Charles M. Clarke, 64, of Oakland, Maine, beloved father, husband and friend, passed away peacefully after a battle with many medical complications on Jan. 25, 2019 in Cape Coral, Florida.

Charlie was born in Waterville, Maine to Maurice and Jean Clarke on Jan. 30, 1954. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1972.

He married Ellen Jurdak on Jan. 28, 2014 in Naples, Italy. Charlie began as a cook in 1972 at local restaurants in Waterville before starting at Kennebec Supply Co. in 1974. Charlie continued with Kennebec Supply Co., turned F.W. Webb, for the following 42 years as an account manager until he retired in 2016.

He was known for starting the 110 Yacht Club in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. He was also part of the Boothbay Harbor Country Club where he was employed at the gatehouse welcoming people with a smile and having the opportunity to chat about all he loved. His friends described Charlie as being funny, generous, loyal, considerate and fun-loving.

Charlie lived a long and full life filled with laughter, friendships and hobbies. Golf and boating were his absolute favorite and enriched his life year round. When he was not doing one of the above, he was planning for the next trip, including his most recent trips to Florida in the winter. He enjoyed his family and his vacations with his wife Ellen. Cruises and tropical vacations were at the top of his list to enjoy with that one major trip to Italy where he was able to marry his best friend. Charlie also enjoyed his love of sports which included playing hockey, coaching hockey and watching the Patriots during football season.

Charlie was also known for his teaching of others, his caring for others and, of course, his sharing of his opinion that everyone was to take as “just an opinion” and not a directive. Charlie was always there to lend a helping hand to others and many relationships in his life started out due to his kindness. Charlie was also known for his strength as a person and his endurance for difficult things that came his way.

Charlie’s dying wish was to be remembered for the good times, the positive memories and not the difficult days at the end. He was joking until the very last day showing his infectious happy spirit that refused to die.

Charlie was predeceased by his father Maurice Clarke who passed in 1994 and his mother Jean Rhodes Clarke who passed in 1979.

Charlie is survived by his wife Ellen Clarke of Oakland, Maine; daughter Nicole Clarke and fiancé Michael Foley of Phoenix, Arizona; son Nick Jurdak and wife Lynn Jurdak of Oakland, Maine; cousin Sue Modereger and John Modereger (“brother from another mother”); friends Mike Carey and his wife Patti Carey; and more friends than the obituary can hold.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life that will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service fundraiser, P.O. Box 280, Boothbay, ME 04537 or your local youth scholarship funds.