Cudgegong Valley History Project

Death Notice Clarkson, Bernard Neil. On Wednesday, July 6, 2005 as the result of an accident. Late of Denison Street, Mudgee and “Green Avenue” Apple Tree Flat. Much loved son of Mrs. Linda Clarkson. Dearly beloved husband of Betty Jean (dec). Loving father of Margie, Sue, Ruth, Ken, Irene, Neil, Brian & Mal. Loved father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather of their families. Loved companion of Mary Riley. Aged 70 years, “In God’s hands.” The relatives and friends of Mr. Bernie Clarkson are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held in St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, Mudgee on Wednesday, July 13, 2005, commencing at 2.00 pm. At the conclusion of the service the cortege will proceed to the Mudgee General Cemetery for interment. Eastaugh & Carroll, Funeral Directors Since 1895, Mudgee & Districts, 6372 2384 - 24 Hours. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 12 July 2005, p. 41. Death Notice Bernard Neil Clarkson

Local News Saying farewell to Bernie by Lisa Gervais The Mudgee community says farewell to a favourite son on Wednesday, July 13. Bernie Clarkson, who died in a car accident last Wednesday, will be laid to rest in Mudgee General Cemetery following a 2pm funeral mass at St’ John the Baptist Anglican Church. Mr. Clarkson was the well-known co-owner of Clarkson’s Transport in Mudgee, a family business he helped run for more than 50 years. As well as a successful businessman, he is also remembered for his friendliness. “I think he knew everybody in Mudgee,” said his 91-year-old mum, Linda Clarkson. Mates Kevin Riley and Terry McDonald, as well as several members of Bernie’s family, paid tribute to the man they said was taken far too soon and would be sadly missed. Mr Riley said Bernie was born in Mudgee and grew up in Appletree Flat. He spent his early days working on the property but left to do some shearing around the local district. At 17, he entered the trucking business with dad Horace and the two went from having one new truck in the early days to five in the business’ heyday, from about 1982 to 1992. “In those days, the first number you rang in the book was Clarkson’s. They were the main operator,” said Mr. McDonald. “There wouldn’t be a stock agent, auctioneer or grazier who wouldn’t have used Clarkson’s in our lifetime.” For years, Clarkson’s carted stock to the saleyards and wool to market and at one time or another employed each of Bernie’s four sons. Bernie stopped carrying stock about seven years ago but continued to cart wool to Sydney and Newcastle, working until the day he died. At 70, he also continued to farm and shear. He is remembered for his work ethic. “He had never worked for anybody but himself in his lifetime,” said Linda. Daughter Ruth added he had no plans to retire. “Dad’s favourite saying was ‘I was put on this earth to work, not to play, and so were you kids’.” However, Bernie’s gregarious nature also earned him the nickname of ‘have a chat’. Ruth said he would head out on a one hour job and lob up five hours later. “He would land up somewhere. He liked people and was a good listener. He would talk to anybody. And, he would do anything for anybody.” Son Malcolm said his father was hard but fair towards his kids. “We have a big family and they all adored him and respected him and loved him,” said Ruth. But he also had a soft side and there are funny memories. The family said he was a country boy through and through, who hunted rabbits as a kid and who loved his dogs. His favourite food was raw onion. “You’d walkin here and he’d be sitting there with a cup of coffee and a raw onion. He’d eat an onion like an apple,” said Ruth. He was also a staunch RSL Club supporter who loved his cards, especially euchre. When he had hip replacement surgery he was told to take it easy for six weeks, but was back driving a semi-trailer in two weeks because “you couldn’t slow him down,” said Ruth. “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” she said. “He should have been around for years. We expected him to be around for years. I mean his mum is nearly 92. Seventy is a baby compared to that.” Bernie leaves behind his mum, partner Mary Riley, eight children - Margy, Sue, Ruth, Ken, Irene, Neil, Brian, Malcolm - 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His wife, Betty Jean Neil, predeceased him. He also had one sister, Esmie and one ber, Trevor, predeceased. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 12 July 2005, p. 3. Obituary Bernie Clarkson