Cynthia Jean Clarke

Skip and Cindy Clarke had a cherished and esteemed relationship for over 40 years. They were loving friends, supportive partners, and soul-mates. They found each other at the Fort Collins’ Bear and Whale in the early 80s and thereafter were inseparable in life, and also in death. Skip (Arthur Clarke), age 77, died unexpectedly on March 15, 2025, and Cindy (Cynthia Hanson Clarke), age 75, joined him a week later on March 21. They married in 1988, and lived the true meaning of their wedding vows, loving and cherishing each other from that day forward “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” Skip and Cindy will be remembered for the friendship and support that they generously extended to so many. They will also be remembered for working side-by-side as the creators and owners of Specialities, a footwear and collectibles shop, which was a fixture in Old Town Square from 2004 to 2016. It was known as the “Croc Shop,” but was also a place where Skip and Cindy shared their expertise and knowledge not only about shoes, but also about sports and music memorabilia. In 1947, Skip was born to Marion and Eugene Clarke in Newark, New Jersey where he was raised. In 1964, Skip graduated Newark's Weequahic High School where he was an outstanding athlete in every sport that he pursued. Skip joined the United States Marine Corps during the height of the Vietnam War conflict. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and assigned to the Naval Air Wing. He migrated to Fort Collins in the early 1980s, where he met Cindy, the love of his life. Skip worked at the Fort Collins Elks Club and owned and operated S&S Sports Cards & Collectibles in Fort Collins. Skip's mother Marion Clarke, who died 2013, moved to Fort Collins during the last years of her life to be close to her only child. Cindy was born in 1950, in El Paso, Texas. As a member of an Air Force family, the Hanson’s lived many places, including Wisconsin, South Dakota and England. At age 15, Cindy’s family moved to Fort Collins where she graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1968. She studied and worked at Colorado State University. Cindy also held many retail positions in Fort Collins, including eight-years managing the Mellow Yellow. She is survived by her brother Steve Hanson and his wife Annie of Estes Park; her niece Dawn Hanson Bennett (Chris) of Arvada; and her nephew Zach Hanson (Sarah) of Fort Collins. She is also survived by two nieces and two nephews Collin, Ellie, Ava, and Ian. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Roger M. Hanson in 1992, and Marjorie Louck Hanson in 2009. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation in Skip, Cindy or their adored cat Sasha’s name to the NOCO Humane Society, Larimer Campus (nocohumane.org/donation) or a charity of your choice. At this time, no services are planned, although their lives will be honored and celebrated at a later date.

Tributes

Cynthia Jean Clarke

March 8, 1950 - March 21, 2025