MERCHANT Navy veteran and retired Whitby fisherman John Clarkson's daughter has paid tribute to him after he passed away earlier this month.
Mr Clarkson, who was known by many in the town, joined the Merchant Navy as an eager 15-year-old, straight out of school. He was so keen to go to sea he claimed to be 16, was accepted and served for 17 years as a cook.
He worked on the Russian con
voy ships during the Second World War, braving freezing conditions to deliver supplies to Russia which were vital to keeping them in the War following the German invasion.
Leaving the Merchant Navy aged 32, Mr Clarkson continued his affinity with the sea, working as a fisherman on several Whitby trawlers, until he retired at 65.
Mr Clarkson later went on to be President of the Friendship Rowing Club in Whitby for four years an achievement of which he was extremely proud. He also enjoyed going to the Fisherman’s football club for a drink.
Known as Incas to his friends following a school geography lesson about the lost Peruvian tribesmen, Mr Clarkson was a popular figure in Whitby. His daughter Judith said: “He was a real character. He was well known the area and he was well known for starting arguments and walking out, he was a real debater.”
Such was his popularity St Hilda’s church was packed for his funeral last Thursday and the family received over 100 cards from well wishers: “We have received 150 sympathy cards and the funeral was brimming with people,” said Judith.
Born in Whitby in 1925, Mr Clarkson lived in Bakehouse Yard in his early years before meeting and marrying Margaret Rose Storr with whom he shared 43 years before her passing seven years ago.
Mr Clarkson leaves another daughter Valerie and grandson John (18) to whom he was devoted.
“He was really proud of John, he was really proud of all his family,” said Judith.
The full article contains 333 words and appears in Whitby Gazette Friday newspaper.
