1975 te

I knew Carlton for over 50 years even though he was older than me. We both played tennis as juniors in the Jamaican lawn tennis Association circuits. Tournaments at St Andrew Club, Sabina Park, Liganee, and Mandeville. Carlton was at St George’s and I was at Wolmer’s.

We were both fortunate to have Fr. Jose’s guidance, who was a priest at St George’s, and secured tennis scholarships at St Joseph’s College (now university) in Philadelphia a few years apart. Anthony Sarnia from the Sarnia tennis family and Campion College was also a teammate at St Joe’s on Scholarship. Imagine 3 Jamaicans at one time on one of the oldest Jesuit Colleges tennis team at the same time.

Earl McEachron, Vince Hyatt, Trevor Palmer, Lynwall Tucker (St George’s) and Michael Gooden (KC) were also at St Joseph’s for soccer, track and photography. We had a tight group.

My special memory of Carlton was when we had an away tennis match. He was in a blue corvette as a passenger wearing sunglasses and driven by a tennis teammate Pete Stevens. Carlton was the epitome of cool.

Another memory was Carlton playing table tennis with Dimitri Sleem upstairs at the Manchester Club while waiting to play our tennis matches. The 2 week tournament had many categories and held a scavenger hunt for the Kingstonians visiting. They were both so far from the table hitting their  loopies while Arthur Ash was winning Wimbledon on the TV in the background.

It’s been 50 years since I set foot on the grounds of St Joseph’s (1975-1979) and lived in Gest Hall, which has since been converted into a Chapel with a new name.

There is so much to say about Carlton but last 2 points.

I always referred to Carlton as Carlton Clarke. Spoke to the whole person he was.

I miss his laugh and thought we’d meet up again. We will, but just not here.

RIP.

So sad to hear of his passing almost a year ago.  I was Carlton’s roommate at St Joes for several years beginning as new freshman in the fall of 1972. We became very close friends and remained so throughout our college years and beyond( although for only a few years thereafter) even when he moved on to working at a resort in Ocho Rios.   We lived in Xavier Hall on campus and I have great memories of our time together.  We went to many campus parties together, we traveled to the Jersey shore once I had a car and we spent several Thanksgivings together at my parents home in New Jersey.  I was one of his biggest tennis fans and always made it a point to attend his matches and cheer him on.  Some of the stories I could share are best kept secret but now that they were fun times and I’m sure he carried them with him during his life just as I have.   My condolences to his family.  Tom (aka Bernie) Devlin

I'm saddened by passing of Mr. Clarke affectionately called "Daddy". During the brief period I had the pleasure of knowing him I always found him to be kind, passionate and a great conversationalist. He was always willing to explore any topic. I know he will be dearly missed. Sincere condolences to Mr. Clarke's family and close friends. May his soul rest in peace.

On behalf of the Glenmuir High Alumni Association UK Chapter, I would like to express our sincere condolences to Mr Clark’s family. He was a well loved teacher and coach and will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace.