Warren Clarke, aged 99 ½ years, of Kittery, Maine, formally of North Wolfeboro, NH and Massachusetts, passed away December 30 following a brief illness.  He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Priscilla (Pat) Clarke.  Warren and Pat lived happily in North Wolfeboro from 1971 to 2016.  He is survived by his two sons and their spouses, David Clarke and Donna Clarke of Bristol, RI and Bill Clarke and Lucy Clarke of Portsmouth, NH, as well as three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.   His granddaughter, Hunter Clarke wrote this beautiful poem for Warren on his birthday, and it expresses what we all feel.

Grandpa is my model for how to age gracefully. He worked hard his whole life, with all the stresses and problems that came with that, but as he moved into retirement it seems like he exhibits a beautiful balance to his life. He balances his responsibilities with connection to the community, exercise, care for the house, and a continued passion for learning. He seems to have let go of many of the stresses of life and learned how to enjoy the small pleasures of each day in a mellow way. Whenever we talk, I appreciate his insight and his thoughtful, careful study of what is happening in the world today. And the joy I see in his face when he plays with his great-grandchildren bursts my heart open. I see him, and I want to follow his model of living with such grace and ease.