Allan Clarke Obituary

Allan Clarke, beloved husband & father to his wife, Ann of Parker, and his three children, Thomas, Emilie and Graham, passed away peacefully on July 7th, leaving a legacy of his passion for travel, adventure, and Trains.

Allan was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1928 to Allan & Emily Clarke. He attended schools in White Plains, NY and graduated from high school at the age of 16. He worked for the railroad as a morse code operator eventually joining the Air National Guard in 1948. From there he joined the Air Force until his illness from polio led to an Honorable Discharge in 1952. He married Ann in 1957 and they were the true definition of a loving partnership. Their travels & business opportunities took them all over the country, most notably Florida, Vermont, Montana, Wyoming & Colorado.

From the time he was a small boy, he was fascinated with trains and automobiles - anything with an engine. As a mechanic, parts and service manager and dealership owner, Allan spent 40 years with Ford Motor Company. After earning his Master’s Degree in Education at Oklahoma State University, he went on to teach Automotive Diesel Mechanics at Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie. After his retirement from teaching, he worked at Caboose Hobbies, where he was able to spend his time hobnobbing with other model railroad enthusiasts. His passion for Planes, Trains and Automobiles was lifelong and woven throughout the years of his long and adventurous life.

Allan was a devoted father to son Tom and wife Donna of Colorado Springs, Emilie of Denver, and son Graham and wife Patty of Centennial. His children grew up traveling the entire USA and many provinces of Canada chasing trains as well as hanging out at Palm Beach Speedway watching their father build and race stock cars…what a fascinating life he led!

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Ann, and his daughter-in-law, Donna Ferris. He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren - (Thomas) Kelsey, Kyrene, Ian, Allana, Catriona, (Emilie) Lexie, (Graham) Hayden and Cameron, and one great grandchild, Lincoln (Kyrene)…all who will never forget his love of trains and the travels, adventures & stories that defined his life.

Allan’s Celebration of Life is at 3pm August 1st at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Donations to the charity of your choice in his name are greatly appreciated.