Clarke H. Burnham passed away on Jan. 30, 2018 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. He was surrounded by his family and holding the hand of his beloved wife of 68 years, Fran. Clarke was 91 years old.
Clarke was born March 29, 1926 to Curtis and Goldie Burnham in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He attended school in Aberdeen and joined the Army two days after graduation. After his honorable discharge from the Army he attended college in Wahpaton, South Dakota.
He and Frances Barbara Leff were married in 1949. They raised five children; Jim, Rick, Roger, Dale and Denise.
He moved his family to Lewiston in 1963 and then to Orofino in 1964. Clarke was very active in Orofino, participating in OCI for 20 years and becoming a member of the JayCees. One of his most proud achievements was founding the Orofino Rotary Club and participating in the many civic projects of the Rotary Club. He was Rotary President and also served as a District Governor where he and Fran traveled to Australia and New Zealand.
Clarke was a contractor all of his adult life and built many homes in this area. He was the proudest of two of his volunteer accomplishments, the Maniac Center and the Nez Perce Tribal Church in Ahsahka.
Clarke and Fran enjoyed camping, square dancing, traveling, margarita parties and neighborhood gatherings. In 2000 Clarke’s world changed when Fran was injured in a fall and became disabled. Clarke became her 24-7 caregiver doing so for 17 years. In 2017 Fran moved to Orofino Care and Rehab Center. Clarke rarely missed a day visiting her, sitting by her side for hours every day.
Clarke was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his eldest son, Jim and his grandson JaySon. He is survived by his wife Fran, of Orofino, his sons, Rick (Janet) and Roger (Ellen) of Orofino, Dale of Spokane and his daughter Denise of Boise. He had 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Dad was a proud, hardworking and honest man. He always gave back more than he received and couldn’t have been a better role model. His contributions to his community are a living reminder of his generosity. Following his example, his children continue to give back to the community through volunteer work and service organizations. We loved him and will miss him; rest in peace Dad, you deserve it.
At Clarke’s request cremation has taken place; a Celebration of Clarke’s Life will be held on Friday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m., at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino.
Memorials may be made in memory of Clarke to the Orofino Rotary Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 482 Orofino, ID 83544.