A relatively recent transplant to Woodbury, CT, Richard Clarke opened both arms and wrapped himself around this town.  Over the past 5 years he came to love his life here, living with his oldest daughter Stephanie on her farm, Terrell Hill.  Sitting in what he referred to as "The Crow's Nest" he was surrounded by the beautiful, iconic hills of Litchfield County.  Inspired by this setting and never one to waste a thought, he worked on his memoirs, producing a volume called "How I Became Me," a very humble accounting of his personal and business exploits.  Richard collected a group of near and dear friends and could often be seen dining at the Charcoal Chef or Constantine's sharing stories, views and even the occasional poker hand.

A Canadian native, Richard M. Clarke took up permanent residence in the States after receiving his Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Yale University in 1956.  He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto with a BS in Engineering in 1954. He and his wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Eaton Clarke, also a native Canadian, spent 35 of those years in Westport, CT. Upon his wife's death in 2016, he moved to Woodbury, CT and lived with his eldest daughter Stephanie at Terrell Hill Farm until his passing in August of this year.

Mr. Clarke was the embodiment of the global chief executive and board director with over 4 decades of experience in the fields of chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals and man-made fibers.  His career highlights include President & Chairman of Akzo America Inc., the north American arm of Akzo NV, a diversified international chemical and healthcare corporation based in the Netherlands.   Mr. Clarke also held the positions of President & CEO of Wickes Industries, Chairman and Senior Executive VP of Hoechst Celanese and "director" of its West German parent company, Hoechst AG as well as various other positions within Celanese including President and CEO of Celanese Canada.  He also served as Chairman of the Poly Solidur Board, a totally owned subsidiary of the Menasha Corporation.

Mr. Clarke was equally interested in the non-profit sector and brought an abundant sense of commitment serving on such boards as The Stimson Center, The National Urban League, The World Resource Institute, The Fairleigh Dickinson University Board of Directors and The National Executive Service Corp.

Richard had a lively intelligence and a strong sense of responsibility to his family, his friends, his work and his causes, of which he had many.  He joked that he wasn't good at retiring and spent the last 30 years helping hundreds of executives excel in their careers, writing nearly 30 articles for Boards and Directors, NACD and frequently speaking at conferences and at Harvard University.

He had an infectious optimism that you couldn't help but admire and get drawn in to.  Whether you knew him for an hour or a lifetime he was one of the best people you would ever meet.  Listening was a golden skill he possessed and never tired of using. He was the consummate gentleman, always ready to lend a hand where needed.  Kind, considerate, willing and generous are just some of the characteristics that describe this man.  He was also an animal lover and had adopted a variety of rescue dogs and cats over the years.  His ongoing commitment to the Westport ASPCA, the Westchester ASPCA and the national branches of the both the Humane Society and the ASPCA, the Audubon Society and the Coughiching Conservancy (in Canada) were a part of his charitable interests and endowments that the family will continue to support.

After a life well lived, Mr. Clarke passed at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his daughters Stephanie Clarke, Woodbury, CT and Wendy Clarke Lewis, Arlington, MA and his three grandchildren Alexandra, Trevor and Samantha. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.