Mr John James Clarke

THE death has taken place of Downpatrick man Mr John James Clarke. He was 67.

Mr Clarke, who was better known by everyone as Sean, passed away at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald on September 27.

Born on May 13, 1952, he was the third child of Harry and May Clarke. Raised in Downpatrick, Mr Clarke attended a local school and after completing his studies went to work for Radio Rentals erecting television aerials. 

With both his parents mental health nurses, Mr Clarke soon followed in their footsteps, entering the Downshire School of Nursing a few weeks before his 19th birthday. He enjoyed his training as a mental health nurse and went on to work for 46 years in the profession, finally retiring in 2017. 

It was a role which he throughly enjoyed and would often reminisce about the years he spent at the Downshire and the colleagues he worked with. 

Mr Clarke married his wife Frances in August 1985 and they had two children Emma and Brian.

Fatherhood was a role he adapted to well as he was essentially a family man, devoted to his wife and a loving father to his children who will feel his absence most.

A proud moment for Mr Clarke was the arrival of his two grandchildren, Ruben (2) and Daniel (seven months).

He had a keen interest in football following his favourite team Manchester United, often travelling to Holland to visit his brother and go to matches there. 

Another interest he enjoyed was travelling, visiting many countries including the United States and many parts of Europe. 

Mr Clarke’s main interest however was his garden, having landscaped it himself, spending many hours maintaining it. He also enjoyed art, spending much time drawing with his children when they were little. 

Although quiet by nature, Mr Clarke had a knack of creating drama out of the most simple things. 

His strong presence and caring nature will be sadly missed by his wife, children, daughter-in-law Rebecca and grandchildren.

He will also be missed by Phil and Josh, Paula, Michael and family in Australia, Gerard, Helen, Michelle Manon and family in Holland, Phylis, John and family in South Africa, Bernadette, Peter and Katrina in Downpatrick, Michael, Louise and family in Downpatrick and Mr Clarke’s entire family circle. 

He was interred after Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Saul, with the Very Rev Paul Alexander PP officiating.

Mr Clarke will be remembered as a loving family man, who dedicated his life to caring for people who suffered from poor mental health.