Obituary of Harry Clarke

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January 23, 1931 – August 4, 2021

Dr. Harry Clarke was a devoted husband, loving and guiding father and dedicated family physician. He darned his own socks, sang loudly and proudly in the church choir and learned to play the mandolin when in his 50s. He died peacefully in his sleep at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina.

Harry was born on the family farm near Star City, Saskatchewan on a cold Friday to David and MaryAnne Clarke. He loved his farm upbringing and, along with his four sisters, pitched in to help with the work that came with each new season.  

Possessing a quick mind that could add rows of figures faster than any calculator, Harry was a shoo-in as an employee with the Bank of Nova Scotia in Star City. He was transferred to a branch in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan in 1948, staying for three years before returning to help manage the family farm for the next decade or so.

In winter when the farm wasn’t as demanding, Harry would strike out for other adventures. He worked as a lumberjack in Alberta and welded gas lines, based in Vancouver.

When Harry’s parents retired, Harry realized farming wasn’t his future and forged a new path. In 1958 he enrolled in Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan. There he met the love of his life, Frances White. The two graduated from Pharmacy in the spring of 1962; by October they were married.

As a pharmacist, husband and father to two girls – Alison and Angela – Harry’s life in Saskatoon was nearly ideal. But he knew he hadn’t quite found the professional niche he was meant to fill.

In 1968, Harry returned to the U of S to attend medical school. At the ripe old age of 37, Harry was considered ancient among the other medical hopefuls who applied that year. He was called in for an interview and the panel was blunt – at your age, how much time will you really dedicate to medicine before you retire? Don’t you think we should give opportunities to younger students who will contribute more to the profession? Harry convinced them of his passion, aptitude and dedication and went on to enjoy a fulfilling career that spanned four decades, retiring at age 82.

With his medical degree in hand, it was time for a new adventure. In 1972, Harry, Fran and the girls moved to Flint, Michigan, where Harry was an intern in an inner-city hospital. He and Fran gave serious consideration to staying longer, but when the immigration paperwork didn’t show up in time for the girls to return to school, the decision was made for them. In 1973, they moved to Regina where he took over a family practice in the Medical Dental building. There he employed his daughters as well as many nieces and family friends over the years, happily saying that they all got their start as his summer receptionist.

Between office hours, being on call, hospital rounds and making house calls, Harry always found time to pursue other interests. He had a love of decorative rugs, enjoyed puttering about the house and garden and couldn’t resist cutting down a tree or at least trimming back the branches; a holdover from his days as a lumberjack, no doubt. Perhaps his most enduring passion was cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Harry and Fran were season ticket holders for years, and they hosted many a Grey Cup party. He was happy to attend a few Grey Cup games over the years – even when it meant wearing a snow suit and multiple layers to cheer for the team on their home turf.

Harry possessed a strong faith and was a devoted contributor to St. Luke’s Anglican Church for more than 40 years. He sang in the choir, helped with the offering, was a groundskeeper, Warden, Synod delegate and Sunday School Teacher and worked the grill at church barbeques. 

When time permitted, Harry loved to travel. He visited Ireland, the birthplace of his parents, six times, and took several trips to England as well as South Africa, Croatia, Italy and went on a handful of cruises. In recent years, he and Fran enjoyed winters in Palm Springs where friends, the sunshine, golf games and grapefruits were plentiful. Travel to Harry meant visiting with distant cousins, catching up with long-time friends, and frequently running into patients – around the globe they would happily greet their doctor.

Harry was predeceased by his parents; his sisters Marion Clarke, Mary Lavender and Eileen Hill; as well as his dear granddaughter, Charlotte. He leaves behind his beloved Fran; his daughter Alison Clarke and family (husband Josip Nizetic and their two sons, Nikolas and Luka); his daughter, Angela Clarke; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judy and Fred Short; and numerous nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and cousins in Ireland. His sister Ruby Shanley – the last of the five siblings – was at Harry’s side when he died.

Harry was a storyteller and a musician.  He was known to play Santa at long-term care homes and was good friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, #225 – 1874 Scarth Street, Regina, SK S4P 4B3 or the charity of their choice. A service to celebrate Harry’s life will be held on August 28, 2021 at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Argyle Road, Parish of Immanuel at 2:00 PM.