Thomas Tripp Clarke

Thomas Tripp Clarke, 64, of Mercer Island, born June 8, 1945, passed away at home while being cared for by his family on February 3, 2010. Born to Lee Clarke and the late Ted G. Clarke Jr., Tom was the last patriarch of the Mercer Island pioneers who continuously have lived on the Island from 1908-2010.Tom’s sense of adventure and optimistic outlook on life were influenced by his father. His mother cultivated in him a respect for nature and a love of gardening. Together they passed on to him a strong sense of family values, which he used as the foundation for his own family. Early on in his life Tom experienced unexpected adversity due to medical difficulties. Despite these setbacks he led his life to its fullest experiencing each day as his first and his last. He spent many seasons with his family boating in the coastal islands of the northwest first on the Fred Free and later on the Nor’wester as the crew expanded. He led many hiking and camping excursions throughout the Washington coast and Cascade Mountains. In later years, the boating trips gave way to a single location, The Property on Nelson Island, where he established first a tarp tent and over the years a hospitable cabin welcome to all family and friends that could enjoy the rustic life. He believed in spiritual inclusiveness and created a deep and meaningful connection with everyone he knew. This aspect of his personality mingled with a wry sense of wit and sarcasm, led to many lively debates and conversations. Tom is survived by his loving wife, four children, four grandchildren, a dog, several unruly chickens, and a garden heavily pollinated by his bees. We will long remember who you were and what you represented. Tom is now a wave upon the ocean…a particle in the sea. The family requests that any donations be made to the Northwest Kidney Center (www.nwkidney.org/nkc/howYouCanHelp/donate/memorial_tribute.html).