On Sunday, September 29th, the members of St. Michael’s, Surrey, said a fond but sad farewell to a very special couple -- Alice & Elmer Clarke. A luncheon donated by the Anglican Church Women (ACW) of the parish was held in their honour. Presentations of gifts of thanks were made, and several people shared special memories of the couple’s many years of dedicated and faithful service to St. Michael’s, the Diocese, and to the greater Surrey community.
The Rev. Douglas Stewart married Alice and Elmer at St. Michael’s during the Sunday morning worship service on June 23rd, 1991. It was a memorable occasion, both for them and for the whole congregation.
Alice played a very prominent role in all aspects of church life. She held the office of Warden and Synod Delegate, and also served in various positions on the Church Council. She was the ACW Treasurer for many years and also served as Treasurer and Area Rep on the Diocesan ACW Board. Last year, she was invested into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster. Her many talents were valued as a dedicated member of the Altar Guild, and both she and Elmer were valued members of the Church Choir.
Elmer is a handyman extraordinaire. If anything needed fixing Elmer could always be relied upon to fix it – from replacing light bulbs to repairing the outdoor fountain. He is also an excellent cook – a skill he learned while in the Navy – and was always ready to prepare something special for the monthly potluck dinners at St. Michael’s. He and Alice also served the community for many years by cooking for the disadvantaged in Surrey through the Nightshift Program. When the program first started, they cooked every Wednesday for over 100 people. Usually they made some type of soup or stew, and their recipes varied from week to week. It was said that there was special reason for participants in the program to line up on Wednesdays and that was because the food was so good!
In the last few years, due to health problems and their ages, they have had to slow down somewhat, but still continued to contribute in every way possible.
The St. Michael’s, Surrey faith community wished them both God’s many blessings as they left the special celebration to catch the ferry to Victoria and their new home.
Images: Top and homepage,the Clarke’s pose with a gift from the parish, a framed photo of the church with the Reverend Louie Engnan on the left and Bishop's Warden, Jeddy James on the right. Middle right, the last Sunday singing in the St. Michael’s, Surrey Choir front row, the Reverend Louie Engnan on left beside, Elmer and Alice. Below, Elmer and Alice cut the Farewell Cake.
PHOTOS: Darlene Austin