Clarke, Michael Lee

May you have walls for the wind,
A roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire.
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all that your heart might desire
–Irish blessing

Michael Lee Clarke was born on February 19th, 1944, to Melvin and Betty Clarke in Jennings, Missouri, the eldest of what would become three siblings, Patrick, Colleen, and Jeff.

His father’s US Army career took them to California, where Melvin was lost in an airplane crash when Mike was just nine years old.  It was a change that would shape Mike’s development into the deeply responsible, hardworking, gracious entrepreneur and man he would become.

Despite his love for jazz and his accomplishments as a drummer, it was a career in real estate that called Mike. As his business grew so did his family, with the arrival of Matthew (MaryAnn) and Michelle (Ned).  He eventually earned a promotion to President at Coldwell Banker, and a move to Toronto.  It was here, he met Ardene (Dene), his equal in all thing’s real estate and love for adventure.

Mike and Ardene’s mutual success at Coldwell Banker and their even busier retirement took them around the world.  To keep the wind out and the rain off, they would call home Victoria, Fairfax, Fort Lauderdale, Buffort, Godfrey, and eventually Thornbury on the shores of Georgian Bay.

Their love of travel took them to thirty-plus countries. But despite their affinity for exotic cruises, it was sharing a laugh with friends and family from both coasts and everywhere in between that decided most of their destinations.  Nowhere was this truer than their love for their wonderful grandkids: Kyle, Ben, Haley, Jack, Will, Claire, Molly, Stella, Clayton, Hayes, and Mick.

‘A very good listener,’ is a phrase we often hear to describe Mike.  It’s true; no one made you feel more interesting than the quiet gentleman across from you.  But that attentiveness was just the surface of a much deeper well of dignity, kindness, and consideration. He was a man whose greatest joy was fostering the happiness and magnifying the blessings of the people he cared for.  You could not have done a better job, Mike.  We miss you, Bud.

Love Paul Mantrop, Chris Mantrop, Rob Mantrop (Leah) and Steve Mantrop (Sarah).

Private family arrangements at this time.

As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Grey-Bruce Animal Shelter or to the Meaford Food Bank and Outreach would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca