traverse City.

On June 30, 1961 at the Pierson family home in Redford Twp., he married his high school sweetheart of 55 years, Carol Marie Pierson, who preceded him in death on April 17, 2017.  They started their life together in Redford  and moved to Traverse City in 1966.  They enjoyed 55 years as husband and wife.  It was rare to see one of them without the other.  Their children, Randylynn and Brian were their pride and joy.  They had a strong faith in God that directed their path in life.

Randy was a gifted mechanic and owned and operated Clarke’s Garage with his brother Dan and later his son Brian.  The garage employed several family members through the years and were known far and wide for their expertise in transmission repair.  Randy had a tender heart which was evident when he was with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He had a love for fishing, hunting, boating and also his dogs. He will be remembered for the fierce way he loved people and for his stories that would make you laugh until you cried and his many pranks.

It would not be possible to name all who provided a loving helping hand throughout his illness, but his children want to express gratitude to a few of those golden hearts who in most recent months were always there, anytime, any way:  Iris, Nancy, Larry, Gladah, Dave and Brenda, and a very special thanks to those who made all the difference in the very last hours:  Tanya, Susie, and Amy and Addie.  There were so many others who helped and encouraged, and it is all appreciated.

Randy is survived by his children, Randylynn Bourassa and Brian (Sarah) Clarke; seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Aislyn (Nathan), Courtney, Adelaide, Benjamin, Christian, and Christina; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brookelyn, and Alison; siblings, Wayne Clarke, Jerry (Esther) Clarke, Judy (Ivan) Kevelin, Gladah (Larry) Keeney, and Dan (Nancy) Clarke; many of whom thought of him as a “dad”, and a multitude of other family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Randy was preceded in death by his sister, Leah (George) Whitefield.

The family will be holding a private memorial in Bingham.  The family asks that flowers not be sent as they cannot be placed where seen and appreciated during these unusual times.

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