Chris had a very healthy lifestyle, was very conscious of what he ate, was a personal fitness trainer, was active in sports, and had just passed numerous physical and medical tests to enter the Halifax Regional Municipality Fire Department. Actually, on the day he died, he was getting ready to go for his final interview.
The Deputy Chief of the Fire Department attended one of the visitations and he told us that Chris had “blown them all away” with his abilities and at how extremely well he had done on all the tests and exercises and was going to be offered a position with them. So, it is very difficult to understand how someone like Chris could just suddenly die for no apparent reason – the autopsy provided absolutely no evidence of anything wrong what-so-ever.
He was a delight to all the family and could light up a room by simply walking into it. He was kind, compassionate, and would do everything he could to help others; a true angel here on earth. He loved skiing, rugby, and mountain biking. He was very talented as an artist. I will cherish forever the painting he did for me. He also loved music and playing his guitar with his family and friends. It is so hard to accept his loss and harder still to understand why he died. The whole family is devastated, but most especially his mother, father, sister and girlfriend. Apparently God needed another angel, but the world has suffered a tremendous loss, and life for our family will never be the same without Chris. He was loved by everyone who had the good fortune to know him and we all miss him so much. He will be always and forever in our hearts.
Although, Chris exhibited no symptoms or warning signs whatsoever, my sister Judy, her husband Rick, and their daughter Nicole had been advised to have medical testing to determine if there is any genetic indication in living family members of a cardiac condition that may have caused his death. It had also been suggested that other family members (aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins) seek cardiac assessments. The outcome of the genetic testing showed that Chris had Long QT Syndrome.
I don’t know if telling this story will help anyone else, but perhaps it will bring some attention to “Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes” and the need for more research.
Several websites note research that correlates some cases of SIDS, unexplained single car accidents, or unexplained drownings, with an inherited cardiac rhythm disorder. People with a family history of these types of “unexplained deaths” should see their physician and request a cardiac assessment. This assessment should include an analysis of the heart rhythm and, where indicated, cardiac imaging and exercise testing.
The 13th annual Chris Clarke Memorial Golf Tournament is a cherished community event, held to honor the memory of Chris Clarke, whose life was tragically cut short in 2008 due to Long QT syndrome. Beyond being a platform for golf enthusiasts to gather and enjoy a day on the greens, this tournament serves as a beacon of unity and support within the community and beyond.
The tournament has grown into a cornerstone event, eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Each year, friends and family members come together to celebrate Chris’s life and through their generosity they contribute to raising awareness and funds for The Canadian SADS Foundation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Clarke Family for their unwavering commitment, serving as a shining example of family-led fundraisers.
We invite families across Canada to join in creating and hosting similar events like this to honor and celebrate loved ones affected by SADS conditions.
Featured in the picture below:
Dad: Rick Sister: Nicole Niece and Nephew: Whitney & Seamus
