Paul Clarkin Obituary

Clarkin
Paul Kiernan
Clarkin
April 23, 1937
October 31, 2023

Paul Kiernan Clarkin unexpectedly left this life on Tuesday, October 31. His presence will always be remembered by all those whose lives he touched.

Paul was born in Denver, CO to Joseph Edward Clarkin and Golda Ida Clarkin. He attended Denver public schools and graduated from West High School where he was Head Boy. From there he attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 1959 with a degree in economics. He sang in the Dartmouth Glee Club, was a member and president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and a member of Casque and Gauntlet, a Senior Honorary society. He subsequently earned his MBA at the University of Denver.

After college, Paul enlisted in the Army in 1960. After his service he returned to Denver where he first met Sharon McMullen (Sherry), soon to be his wife. He was called up to serve again in October 1961, which prompted an earlier than planned wedding at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Boulder, CO. Their two children, Michael David, and Susan Melinda were born in Denver.

Paul started his career at Colorado Federal Savings and Loan in Denver as a loan officer. He worked there for six years until he took a new opportunity as Executive Vice President at American Federal Savings and Loan in Pueblo, where the family moved in 1969.

Paul became the President of American Federal, took the institution public, and then persevered through the industry crisis in the late 80s. He rebuilt his career again, starting with the New England Financial, and retired after a successful 25 years as a financial advisor in 2014.

He volunteered hours of his time in both Pueblo and in Colorado Springs. He shared his time and talent freely with his community, his church, his industry, his neighborhood.

He was an avid skier, a sport that was the center of family vacations for years. Later in life he found a similar passion for golf, and the close friendships that came along with that pastime. He loved music and playing the piano. And ties, he had great neckties! He and Sherry enjoyed travel, together and with their great friends all through the years. Paul particularly cherished time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Paul is survived by his wife Sharon Lee Clarkin (Sherry), his son Michael Clarkin (Sylvaine), daughter Susan Melinda White, grandchildren Kelly and Colin Clarkin, Mitchell, Nicolas, and Rebecca White. and sister Golda Boeck, her children Cynthia Hardy and Larry Boeck (Susanna).

A Closed Casket Visitation for Paul will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

A Memorial Service will occur Friday, November 10, 2023 at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A Reception is to follow.

In lieu of flowers or food, please contribute to a charity that is important to you, or to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation in Paul's name. The Foundation is a cause that was important to Paul and something he helped to establish and to further the ministry of the church.