We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Clarke's passing. We first met Mr. Clarke almost 6 years ago, when we moved to Readington, purchased a handyman house, and needed to purchase shutters for the outside of the house. We went to Furstover and found not only our shutters, but a sweet old man who was so nice and helpful. We had a very nice chat with him that sunny summer afternoon, and since then had stopped at his shop many times, to browse, buy, measure, ask questions, etc. Mr. Clarke always welcomed us into his shop, greeted us with a smile, took some time (be it a few minutes or 1/2 hour) to talk about local events, the weather, his beloved daffodils, his home, or anything else that happened to come up in conversation. We last stopped at the shop in early December, and we noticed that poor Mr. Clark was moving a bit slower, that he was a bit unsteady. We prayed for him, and hoped that he would be all right. Although we did not know him well, the occasions on which we saw him were always pleasant and fun. My dad, after his mother's passing, transplanted daffodil bulbs from her house in Clark to our family home in Scotch Plains. Dad always tended lovingly to his "daffys," and every morning would pick one or two for Mom, and have them in a small vase on the breakfast table. Whenever I see daffodils I think of my dear Dad, and how he used to pick the daffys for Mom each morning. My parents are both gone now, but something as simple as seeing daffodils reminds me of them, and brings a smile to my face. Passing Mr. Clarke's house, and even a bit south on Route 31, was such treat in the spring, with the yard and hillside filled with daffodils.
We will miss Mr. Clarke, and our visits to his store. He was a sweet, sweet man. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. You will be in our prayers.</b></font><br><br>
