Robert Munro Clarke, 86

New Bern, N.C.

Robert Munro Clarke (Bob) was the son of Betty and Fred Clarke, Sr. of Jamestown, R.I. Bob was born in Arlington, Mass., in 1933 and grew up in Jamestown where his ancestors were among those who bought Conanicut Island from the Narragansett Indians. He graduated from Tabor Academy in 1953. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was Machinist Mate First Class on the USN Cross (DE-448) and could fix anything mechanical. Bob was an ardent proponent of the Navy, its schools and the opportunities the Navy offers to young people.

Bob spent a year each at Babson College and the University of Rhode Island, where he studied finance and business. He was employed by the sales department of American Boat Builders in East Greenwich, R.I. He insisted he start in the mold room so he would know how the boats he would be selling were built. Bob worked in sales for Bristol Yachts, Pearson Yachts and Freedom Yachts.

Bob eventually left the boat business and was a residential building contractor, ultimately developing Conanicut Reserve on Beavertail. He and his wife Jinny later lived out Bob’s long-standing dream of a life on a boat, doing crewed charters for 20 years between Jamestown and the Bahamas on S/V Mai Ling. As U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains, Bob and Jinny enjoyed and felt very useful sharing their love of nature and the sea with others.

Bob made many great friends, told superb stories, and had an exceptional interest in his family and friends. He was able to answer any question put to him, and when necessary, would convincingly make up an answer. Bob was a good listener. He was humble, kind, loving, able, patient, understanding, loyal, imaginative, funny and a resourceful person.

He is survived by his admiring wife, Jinny, of New Bern, N.C., and son Bob Clarke, Jr. of Jamestown, R.I. Bob was predeceased by his brother, Fred, and his daughters Martha and Jolie in 2009 and 2003, respectively – losses that devastated him.