Today we look at the life of Gordon Clark, in the sixth of a series of articles remembering those lost to coronavirus over the past year. We’d like to thank the families and friends who have been in touch with the Stray Ferret to share precious memories of their loved ones.

Gordon Clark was born in 1947 in County Durham. He died aged 72 on April 12, 2020 at Harrogate District Hospital.

Gordon was a dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many at Meadows caravan park in Ripon.

Growing up, Gordon was the youngest of five boys. After leaving school. he joined the police cadets and was first stationed at Bishop Auckland.

It was in Bishop Aukland that he met his wife, Pat, and later married her in 1969.

Following their marriage the pair moved and Gordon was posted to Sunderland to work in the CID. Gordon was a committed officer and enjoyed his job greatly.

The pair then welcomed their son, Paul.

During his career, Gordon received a number of commendations. One of his most memorable cases would come in the 1970's when he was drafted to work in Bradford on the Yorkshire Ripper case.

After 30 years of service, Gordon retired. This gave him plenty of time to enjoy his other hobbies, including golf and watching the football.

Pat spoke of how "devoted" Gordon was to his two grandchildren Alex and Rhys. Taking the role of grandfather in his stride he loved to  spend time with his family.

Pat and Gordon didn't live permanently in the Harrogate district, but loved their time in their static caravan in Ripon.

The pair "spent many happy times" in their caravan on Riverside Meadows. For 37 years the couple used their caravan as a second home spending as much time there as they could.

Over the years, they became friendly with a number of other residents. Always up for a laugh and joke, Gordon was known by all for his wit and great humour, a "very funny man".

He was also a popular member of the Ripon community, the kind of man who made friends everywhere he went.

Towards the end of his life, Gordon fell ill whilst at their Ripon home and was taken into Harrogate District Hospital. It was there he was diagnosed with coronavirus.

At the time no visitors were allowed, so Gordon passed away with no family by his side.

The family said this was an extremely traumatic time, unable to say their goodbyes or even attend his funeral as it was a closed service.

This lack of closure has been very difficult for the family, Pat said “I feel we've never had any closure on my husband’s passing away, due to the circumstances of his being alone, no goodbyes, and not being at his funeral.”