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Loren Hayward Clarke, 71, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 9, 2020, with his loving wife of 51 years, Donna Clarke, by his side. He fought a courageous battle with vascular dementia after suffering from a stroke in 2012.
Loren grew up in Hancock and learned the value of hard work and dedication to family at a young age while working on the family farm. He went to Ellsworth High School, where he was a strong student athlete. He excelled in baseball and played on a semi-pro baseball team in Lamoine while still in high school. He also met the love of his life, Donna, which would be the start of their incredible, life-long journey together.
Loren chose to study civil engineering at the University of Maine at Orono so that he could be close to home. On the weekends and breaks, he would go home to help plow the town roads for his dad, Hayward, and cut pulpwood with his brother Bruce to pay for his college. After graduating from college, Loren worked for the Maine’s Department of Transportation for 10 years as a road surveyor. He went on from there to work for the federal program FHA for 10 years as a construction specialist before being recruited by Jack Kelley to work as a project manager, eventually becoming a co-owner, at Nickerson & O’Day in Brewer. Loren took great pride in Nickerson & O’Day and the many jobs/projects that he took part in across the state of Maine over the next 25 years. He spoke so fondly of the workers, office staff and project supervisors that he had working with him.
Later in his life, Loren earned a spot on the board of directors for The First National Bank and became a city councilor for the city of Ellsworth. His dedicated service to the city of Ellsworth for 10 years led him to serve several years as the mayor of Ellsworth. He also was a member of the Masonic Temple – David Hooper Lodge in Sullivan and an Anah Temple Shriner. Among these honors, one of his proudest accomplishments came when he was elected president of the Associated General Contractors of Maine in 2008. This gave him and Donna the privilege to represent the state of Maine at AGC America Conventions in Hawaii, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., and across the state of Maine. He loved the connections and friendships he made during this time and felt strongly about his position and the importance of AGC toward the development and economic state of construction in the state of Maine.
In his personal life, Loren loved hunting and fishing and was able to take multiple trips to Oregon, Colorado, PEI, Labrador, Ontario, Miramichi and Alaska, all of which he would reflect upon and share with all who knew him. He enjoyed snowmobiling in Caribou and Canada, a hobby in which he developed great friendships. He also enjoyed years of playing softball with multiple teams in the old Ellsworth Softball League.
Above all else, the one thing that Loren would always talk about with a smile and sense of pride was his family. Side by side with his loving and devoted wife, Donna, Loren raised his two sons Loren Jason and Jeffery Bruce and always made sure his family was taken care of. His greatest joy came from his five grandchildren — his face would light up whenever they were around, and he loved watching them grow up and enjoy life in their home on Branch Lake. Loren also had a close bond with his brother Bruce. They went on numerous hunting and fishing trips and eventually built a special, family hunting camp in Levant called “Lucy’s Camp,” after their mother. With sons Jason and Jeff and eventually grandchildren in tow, Loren and Bruce began the tradition of Novembers at camp. To Loren, a perfect night at camp would be surrounded by family and friends, sharing hunting tales, and enjoying a glass of Crown Royal.
Loren is survived by his wife, Donna; his eldest son Jason and grandsons Colby and Javen; his youngest son Jeffery; daughter-in-law Dennett; and granddaughters Elliana, Bailey and Whitney; his brother Bruce and sister-in-law Trudy. He was predeceased by his parents, Hayward and Lucille Clarke.
A graveside service for immediate family only will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Hancock. At Loren’s request, a celebration of life will take place for all who knew him on July 24, 2021, at 39 Wildwood Drive in Ellsworth on Branch Lake.
Donations to the Loren and Donna Clarke AGC Scholarship Fund in Loren’s memory may be sent to the AGC Scholarship Fund, 188 Whitten Road, Augusta, ME 04330.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.