- Date Of Birth: July 14, 1938
- Date Of Death: February 27, 2016
- State: West Virginia
Alan Reginald Clarke, 77, of Flemington, WV passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016, at United Hospital Center with his family by his side. Alan was born July 14, 1938, in Wolverhampton, England; son of Reginald Frederick and Marjorie Alice Hackett Clarke, who both preceded him. Alan is survived by two daughters, Jeanne Clarke (Peter Reilly) of Arlington, VA, Tiffany Hargest (Todd) of Leesburg, VA; one son, Duncan Clarke (Jan) of Oakton, VA; two step-grandchildren, Jessica Jennings and William Jennings, Sister-in-law, Vivienne Oxley. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia B. Clarke who passed away on July 10, 2015. Alan earned his PhD in Chemistry & Physics from the University of Sheffield. Upon graduation Alan moved to Scotland to study glass technology. In 1966, he left Scotland and moved to Salem, WV, with his wife and children to work at a glass works. He began teaching Chemistry and Physics at Salem College in 1970. Alan was paralyzed in 1975 as a result of a fall while mountain climbing in upstate New York. Undaunted by his handicap, he moved to Woodbridge, VA in 1979 to work for Northern Virginia Community College as a Chemistry professor. He later went on to become the Division Chairman of the Science Department until his retirement in 2000. After retirement, Alan and Patricia moved back to WV in 2004. They bought land in Flemington WV and built a custom home. Alan had a keen interest in the history of the railroad industry in WV. This interest led to his writing four published books on the subject: “Coal & Coke Railway,” “West Virginia Central & Pittsburgh Railway,” “Western Maryland Railway in West Virginia – the photographs of G. H. Broadwater” and “West Virginia & Pittsburgh Railroad.” He was working on his fifth book when he passed. His family would like to express their gratitude and love to Barbara Sowers, his nurse and caretaker who took wonderful care of their father during the last six months of his life. He will be missed greatly by his children and his cat and best friend Compo.
