For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

CLARKE, John James Ashworth - Passed peacefully at the NOHS Hospice in Vernon, BC on October 5, 2015 at the age of 95. Born on November 22, 1919 in Liverpool England. Predeceased by his beloved wife Anna, and eldest sons David and Mark. Like so many of his generation Dad rarely spoke of it but he served proudly as a member of the RCN from 1937 to 1945. After the war he and Mom moved to Victoria to raise their family and where he was employed with DND at CFAD Colwood and then Rocky Point until his retirement in 1985. He was an avid fisher who with Mom at his side would frequently be out on Pedder Bay before sunrise in order to get in a couple hours before work. Dad was a sailor first but a gardener second and delighted in the simple pleasure of watching his cherished rhododendron's bloom. His philosophy was that it did not matter what you did with your life just that you always tried to do your best. He received many accolades in his long life but was proudest of being a loving husband and father. Dad believed in the power of prayer, so please remember him in yours. He is survived by sons Eric (Joan); John (Pam); daughter Roseanne (Bill) and daughters-in-law Elin and Pat. He is also survived by his brother Ken (Roberta) and sister June, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great children other relatives and friends. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dad's entire health care team. Their dedication and effort to provide quality care in his final years were a heartwarming blessing to the entire family. We are also indebted to the people of Armstrong for the compassion, respect and friendship they gave to Dad. At Dad's request there will not be a funeral and his ashes will be spread at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to a children's charity of your choice. Funeral Home Pleasant Valley Funeral Home 4303 Pleasant Valley Road Vernon, BC V1T4M4 (250) 542-4333 (The Times Colonist 09 Oct 2015)

CLARKE, John James Ashworth, Chief Petty Officer (2898) - British Empire Medal (BEM) - RCN / His Majesty's Canadian Gunnery School at Cornwallis - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 16 June 1945 and London Gazette of 14 June 1945.  CLARKE. John James Ashworth, 2898, CPO, RCN, BEM, 16.6.45  -  "This Chief Petty Officer has been mainly responsible for the setting up and maintaining of the Recognition Section of His Majesty's Canadian Gunnery School at Cornwallis. His outstanding diligence and initiative have brought forward many training aids, thereby paralleling such instruction in the Royal Canadian Navy with other Services. Chief Clarke's splendid bearing, unquestionable loyalty and high degree of intelligence have proven invaluable to the Gunnery School, throughout a most difficult period of training and construction."

Read John's memoirs on the RCN Memories page