Aunty Marg was a very important figure in my life. We lived in proximity for much of my early childhood and she gave me a sense of stability, warmth, care, and nurturance that was sometimes hard to find in my life as a child. It was such a blessing to see her during a trip to Nova Scotia in 2018, to give her a big teary hug, and to look into her eyes and see the love I remembered from my childhood. Her competence and care were a model for me and an example of possibility — the possibility for joy, family, and connection. I mourn her passing and I value all of her gifts, which still live inside all of us as the people she touched. Sending so much love to you, Uncle Mart, Julie, Rachel, Christina, Esther and Leah, your partners and kids. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
4
It has been very difficult to put my thoughts into order hence the delay in posting my condolences. I am immeasurably saddened because we are all deprived for a time of this beautiful and loving woman who made each one of us feel so special and appreciated. I pray God’s comfort and peace for Martyn and Julia, Rachael, Christina, Esther and Leah, their spouses and children. Thank you all for sharing Marg with the rest of us over the years. I am encouraged knowing she is with her Lord and experiencing the untold joys of life in his presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
4
Dear Clark family. What a profound loss. And yet our hearts remain full from times spent with Marg, who is still so many things to so many people:
CREATOR: Adept seamstress for any project. Many a trainee’s “sleep” made possible thanks to Marg-sewn lee cloths to prevent them falling out of bunks.
NURTURER: Mom to all on board AND to 5 daughters.
CONNECTOR: Ham radio operator, the faithful link to our land families.
HEALER: Competent nurse — tirelessly patching up scrapes or flagging motivations.
ENCOURAGER: Always looking out for the seasick and the homesick.
ADVISOR: How were we supposed to feed 20+ people for 20+ days at sea with minimal refrigeration? Ask Marg.
PARTNER: Always at Martyn’s side and together instrumental in the building of boats and success of many voyages, with lives set on a path of possibility.
Martyn and Marg, you still inspire us to believe we CAN in life … stand watch, ride out any storm, lend a hand, pull together, believe, have dreams and achieve them. THANK YOU.
7
My heart is tremendously sad and heavy with the loss of such a special soul. I have treasured memories of sailing with Marg and Martyn on coastal trips. They showed me such kindness and support as I found my way as cook. Marg was always there when I needed help, guidance or just a compassionate ear. My ability to make yorkshire puddings is all because of Marg!! I will forever be grateful for the profound impact she had on my life. She was such a bright light to so many. My heartfelt sympathies and sincere condolences to Martin and the family and to all who were lucky enough to know Marg.
5
Many seasons spent sailing with Martin and Marg have shaped and moulded me. Memories of Marg cooking below on the Robbie when no one else could go below during a rough crossing of the Georgia Straits, tea and welsh cakes in the aft cabin at Teakern arm (they had a lovely wooden tea caddy box that I greatly admired), doctoring infected toes in the Tazman, Christmas parties at the Clark place with Magic shows upstairs, I could go on and on. She is a firm resident of my heart and memory. A gentle soul, and wonderful mum, ships mum, husband and friend. to the family our Lord says 'Come unto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.' And to Marg He says 'Welcome, well done good and faithful servant.'
7
An indelible image I have of Marg is of her small frame facing forward, left arm outstretched to the port forestay, bracing herself against the steep heel of the deck and the blows of the 50-knot gusts in Pitt Strait, New Zealand. She couldn’t clasp her hands together like her namesake figurehead below the bowsprit but I believe she was praying deeply as she watched the sea. Because her resolute stance gave me confidence and calm at the helm to stay on my feet and turn my one free spoke of the wheel into each line of advancing wind and waves again and again until we were through.
Watchful, prayerful, persevering care for all aboard, who were, for the most part, too young to weigh the risks of passage. This was Marg also.
Godspeed to Martyn, Clark daughters and your families on the waters ahead.
9
My deepest condolence to all of the Clark family. Marg was so amazing and supportive to so many of us kids. I have some very fond memories of Marg and Skipper looking out for us. I will continue to cherish those fond times we all spent together sailing. Marg was such a bright light and a mother to us all. I'm so sorry for your loss.
6
I’m very saddened to learn that Margaret has passed. We have lost a lovely presence in this world, of which she has seen much and shared much of herself. I knew her and Martyn when I worked for SALTS in Victoria, once as Mate on Pacific Swift.
I always loved her cheerful, positive energy with crew, kids and everyone involved in this life-changing organization. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Martyn and their five girls and all the grandkids. Margaret will be dearly missed.
5
My heartfelt condolences and prayers of support to Martyn and family at Marg's passing. I first met her when I signed up to crew coastal trips on the Robertson 11 in the early 1990's. I had previously only sailed small 2-person dinghies on prairie lakes and was frequently a bit overwhelmed on the tall ships. Marg was always patient and kind and cheerfully encouraging.
I am so grateful to have re-connected with Martyn and Marg at church in the last couple of years. She would always have time for a chat and was sincerely interested in how and what I was doing. Plus, when Marg gave you a hug or said she'd pray for you - you knew she meant it. She was not a big person, but she had a hugely positive and loving influence on countless people, and I am blessed to have known her. To me, Marg was a shining example of 'a life well lived for Christ'.
5
Oh Clark family, some tears have been shed out here in Nova Scotia the past couple of days. When we all sailed offshore together in '91, Marg consistently checked in with me with such beautiful care, insight, and humour. My guess is most young people who sailed with Marg felt seen. What a gift to share with the world. Also, she always felt kind of like a Swiss army knife of a human! So much capacity built into one person. 🙂 My heart goes out to Martyn, the Clark girls (women!), the whole family. Thanks for sharing this special woman with so many people.
5
Margaret was such a lovely woman and an inspiration to so many. I met her when I was volunteering and she always had such a wonderful calmness and as so devoted to her family. My condolences to you all.
4
The S.A.L.T.S. community is deeply saddened to hear of Margaret's passing. She was an absolute gem of a person, who cared deeply about others and invested in their lives. She impacted thousands of young people as a crew member and mentor aboard Pacific Swift, whose praying-hands figurehead was modeled after her. Our staff and crew members gathered to pray for Martyn, the five Clark daughters, and the whole extended Clark family. May the God of peace bring you comfort as you remember and celebrate Margaret's exceptional life!
4
Marg was such a gift to all who knew her. A special spirit and a very loving 'Mum' to all of us on the 1st offshore on the Pacific Swift in 1988. A FORCE in a petite frame who held command when needed. Such a testament to a loving & supportive relationship with Skipper that we all got to witness. And what an adoring Mummy to Ju, Rach, Crick, Estee & Leaps. God Speed dear Marg. We will all miss you. xoxo
4
I have lived 90 years ,40 as an adult. I have never seen a more devoted and loving wife . Her presence was almost invisible, but I could feel the tremendous commitment that she to had to Martin and their marriage.
3
We were shocked and heartbroken to hear of Marg’s unexpected passing. We had recently reconnected with Marg and Martyn last spring up in Tofino and we just picked up where we had left off. Marg was one of those people that you felt you had known your whole life. She was so kind and caring and always so gracious.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you as you try to navigate life without her. She was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
Susie & Don Wilson
4
Marg was kind to me in many big and small moments. I was grateful at 13 for her watchful tenderness, and later for her strength and wisdom and affectionate lens. I’ve understood the value of those gifts more deeply down the years.
That same warmth of spirit is so tangible in all her family. Thank you Martyn, Julia, Rachel, Christina, Esther and Leah for sharing that warmth with so many so often.
Thinking of you through this time.
5
I can think of few lives better lived. Marg was a critical partner of the amazing team of M&M. She was unbelievable shooting star. I hesitate to even calculate the blessing I had to even know Marg and Martyn, let alone get to be with them as much as I did on the SALTS vessels. Good people have shown up in my life, but oh so few as amazing as them. She will always be missed and remembered with special warmth.
4
Our hearts are grieving with all of you. Without God and the hope of Heaven it would be impossible. One day we will all be together with all our loved ones. 💕
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