Clarke, Bruce A. (Died)

CLARKE - Peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 2, 2008. Bruce A. Clarke of R.R.#2 Embro in his 88th year. Beloved husband of the late Norma C. Clarke (nee Barkey) (1976) and the late Elenore M. Clarke (Foster) (nee Thomas) (1995) and dear son of the late James Almour and Anna Marjorie Clarke (nee van Nostrand). Beloved father of Stephen (Patty), Pauline (Ron Nelsen), Connie (Daniel Waroux), Gloria, Suzanne (Doug Ross), Heather (Hardolph Wasteneys), Christine (Jamie Boulding), and Andrew (Julie) Clarke. Dear step-father of David (Cathy), Carolyn (Richard Piet), Janet (Jim Holden), Marguerite (Lew Worrad), Ken (Winfer) and Roy Foster. Loved grandfather of many grandchildren, great grandchildren and step great great grandchildren. Cherished brother of Gertrude Moyer, Doug Clarke, David Clarke, Keith Clarke and Louise Clarke. Predeceased by son James Clarke, step-son Stanley Foster, step-grandson Eric Stanley Piet, and sister Ruth Roberts. Bruce was born and raised in Whitchurch Township, where he farmed until 1962, having first served in the RCAF from 1942 to 1945. Worked for Farm Credit Corporation in Oxford County until early retirement, followed by ten years of missionary service in Zambia (1981-1991), with the AEF (later SIM). Active in the Embro farming community and Oxford Baptist Church. A born storyteller, with an optimistic outlook, he loved to rise early in the morning, have his devotions, head to the barn, and return to wake up his children with a rousing hymn. Throughout his life, and to the day he died, he was proudly active outdoors, taking his family on walks around his pond to see his bees and his trees. He was a man who believed tremendously in the Gospel message of the transforming power of the love of Jesus and living out this love in a life of service. Along with both Norma and Elenore, he instilled in and modeled for all their children and step children the importance of contributing on both a local and a global level, in whatever way one felt led, whether by skill, time, prayer or financially. This can be seen by his many voluntary associations and interests: missions, local church and community, health charities, nature conservancies. And, it can be seen in the choices their children have made. He told his children his vocation or calling was to be a father. As a proverb says, "his children will rise up and call him blessed..." Friends may call at the Longworth Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock (519-539-0004) Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Monday 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Oxford Baptist Church 278 Hunter Street Woodstock, Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. His long-time associations were to Oxford Baptist Church, SIM, and the Alzheimer Society, and in keeping with his overall belief in service, donations to these or a charity of one's choice would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.longworth funeralhome.com