He was my boyhood friend who together with his cousins Jennifer and Janice Clarke, his brother Terry and his neighbours – the Clauzels, Georges, Pilgrims and Hinksons – roamed the Rock Hall hills of Marchand.
He was the first born of Reginald “Reggie” Clarke and Jeanne Clarke née Bristol who saw sunlight on Friday, April 30, 1943. He was a derivative of the well known, respected, illustrious Saint Lucia immigrant families – the Clarke’s who originated from St. Vincent and the Bristol’s from Carriacou, off Grenada. His paternal grandfather, Robert “Pappy” Clarke, was perhaps Saint Lucia’s foremost pharmacist and philanthropist of his time, and his maternal grandfather, Dr. De Vere Bristol, in the early days provided yeoman medical services in nearly every district of Saint Lucia.
Leslie received his early childhood education at the Anglican Infant and Primary Schools in Castries before entering St. Mary’s College at Vigie for his secondary education. At St. Mary’s, he received both a classical and scientific education which was offered by the Presentation Brothers. He was an all-round ideal student who performed brilliantly both in academics and extra-mural activities. Like his father Reggie and his uncle Tim, he was an accomplished sportsman and participated in athletics, cricket, football and lawn tennis. He represented St. Mary’s College at Inter-Schools Tournaments and the island in both cricket and football. He became the youngest National Football Team Captain. However, football left its mark with a knee injury that led to a distinctive walk (like Ira D’Auvergne) by which he could be identified a mile away.
Leslie received his tertiary education in Canada at Mc. Gill University where he graduated with a Natural Science degree. However, with his entrepreneurial spirit, he opted for commercial management specialising in the computerisation of business enterprises and activities. He became a Management Consultant in Kenya on behalf of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Upon his return to Saint Lucia, he joined the family business and was the first person to introduce computers into the commercial landscape of the island. He later branched out on his own and was the Managing Director of the local chain of a major American pizzeria restaurant franchise.
Leslie had strong nationalist tendencies and so found time, despite his managerial heavy workload, to engage in national services. He was Manager and later Chairman of the National Development Corporation (NDC). His contributions to national development were many but two stand out. The first was his cooperation with Kenny Anthony in the building of “Hess schools” after Hurricane Allen in 1980. The second was his cooperation with Francis Leonce of Geest Industries in executing a Forum-conceived project of land reform in the Roseau Valley.
Leslie was recognised by as a guru when it came to matters concerning Saint Lucia, whether social, economic, historical or geographical. This was probably in part due to the management of family real estate throughout the country – Guesneau, Rock Hall, Choc, Vigie, Canelles, Louvet. His repertoire of jokes on his grandfather Robert “Pappy” Clarke with respect to dealings with ordinary folk seeking medicines of all kinds, real and imaginary, I regarded as part of the folklore of Saint Lucia and will surely be missed.
Leslie was a deeply religious individual who had converted from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism like his mother before him. He attended Mass on a daily basis and participated fully in other activities and ceremonies of the St Joseph the Worker Parish Church at Gros Islet. He was a member of the Gros Islet Vestry and chaired various committees, sometimes dealing with thorny issues.
Leslie was a quintessential family man who ensured the full comfort of his family. Proof of this dedication to family was clearly indicated in the manner of his passing when he was on the way with his son to visit his wife.
The Clarke family is well known for its philanthropy and Robert “Pappy” Clarke certainly passed on his generosity genes to the entire family. Leslie, like Jennifer and Janice, carried on the tradition by provision of scholarships to deserving students and donations to a wide variety of causes which – like the obituary phrase – were “too numerous to mention.” However, Leslie’s generosity to his Alma Mater, St. Mary’s College and his parish Church at Gros Islet, was far above praise.
Leslie “Clarkie” Clarke, the man, was exceptional in many respects. He was meticulous, thorough, honest, precise in his strictly commercial dealings. He was courteous, respectful, patient with his customers and clients. He was warm, gentle, loving, refined and helpful with his friends. These elements and values were so imbued in him, one can certainly say as Shakespeare said in respect of Brutus – not only “this was a man” but “a gentleman of character of the highest order.” My condolences to his dear family.