It is with deep sadness that I announce the death of Martin Clarke. He passed away a few days ago at his son's home in Mandeville. Martin was in his late 70's.

My fondest memories of Martin was seeing him in his very distinct hat riding his bicycle all over Treasure Beach and, of course, of his delighting so many of us for hours with his playing his Haiwain guitar. In earlier days Martin would sing and play the guitar choosing songs from a very large repertoire and would always bring smiles and laughter to our faces with those songs.

I would like to convey my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

May his soul rest in peace.

Ahhh Mass Martin, always a friendly smile and story to tell!! A true icon of Treasure beach gone - what a shame. I used to love seeing him peddle by in his big brimmed hat, setting out to share conversation or song, and make many people's day happy!

Sincere condolences to his family. He was a kind, gentle man, who befriended many people.

To his son and the rest of the family: It is with much sadness that I extend my deepest sympathy. I uaually see Mass Martin from time to time when I am home, but it was in those earlier years when he would visit with the family and play his Haiwain guitar that I will treasure most of all. I remember we would just sing along with him, or he would just let that guitar literally sing to us. I really enjoyed listening to him played and usually wish he would never stopped playing. There is none other to play that Haiwain guitar as he did and he will be remembered by many with his legacy of such a misical talent. He will surely be missed. To the rest of family; may you find comfort in knowing that he is at a better place playing his guitar among the angels. May his soul rest in peace.
Fr: Carolyn Ward-Ashman & the rest of the Ward's family

I would also like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends, I too have plenty of fun memories of him, I had not seen him in a very long time but i would always hear from my family about him, he would always go by my sister to sit and talk. listening to him playing that guitar was always a treat to everyone he will surely be missed. Iam sure he will be playing a lot of music up in heaven along with his nephew Glen and best friend Joel who no one else in Treasure Beach can ever replace they were the greatest, they are going to have a grand time up in Heaven.

On behalf of me and my siblings I take this moment in sending our deepest sympathy to the families of Martin. In times like these just turn your eyes to heaven and ask God to give you the strength to take you throught this rough period.
He was one of a kind and,I would doubt if there is anyone else in TB capable of taking his place when it comes to playing that guitar.He sure made happy times for many and, for that he shall be sadly missed.
May his soul rest in peace...

So sad to hear of dear Martin's passing away. from Pat and Graham in Wales

Thank you Miss Amy for these lovely photos of Martin.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAREST UNCLE MARTIN.

WE MOUR YOUR PASSING BUT WE KNOW YOUR PAIN IS NO MORE, WE WISH YOU WOULD HAVE STAYED WITH US LONGER BUT GOD KNEW IT WAS TIME TO TAKE YOU HOME.
I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL YOU ALWAYS BROUGHT HOME LOLLIPOPS AND YOU WOULD ALWAYS TURN TO ME AND SAY " WHEN YOU REACH TO THE END OF A LOLLIPOP, IT GOES PLOP."
I LOVE AND MISS YOU AND YOUR MEMORY WILL LINGER ON IN MY HEART.

BUGNIS KEEP HEART, WE LOVE YOU MY DARLIN COUSIN.

martin, i too remember you when i was a little girl going to the calvary tabernacle church of god, [tabba] you were a person that knows your music. R.I.P.Some day we will see again.

It is so sad that brother Martin has left us ,but even sadder to know that he was such a great musician and was not featured on any profile.
my condolences goes out to his family.

thanks for your condolences. if was a very great musican no joke about.
then will he be barried.

when will he be barried.Thanks to mr Ernie James who took him into great consideration, not being a family but just a friend and living next door.
Ernie may your days be long upon the land, dont worry my son your blessing is sure. thanks to you.

some ppeople do good for many different reasons, some for love, some for money, some for land. my condolance to Milton and all the rest of the Clarke family

Thank you Leon

Martin CLARKE. I WAS A FEW YEARS YOUNGER THAN YOU. IN THE LATE FIFTIES AND EARLY SIXTIES. THERE WAS NO ONE BETTER THAN YOU PLAYING THE GUITAR. I REMEMBER YOU PLAYING YOU AT THE TREASURE BEACH HOTEL IT WAS A JOY TO LISTEN TO YOU GOD BLESS REST IN PEACE. CLYDE PARCHMENT ONE OF SWIFT SON

Just found these in a stack of old photos and thought I would share them.

Thanks so much Rebecca for sharing. This is great memory of Martin.

May his soul rest in peace

Such beautiful pictures, such pleasant memories, Martel loved his music. I recall when I was leaving TB some 35 years ago, four outstanding people from the community came by my house to wish me all the best, they were the 4-Clarkes... Cecil, Martel, Martin and Bargy. Bargy was the county-style vocalist while Martin and Martel played the guitars, Cecil played the Harmonica, it was a beautiful moon-lit star-gazing kind of night it was an unforgettable jam session, it was a blast.
Yep I was loved by all these amazing and beautiful people.

Thanks for jogging my memory Rebecca.