Frederick Richard Clarke August 10, 1931 - December 2, 2011 Fred passed away at his home in Novato, CA surrounded by his three children after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Frederick Richard Clarke August 10, 1931 - December 2, 2011 Fred passed away at his home in Novato, CA surrounded by his three children after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Tacoma, WA to Frederick W. and Helen R. Clarke, he graduated from Clover Park High School in 1950. He attended Washington State University before leaving to pursue a career in the Air Force. He spent 14 years in the Air Force as a fighter pilot. While in the Air Force he met his wife of 55 years Joyce in Tripoli, North Africa.
After retiring from the Air Force as a Captain he spent 30 years as an airline pilot for Pan American Airways and United Airlines, based out of San Francisco International Airport. The Clarke family moved to Novato in 1967 and has enjoyed being a part of the community.
Fred had a keen interest in all things mechanical. He was a car and airplane enthusiast. He spent many happy hours flying his private plane and restoring numerous classic cars. He was always willing to lend a hand to his friends and neighbors to help repair or complete home and car projects.
Fred was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren; he instilled a quest for travel, adventure and curiosity. Although Fred was rarely without several projects, he was always a great listener and had a wonderful twinkle in his eyes when involving us in one of his many hobbies.
A Celebration of Fred's life is planned for a later date, in Novato, CA and Tacoma, WA. His wife, three children and six grandchildren survive him. His sister Margaret also predeceased him. Memorial donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org or Hospice By the Bay.
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