In Memory

Nicholas James Clarke

February 14th, 1942 - July 15th, 2024

Nick Clarke passed away in Calgary, Alberta on Monday, July 15, 2024 at the age of 82 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Judith Sheryl (Judy) nee Butler; children, Lisa (Tony) Nyman and James (Dana) Clarke; and grandchildren, Clarke and Gage Nyman and Logan and Ryder Clarke. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and James (Jim) Clarke of Fernie, British Columbia.

Nick was born on February 14, 1942 in Trail, British Columbia and grew up in Fernie. He followed his high school sweetheart Judy to Calgary in 1961 and joined the Calgary Police Service May 4, 1962. He shared many stories of his time as a downtown beat cop, worked many years in District 2, spent time in Robbery and in Traffic as a motorcycle cop, and truly enjoyed his role as Range Officer for several years. He retired June 1, 1991 after 29 years with the Service.

Nick enjoyed being outside camping, golfing, taking care of his yard, or just reading a book on the patio. He loved an epic road trip and drove his family across Canada and throughout the United States, to British Columbia for summer vacations, and spent time in retirement as a “snowbird” in California. Nick was a self-taught wood worker making many pieces of furniture, trinket boxes and Christmas decorations for family, friends and colleagues over the years. He was a committed do-it-yourself-er. From maintaining and renovating the house to fixing cars and repairing appliances, he never saw the point of replacing something when he could just spend a bit of time and effort figuring out how to make it work again. He enjoyed watching golf on TV, and anything on the History Channel, and he was both amused and annoyed that it is taking so long to discover the curse of Oak Island.

Nick was a no-nonsense kind of guy and would not hear of anyone telling him what he could not or should not do, as shown by him tuning up and riding his bicycle in the weeks before his passing.

Nick wasn’t known as the warm and fuzzy type, but would often be caught wiping his eyes because “they were leaking”, especially over the many milestones and achievements of his children and grandchildren. His fierce dedication to Judy, the love of his life and wife of 59 years, was admirable and an inspiration to all.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Donna Grove and Betty and John Christensen for their friendship, old-school neighborliness, and support of both Nick and Judy over the past few years, and the staff of Unit 81 at the Rockyview Hospital for their care of, and compassion for, Nick in recent weeks.

Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, a cause dear to the family, are gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers.

Details regarding a Celebration of Nick’s life will be shared at a later date.

Share a message or memory

Louise Griep

1 month ago

Dear Judy and family, we are so sorry to hear about Nick. He was a great neighbour and help to us for all the years we lived across the street. I remember when the furnace cleaner guys were trying to seek me a line and I went across the street to ask him to come and please give his opinion. Happily, he was able to point out the flaw in their pitch and we all parted ways with a minimum of fuss and no upselling necessary. Always loved the chats about the garden and the neighbourhood, and the barbecues. At Theo’s Christening we were a bit overwhelmed and he and John pitched right in and took over the barbequing so everyone got fed - so many memories of his kindness and strength to us and for his family. Sharing your sadness that he’s no longer in the world.

Brian Olorenshaw

2 months ago

It breaks my heart to hear of Nicks passing. I'm am so sorry for your loss. I remember Nick helping Jamie, Donny and I bust a few bike thieves when we were kids. Many fond memories of the Clarke family. Best wishes to Judy, Lisa, Jamie and family.

Val Pinard

2 months ago

So sorry for your loss. Nick was my neighbor across the alley whom I had the pleasure of knowing since 1992 when I moved into the neighborhood. I will miss our chats in the alley as we both puttered in our garages. I must say, Nick was one of my most favorite neighbors. Always felt like the neighborhood was safer with him living close. Loved to listen to his stories about when he was on the police force. I will miss him dearly. Sending my heartfelt condolences.

Margaret pinotti

2 months ago

So very sorry for your loss Judy and family. May happy memories help you during this sad time

Robb and Arlene Veres

2 months ago

Judy an family
We are so sorry for you loss. Nick was a great next door neighbour to our parents and us kids. I enjoyed our talks over the fence. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you

Debbie Yanota

2 months ago

Judy, Lisa, James and families. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Nick. I hope the years of happy memories comfort you for years to come.

Tom Marston

2 months ago

I only knew him as Sgt. Clark and we all feared him as our firearms instructor. But we could see the fun side when he and Jim Dewitt got on a role. A lot of what he taught us, and the advice about policing he offered, stuck with me throughout my career. My sympathies and condolences go out to the family.

Gerald Befus

2 months ago

To Judy and family my deepest sympathies! I will Miss Nick greatly, All the weekly telephone calls, all of the golf games together. Riding around the golf courses on the old Harley. All of the camping trips we took together, Awesome! Wonderful memories! Please know that if there's anything you need just let me know and I'll do my best to respond.

Chuck Lloyd

2 months ago

Nick was like a brother to me. We had
good times and work closely together many times

Roy and Karen Slavens

2 months ago

Judy and Family,we send our deepest sympathies. It has been many years but remember Nick well.

Louise Hughes

2 months ago

Dear Judy and Family, Please accept my sincere sympathy. You have lost someone very special, someone who touched many hearts.

Our families have shared so many activities through the years. From the time Nick and Lorne joined CPS in 1962, and became close friends. We share the memories of many days sharing family campfires all over Canada and the USA, as well as cruising. I am still using the camping table that Nick welded!

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers,
Louise

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Len & Fran Esler

2 months ago

Dear Judy & family - we are so saddened to hear of Nick's passing. He will truly be missed in in the CPV family. We enjoyed golfing with Nick at one of the Vets tournaments many years ago - it sure was a fun day and he was great golf partner - even though he golfed so much better than us.
May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
With sincere sympathy,
Len & Fran Esler

Robyn Buchanan

2 months ago

Uncle Nicky. Not sure where to begin, but he was a kind hearted man. I always enjoyed visiting his and Auntie Judy's house and have many fond memories. My dad, Michael Showers, loved Nicky dearly as well.

Robert Robins

2 months ago

I had the pleasure to work with Nick with the CPS, he was a no nonsense man and told it as it was, a wonderful mentor for any up and coming Police man \\Deepest condolences to Family and Friends, We will remember him

Lana Taylor

2 months ago

Very sorry to hear of Nick’s death. I worked with him at District 2 - he was one of my favourite Sergeants. Such a terrific person and mentor.
My sincerest condolences.

Ben VILLENEUVE

2 months ago

TO NICK, We spent many hours working and talking in the old 2 DISTRICT office where I first met you. Your bark was known but also the kindness you showed to many new officers. It was a honour for me to work for you, to know you and call you friend. You will be missed

Len Dafoe

2 months ago

Nick was one of my District Sergeants when I worked in D2 and, as a newbie , I both feared and respected him. Later on in my career I was honoured to get to know the funny and slightly mischievous side of Nick. My sympathies and condolences to Nick’s family and friends. Another good man gone too soon.

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