Clarke Shaw Obituary, Death – We regret to inform you of the death of our guest, Clarke Shaw, who crossed the rainbow bridge on January 1, 2023, at the age of 74. My name is Fred Skeen, and as Clarke’s RN case manager at Hospitality House, I can’t express how grateful I am to the community for all of their love and support for Clarke. Clarke treasured it, especially in his closing days. Clarke, for those who don’t know, was a local lad who grew up in Nevada County and always lived and worked close to home. He was a North San Juan person who adored the Yuba River. He enjoyed the outdoors and frequented the river.
He was never married and had no children. During the Vietnam War, he served in the Army Reserves as a young adult. Clarke, as an older adult, stayed in the area and worked in North San Juan until he fell on hard times. Clarke came to us for assistance after losing his home. Clarke was diagnosed with cancer while in our care. When people of the community learned of this, they generously dropped down smoothies and shakes for Clarke at the shelter, which were the only items he could tolerate while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, after a brief period in which we believed the cancer had been eradicated, it returned and spread to his lungs and abdomen.
A recent biopsy revealed that it had masticated everywhere. Clarke continued to deteriorate in recent weeks, so we transferred him to an Auburn skilled nursing facility where American River Hospice aided him in his final days. I paid him frequent visits with my therapy dog, Daphne. Daphne sensed the approaching time and remained by Clarke’s side on each visit. Clarke was never a lover of storm clouds or rainy days, so it seems natural that in the midst of all our recent storms, he left us calmly on a bright, sunny afternoon on New Year’s Day.
Clarke was always one of my favorite shelter characters. He’ll be sorely missed. I’d like to thank everyone who has stepped forward to aid Clarke at some stage. Please know how grateful he was for everything.