MOUNT CHASE – Finley K. Clarke, 77, died April 25, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 10, 1928, in Sparrows Point, Md., the son of Finley and Gladys (Wilhelm) Clarke. Finley was a member of the U.S. Army 45th Infantry Division where he received the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star for Valor, Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Maine Honorable Service Medal with two silver stars, Maine Good Conduct Medal with five bronze stars, and M16-A1 Sharp Shooter Medal. After proudly serving his country in the Korean War, he joined the Army National Guard to further serve his country, retiring at the rank of master sergeant. He served 8000 hours of apprenticeship at Bethlehem Steel Co. where he was a fire brick mason before moving to Maine in 1965, where he and his wife, Martie owned Katahdin Lodge and Camps for 34 years. During quiet time at Katahdin Lodge, he taught a masonry class at NMVTI from 1973-74 and was the only firebrick masonry teacher in the county. He was a lifetime member of The Combat Infantryman’s Assoc., Safari Club International, Maine Guides Association (as well as co-founder), Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine, Maine Trapper’s Association, VFW Post No. 7529 of Island Falls, 164th Infantry Association, Pine Tree State Rifle and Pistol Association, American Legion, FNRA, NRA Golden Eagles, and a benefactor member of the NRA. He was involved in the first caribou hunt and served on the board of directors for Eastern Maine Electric Co-op. He and Martie retired to FINMAR home at Shin Pond where they would spend the rest of their days. Besides his wife, Martie of Shin Pond, Finley is survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Thomas and Bette Thornton, both of Maryland; many nieces and nephews; and close friends, the Birmingham family, Chuck and Karen Chanadet, Jack Swartz, Wayne and Linda Melvin, Bob and Jeanne Smallwood, Vic Drew, The “Italians,” Diane Lane with her special care and many, many more, too numerous to list. Finley loved his “Maine Family.” A celebration of Finley’s life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Regginal Adams and the Rev. Tae Sung Kang officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the charity of one’s choice, care of Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.
FINLEY K. CLARKE
