Thomas ESPLIN Obituary

Dear Margaret, I remember him from my days as a student at Shirley intermediate, 1983 and 1984. he was such a fun teacher.

Dear Margaret

Sally and I were saddened to hear of Clark's recent passing.

It was a privilege to have taught with him at Shirley Intermediate in the 1980's.
Clark was an amazing person and teacher, who not only inspired his pupils, but also his fellow staff members. Clark's humour and quick wit were legendary and we had some great times.
A valued friend who we think of often.

Clark was the art teacher at Macandrew Intermediate when I was there (1969-1970). I remember he taught us boys how to draw cars. What a genuinely nice guy. Condolences.

Dear Margaret
Eddie and I were saddened to learn that Clark had died. He was such a vibrant person with loads of personality all traits that made him a great teacher. He was also a wonderful artist and was remembered at our U3A meeting this morning for the cartoons he drew for a booklet we produced on how to retire well.

Our condolences to you and we hope you are keeping well.

Love and best wishes Barbara and Eddie Bone

So sorry, Margaret, often think of you both and your kindness. Clark was so supportive of my dreams and schemes, so generous with practical help. He was a real friend.

Both Vicki and I taught as young teachers with Clark at Shirley Intermediate School in Christchurch.
You could never meet Clark without him immediately launching into a story or a joke. We had plenty of laughs and people would always gravitate around him because of his wonderful soul.
Several pieces of Clark's art adorn our wall, one a gracious wedding gift. We always walk past and remember the person; the wonderful person that was Clark.
I will never forget the day he turned up to school with his Cadillac (XUSMBC); proud as punch and he was more than happy to chauffeur anyone around, cap included.
Rest well, my friend.

To Margaret, Steve and Peter,
My heart is with you all today as you farewell dear Clark.
Reflecting back on my memories of the 30plus years I have known Clark, he has always been a loving, caring and generous man generous of his time and his genuine interest in everyone regardless of the connection. (and yes, sometimes over generous in sharing his jokes!!)
So proud of his family you 3, and his heritage.
He will be missed deeply by you all, and also all the extended family and friends he has loved and shared his life with.
I will have a whisky toast to his safe journey tonight and wherever he is sailing, may it be peaceful and maybe, just maybe, he will reunite with Tom and Edith.
Take care of each other.
Love to you all, Marg Palmer

Margaret and family Derrick and I send you love from us and our family

So sorry to read of Clark's death Margaret.
Please accept my condolances to you and family. Still love the paintings I have of Clark's. Di Bain

I taught with Clark for many years at Shirley Intermediate. I have such fond memories of him being kind, fun, generous and so very talented.
He once said to me after I commented on a kind gesture from him that it was just another stitch in life's tapestry. He impacted so many people and students loved him and he gave unconditionally.
His tapestry is complete and it was beautiful.

Dear Steve
So sorry to hear your dad has passed away, may your many memories help you with your grief at this sad and difficult time.
Take care
Love Sue Ali and Murphy xxx

Dear Margaret, I was sorry to hear of Clark's death from Heather Birch today. He was such a lovely man with a genuine love of people and great sense of fun. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you face life without him. Hopefully your many memories of happier times will sustain you and his sons and siblings. All my love, Lynette Windle