Hancock
Bruce Lyle Clarke, 70, passed away peacefully at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital on March 22, 2021, with his loving wife of 46 years, Trudy Clarke, and his niece by his side. He fought a private and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s for over eight years while continuing to enjoy all that life had to offer with Trudy, his family, and his friends supporting him.
Bruce grew up in Hancock on the family farm and learned the value of hard work at an early age. He was the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether it was cutting a cord of word, putting in some electrical wires or cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, Bruce would show up with a smile — a smile that anyone who knew him would agree was truly special and will not soon be forgotten.
Bruce went to Ellsworth High School, where he gained his letters in soccer, basketball and baseball. When he met and married the love of his life, Trudy Jordan, in 1974, the two moved into their special home that Bruce had hand-built with his brother Loren and other friends and family. This home was a centerpiece of their marriage that Bruce took great pride in. He enjoyed working hand in hand with Trudy over the years to keep their home a special place to them.
Bruce had a 43-year career with Bangor Hydro as a lineman, where he developed lifelong friendships, not only with his co-workers, but with citizens of Hancock County, as he was so proud to help people have power. Bruce wasn’t a boastful person at all, but his selfless passion for his job was something that left a lasting impression on anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Aside from his work as a lineman and his family life, Bruce spent countless hours volunteering as a Mason and a Shriner. He had numerous affiliations including Master Mason at the David Hopper Lodge No. 201 in Sullivan, York Rite Mason at Acadia Chapter No. 31 and Blanquefort Commandary No. 13 in Ellsworth. Bruce was a Life Member of Anah Shriners in Bangor, the Anah Shriners Clubs of Hancock County, Washington County and Bangor-Brewer as well as a member of the Shriners Hospital for Children 100 Million Dollar Club and a past Member of the Anah Flag Unit. He was a charter member of the Funsters Unit, where he loved parading around as Fred Flintstone. He was also an emeritus member of the Anah’s directors staff and the Royal Order of Jesters Bangor Court No. 150.
Bruce loved the outdoors and always enjoyed hunting, fishing, ATV rides with his friends and his personal favorite — cutting firewood. Bruce had a special bond with his brother Loren, and they shared some incredible hunting trips to Alaska and Labrador. Bruce was very proud of the 900-pound trophy caribou he had shot. They also built the family hunting camp in Levant called “Lucy’s Camp” after their mother, Lucille. Time spent at the camp was so special to “Ba,” as his family and special friends called him. Being able to spend quality time with his brother, nephews and great-nephews was something he looked forward to each November. He also enjoyed the spring fishing trips to Nesowadnehunk Lake with his close friends each year.
Each summer Bruce and Trudy enjoyed camping on Flanders Pond, and he cherished his membership with the FPOFC — Flanders Pond Old Farts Club. The memories over the years were something that Ba totally held close to his heart. Ba had a special place in his heart for all of his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as he loved to support them all in their school activities and sporting events. You could see that gleaming smile after he greeted any of them after an event as he was so proud of all of them.
Bruce loved his wife, Trudy, so much and they shared in some incredible trips during their lifetime together. They traveled to Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, London and Paris, and were lucky to have experienced 15 incredible Caribbean cruises together with family and friends. Bruce and Trudy also had an incredible bond with their cocker spaniel, Scotty, who could be found everywhere with them. They had 14 special years with Scotty until he passed.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Hayward J. and Lucille I. Clarke, as well as his beloved brother Loren H. Clarke in December of 2020.
Bruce is survived by his much beloved wife, Trudy; his nephew Jason with his girlfriend Jordan, and sons Colby and Javen; his nephew Jeffery with his wife, Dennett, and daughters Elliana, Bailey and Whitney; his niece Susan Coffin with her husband, Travis, sons Gavin and Cruz, and daughter Miah; his niece Jayne Bowden with her husband, David, and son Brody; his sister-in-law Donna Clarke; his brother-in-law Tommy Jordan with his wife, Dawn; and his sister-in-law Karen Mulhern and husband, Charlie.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful doctors and nurses at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital for their loving care the last 2.5 weeks. Special thanks to Dr. Kolisch and nurse Shayna. We also would like to thank Roger and Julie Grindle so much. We would love to be able to name all of Bruce’s friends, but there are simply too many to list.
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Hancock on May 22 at 2 p.m. Donations in memory of Bruce can be sent to the Shriners Hospital- Bangor Anah Shriners, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.