In Loving Memory of
Sean D. Kelley-Clarke
December 10, 1985 – August 15, 2020
Virtual Celebration of Life Gathering was held on December 5, 2020 at 4:00 PM PST
With great sadness we pass along the news that our son, brother, and uncle, Sean Kelley-Clarke, passed away on August 15 in Zhengzhou, China, following an accident.
Sean was born in Everett, WA on an icy morning December 10, 1985. He was a very large baby, and throughout his life was large in laughter, in energy, in caring and love. He graduated from Everett High School in 2004, and after participating in the Running Start program graduated from the University of Washington in 2006. Sean played the drums and had a passion for making movies, becoming the associate producer and an actor in a locally made movie. He spent many weekends assembling friends to make video shorts and just generally enjoy one another’s company.
Sean moved to Zhengzhou to take an English language teaching position, but stayed also because of the experience and the friends he made there from a dozen countries around the world. He excelled at connecting with preschoolers, elementary students and beyond, and formed strong bonds with his fellow teachers. Sean made friends easily as he traveled through the world, and everyone loved him for his honesty, gentleness, great wit and humor. He is mourned by everyone whose path he crossed.
Sean is survived by his parents Paula Kelley-Clarke and Jeff Clarke, sister Brenna Kelley-Clarke, brother-in-law Kiran Chitluri, nieces Lena and Faye, and countless family members and friends. For all, every day is lonelier without him.
Donations in Sean’s name may be made to the Everett Public Library Endowment in Honor of Mark Nesse.
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I just found out today. In the office to pick up my check and I see your name on the wall and couldn’t believe it. You were one of my favorite people to work for at Star Protection. Rest in peace
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Rest in peace, dear Sean & may your soul touches our hearts forever❤️
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Rest in peace ❤️
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Jeff and Paula, My deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. Jane McNamee
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Paula, sending prayers for comfort and healing powers to you and your lovely family. That wonderful bond will always be there Paula, in your precious memories. May God, Family and Friends encompass you in their loving arms today and always.
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Always remember his loping gait and a hint of a smile.
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Sean, was a tremendously talented and wonderful young man with a great heart for people. He was truly a gentle giant and a very kind young man. We send our condolences to his entire family, as we know he was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. We had the pleasure and joy of knowing and working with Sean in Zhengzhou. While his stature was certainly large whenever he was present in a room, his gentleness is what lingers in our hearts and minds as we think of him. We wish you all peace and comfort.
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I didn’t have the joy of knowing Sean as a teen. Instead, when I met Sean as Dana’s roommate at The Ocho, he immediately struck me as an old soul. He was kind, gentle, funny, and wickedly smart. From our “evening constitutional” walks by the railroad lines, nights of Rock Band Jam sessions, and trips to Rosslyn, Sean wove in, around, and together the different ages and years of the EHS Alumni beautifully and seamlessly.
While it is inconceivable to me that he won’t be there to settle a point of cinema lore or the next pub night trivia question (when that’s a thing again), with his wry smile and deep chuckle, his impact on those lucky enough to call him “friend” will live on and provide a light in the darkness.
Sean, you are loved and remembered every day.
Love,
Lauren
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I am so sorry. I have memories of Sean as a little guy, fun active and very inquisitive. I hope you find some comfort an peace rom the love and support of your friends and family. God bless you all.
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Jeff and Paula, we cannot image the loss you are suffering and we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for inviting us to celebrate Sean’s life.
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Jeff, our prayers and blessings are with you and your family at this difficult time.
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Paula, our thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, the courage to face the days ahead, and may the loving memories of Sean be forever in your hearts. May God put Sean in a special place from where he will be watching you, your family, and the people who loved and cherished him. May He Rest in Peace! May the love of those around you and the love of God, help you and your family through the days ahead.
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From the get go, Sean lived LARGE! Not only was he born BIG, he was welcomed and loved by an adoring BIG sister, and two BIG-hearted parents! His life was filled with BIG laughs, BIG dreams, and BIG adventures. He leaves an incredibly LARGE hole in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
May BIG LOVE envelope your memories and fill your hearts.
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My heart goes out to you.
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My prayers are with you all as you celebrate the life of this beautiful young man. Sean was surely a light and will continue to be in the hearts of all who knew him. Sadly I cannot attend this celebration as I am teaching a class at the same time. I know this will be heartfelt tribute and am sorry to miss sharing it with you.
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Sean and I had a very interesting, sporadic yet meaningful connection. He thought me so much about living life fully with joy and adventure. He also came to visit for 24 hours during his Midwest tour and I spend a Halloween evening of fun and random memories. Thank you Sean for touching my life in the most kindered way. Love to you wherever you are
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You were blessed to have each other. We are holding you close in our hearts, dearest friends.
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Thank you for including me in the Celebration for Sean.