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Ralph H. Clarke

By Howard B. Owens

Ralph H. Clarke went to be with his Lord on October 13, 2015. Ralph was born to William and Ruth Campbell Clarke on February 13, 1924 in the City of Buffalo.  He served as an American Citizen in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII.  Ralph retired from General Motors, Tonawanda in 1985,  completing a career as a Pattern Maker at the engine plant.  Ralph took great pleasure and pride in remodeling his homes in both Corfu and, later, Florida. As an avid outdoorsman, Ralph enjoyed gardening, golfing, hunting and fishing.  Always smiling and joking, Ralph enjoyed his life to the fullest and, even in his later years, never complained even as his health declined.  

He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife Jane, as well as his brothers Frederick Clarke, Robert Clarke, Ronald Clarke and Alan Clarke.  He is survived by his brother William Clarke, daughters Pamela (Claude) Griffith, Ruth (William) Lang, sons Ralph A. Clarke, and Roy Clarke.  He is also survived by grandchildren Sarah Griffith, Matthew (Ashlee) Lang, Andrew (Monica) Lang, Renee (Jeremy) Peters, Ralph (Khrystina) Clarke, Christopher Clarke and Jennifer Clarke as well as 5 great grandchildren.  Ralph is also survived by his dear friend and caretaker Kyle Couchman.  

There will be no calling hours but friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service celebrating Ralph’s life on October 17th, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main Street, Alexander, NY 14005. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

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