Keith Andrew Clarke, 70, died peacefully January 12, 2013 after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Keith was born September 8, 1942 in Miles City, Montana, the girlhood home of his mother, Vera Pettersen Clarke, and his maternal grandmother and great grandparents. He joined the young family of his father, Martin “Cookie” Clarke, and his big sister Sue Karel, joined later by brother Scott Allen and sister Marti Rae. After a short time living in Miles City during World II, Keith moved with his family to Helena where he would spend most of his life.
Keith’s youth was spent in the family home at 707 2nd Street close to Mt Ascension, attending elementary school through high school with all of his close childhood friends. He graduated from Helena High School in 1960. Keith was athletic, playing on baseball and football teams while growing up. He was, of course, a Helena High Bengal! Later he played recreation league softball and enjoyed many events and some traveling with teams. He was an avid Dodger fan, yelling and ranting at the television for badly played innings. In recent years sporting events of all types were his daily entertainment.
Keith attended the University of Montana and later graduated from Carroll College with a business/accounting degree. His main jobs were as an auditor for the State of Montana and later worked with his father, Martin, in the general insurance business.
Keith married Karen Mack, of Harlowton, in 1976, and together they made a home in the Helena valley where they lived for many years. They later divorced.
Family was important to Keith and he loved giving gifts to everyone right down to nieces and nephews and their children.
Keith’s last five years were spent at the Big Sky Care Center, where the residents and staff became his extended family. He knew everyone by name and also something about their lives and family. He was given loving care by the staff and Keith’s family will be forever grateful especially for the compassion shown with the end of life care.
Keith truly enjoyed history and had an amazing memory, which made it an adventure to visit with him. He valued his lifelong friends and his later years were made brighter by the letters sent regularly from Bill Mundt and Doug Pasche. This link to others made Keith’s world a bit bigger.
The most fabulous events in recent years were his birthdays shared with family, one in Sue’s yard. The other event he spoke about a great deal was his 50th class reunion from Helena High School. This was truly a highlight for him!
Keith was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, parents Martin and Vera Clarke, and sister Sue K. Clarke. He is survived by brother Scott Clarke (Carol) Missoula, sister Marti Clarke Johnson (Kit) Helena, brother-in-law Ron Lee, Helena, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 17th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a lunch reception to follow in the funeral home social center. Memorials in Keith’s name are suggested to the Montana Chapter of NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness), P.O. Box 1021, Helena, MT 59624.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 17, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday January 17, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 17, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday January 17, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Gary Flatow says
Want to send my condolence to the family. Enjoyed some great days with him in highschool.
Best wishes to all:
Bart Erickson says
Keith was a good buddy in high school and we did a lot of fun (and sometimes stupid) stuff together with the rest of our group of close pals. I roomed with Keith for a while at the University but then we pretty much lost track of each other after he returned to Helena and I moved away. Saw him only on rare occaisions after that. I know his last years were pretty tough with his courageous battle with Parkinsons. I am very sorry to learn of his passing and extend my condolences as well to his family.
Doug Pasche says
I had the previlage of re-connecting with Keith at our 50th reunion. I will miss writing to him. Keith was the perfect pen pal as he allowed me to brag about my kids, complain about the weather, cheer for his and my favorite sport teams including the Bengals and Woodbury HS Royals (Lion mascot).
Though he could not answer my letters, his sisters were kind enough to let me know how Keith was doing and share his successes and struggles. Keith was truely a “Royal Bengal” and the class of “60” has lost a wonderful classmate. My condolences to his family.
Doug Pasche says
had the previlage of re-connecting with Keith at our 50th reunion. I will miss writing to him. Keith was the perfect pen pal as he allowed me to brag about my kids, complain about the weather, cheer for his and my favorite sport teams including the Bengals and Woodbury HS Royals (Lion mascot).
Though he could not answer my letters, his sisters were kind enough to let me know how Keith was doing and share his successes and struggles. Keith was truely a “Royal Bengal” and the class of “60” has lost a wonderful classmate. My condolences to his family.
Bill Mundt says
Keith is going to be missed greatly. On my yearly visits to Helena I would always go to see Keith at the Care Center to cheer him up, but it was usually him cheering me up. Keith was always happy and thankful for each day. He was a great sports fan and loved watching the Los Angeles Dodgers and any football game that was on. When I would ask Keith about one of our classmates he always amazed me in that he always knew where they were and what they were doing. How he accumulated all that information I’ll never know. I know we are all going to miss Keith!!!!
Diane Richter Pedersen says
Marti:
I was sorry to learn that your brother passed away. I remember when you lived on 2nd street and your brother had to put up with us. My dad, who passed away two years ago, was fond of Keith as he was of your dad. Having just recently lost my Mom I know the empty feeling when a family member dies. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Diane Richter Pedersen
Loree Steckler says
Marti,
My sincere condolences on the loss of both your brother and your sister. I am at my sisters house in Helena and we drove by your old house on York Rd. (the one with the stream in the back yard) a few days ago and seeing it brought back many happy memories of the times I spent there and with you and your family. If you need someone to talk to, please email me, I would love to see you. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Loree Steckler says
Marti:
My email address is steckees@yahoo.com