Rushen Heritage Trust has paid tribute to one of its volunteers after his recent passing.
Captain David Clarke had volunteered with the charity since 2021.
A proud Yorkshireman, Captain Clarke worked in the Merchant Navy, starting off as a Sea Cadet, and becoming a Master Mariner, commanding gas tankers across many of the world’s biggest seas.
RHT said: “He was a familiar figure in the south of the island, often working as a close and highly effective team player with his good friend Steve George on community volunteer activities, such as the Beach Festival and Rotary events, and always happy to roll up his sleeves and help others.”
Modest
Hugh Davidson MBE, Rushen Heritage Trust Co-President added his own tribute saying David was a “highly capable yet modest person, with a great sense of humour, a clear thinker with a positive outlook, and always willing to help good causes”.
He added: “I saw frequent examples of these fine qualities through Port Erin Traders (now Visit Port Erin) and Rushen Heritage. His presence cheered people up – he made people laugh and was full of constructive suggestions, delivered succinctly with style.
“We were both closely connected with these local organizations for many years. For me and many others, a highlight of his involvement with RHT was a memorable biographical talk he gave in the Trust’s early days, entitled “From Sea Cadet to Captain”, at the Falcon’s Nest Hotel.
“The talk attracted 159 attendees – a record for the Trust. The audience was rewarded with a finely illustrated and fascinating story, which was greatly appreciated, and is still recalled by many, some years later.
“When people pass on, memories of them endure, and David generated so many of these, often laced with humour, and always positive.
“He will certainly be remembered by many at Rushen Heritage Trust with both respect and affection, and we offer our deepest sympathy to Viv, his family, and his friends.”
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