Malcolm Dexter “Doc” Clarke, Jr., 88, of Jamestown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Sept. 8, while on a weekend cruise aboard his yacht, Aleria.
He leaves behind his cherished partner of nearly 20 years, Karen Heagle, and many family and friends who admired his wit, generosity, inspiring intellect and unfailing ethical compass.
Born in Newton, Massachusetts, on Nov. 9, 1935, Doc grew up in Bronxville and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1957 with a degree in economics. After serving two years in the U.S. Coast Guard, he married Kathryn Heiss in 1964, and they lived in Mamaroneck for most of the next 35 years.
Doc began his four-decade career in investment management at Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith in 1959. He later joined Brundage, Story & Rose, eventually becoming a managing partner, and played a key role in its acquisition by Bessemer Trust.
His dedication extended to charitable causes, supporting Save the Sound and serving as a board member of the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) in Newport, Rhode Island.
Doc’s lifelong passion for sailing began in childhood, sailing with his sister, Judy, in Casco Bay, Maine. He was a member of the American Yacht Club for more than 50 years, serving as commodore from 1989-1990, and was instrumental in updating the by-laws to make women equal members of the club.
He was a long-time member of the New York Yacht Club and the Conanicut Yacht Club. He served on race committees and participated in numerous Long Island Sound regattas, Block Island Race Weeks, Vineyard Races, AYC Cruises, and the offshore Newport to Bermuda Race.
In 2004, Doc moved to Jamestown, Rhode Island, where he met Karen. Together, they enjoyed life between Jamestown and Wilmington, North Carolina.
In 2010, he restored a 1958 42-foot Bunker & Ellis lobster yacht in collaboration with his nephew Peter, of Johanson Boatworks in Rockland, Maine.
Doc has taken his last cruise aboard his Aleria. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Sail on.
Doc is survived by Karen, his sister Judy Johanson, his nieces and nephews, including Laura Heiss Varas of Rye, and an adoring extended family. He was predeceased by his former wife, Kathryn, from whom he was divorced.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Yacht Club in Rye on Nov. 2. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed at IYRS in Newport, Rhode Island, or Save the Sound in New Haven, Connecticut.
