Philip Carl Clarke, 56
Phil "left this earth to farm where he doesn't need a brace or a cane and is no longer bottled up." Phil passed away April 20, 2006, after a three-and-a-half-year struggle with many health problems. Even after his major stroke in September of 2002 he continued to run his combine and his beloved 8400.
He was born Oct. 14, 1949, in Kalispell. He attended Deer Park School, Flathead High and the University of Montana.
Phil married Kandy Anderson Feb. 27, 1970, and they had three children. Phil and Kandy farmed together as a team for 35 years. Phil was instrumental in starting the Montana Mint Commission with Brian Schweitzer and Bruce Tutvedt.
Phil wanted to be a pilot and aced the written test but was happier sitting in a tractor than being in the air. He was a wealth of information to many farmers. He knew chemicals top to bottom. His fields were the cleanest of any, and he could drive the straightest lines.
The stories he could tell about hunting, farming or his childhood antics kept everyone in stitches. He was the best storyteller ever. Even though the stroke took away his ability to talk very well, there was never a doubt about what he was feeling or thinking from his expressive face, especially his eyes.
Phil's love for his children and grandchildren was boundless. He was so proud of them - from Cory's accomplishments with his job to Keri's basketball life to Joshua's plant knowledge. He also dearly loved his three little grandsons.
They knew he was special and treated him as their own gift each time they saw him.
Phil will be missed by his wife, Kandy; children, Cory and Brenda, Keri and John, and Joshua; and his grandsons, Cameron, JP and Drew. He will also be missed by his mother, Hazel; sisters, Susan and Mary Ann; brothers, Ernie and Harold; in addition to many other family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at Johnson Mortuary. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery on Middle Road.
After interment, a celebration of Phil's life will be held at his home.