John Hamilton Clarke, 90

In the early hours before dawn, on July 16, 2014, John H. Clarke, 90, received an abundant welcome into heaven. He passed away peacefully at home, in the beautiful Creston Valley of British Columbia.

John was born on Jan. 30, 1924, in St. Ignatius, Mont., to Helen and Harry Clarke. He was raised with his five brothers (Lewis, Harold, Neal, Russell and Monty) in the Okanagan Valley of Washington. John graduated from Omak High School where he served as student body president.

John served bravely in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was trained as a medic and was stationed in the South Pacific.

He returned home to attend Central Washington University and obtain his pilot's license. John earned his Master's Degree in Education from CWU, and his journey into the academic arena propelled him into the lives of hundreds of students. He was a talented teacher and his blend of wisdom, humor and warmth made his classes memorable, valuable and entertaining. Over the years students would relate that he was the best teacher they ever encountered.

In 1948 John married his first wife, Margie Widell, and together they had four children: Beth, Lynn, Marliss and John Mark. During this time, John became an ordained minister. He served as pastor at churches in Euphrata, Naches and Yakima, Wash., while also teaching at various high schools in these areas. While pastoring in Seattle, Wash., John taught at Northwest University. He moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1968 where he served as pastor at The Assembly of God Church, and later founded what is now known as The Gateway. His wife, Margie, passed away in 1972; son, John Mark, passed away in 1985.

In 1973, John married Nathel Lincecum in Coeur d'Alene. They immigrated to Canada in 1974 and spent 32 years residing in northern British Columbia. From there, John traveled extensively around the world preaching, teaching, planting churches, and establishing schools. He often piloted his own airplane to these destinations. John was President at Blueberry Covenant Life College, and was known to inspire others to reach their full potential and God's destiny for their lives. During this time John began writing, and later completed a book about his life.

In 2007, John and Nathel moved to Creston, B.C., enjoying the friendly valley with its lovely views and cherry blossoms. He was a wonderful wordsmith and spent these years writing stories, poems, articles and sermons; he was also an avid reader. John loved to watch all sports - but usually college basketball, football, and tennis. Gonzaga basketball and the Seahawks were two favorites.

John Clarke was truly a member of "the Greatest Generation" in the very essence of that title. He achieved greatness in the military, academics, aviation, public speaking, as a wordsmith, mentor and most of all, by inspiring multitudes to serve God. He was charming and charismatic, and the warmth of his personality drew people to him. Relationships were greatly treasured by John, earning the deep love and respect of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, while establishing epic friendships that spanned decades and crossed the globe.

J. Hamilton Clarke was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. We are comforted by the honor of his life well lived; knowing he has now joined that Great Cloud of Witnesses in Eternity.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Margie; son, John Mark; and daughter, Nadine Naugle. He is survived by his three daughters and their families: Beth and Glenn Knutson, of Yakima, Wash., and their children: Glenn (Estrella), Jessica Layton (Daniel), Jonas, Clara, Asher, Clara, Maisy, Katelyn Schultz (Joshua), and Margena; Lynn and Jim Peters, of Stanwood, Wash., and their children: Jesse, Jamey Tyler (Cace), and Carly; Marliss and Ken Sand, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and their children: Jordan (Barbara) and Allison Machurick (Steven). He is also survived by his wife of 41 years, Nathel Clarke, in Creston, B.C., and her children: Martin and Rebekah Lincecum of Anchorage , Alaska, and their children: Sharon Frisby (Jay), Addison, Ilsa, Christian, Rosanna, Danielle Webber (Jeremy), Lewis.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sat., July 26 at New Life Church, 1913 Elm St., Creston, B.C.