October 21, 1950 – January 5, 2024
NAGS HEAD — Michael Burden Clarkin, born in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 21, 1950, died on the Outer Banks of North Carolina on January 5, 2024, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jane, sister Anna, brother Tim, and sons Gabriel and Sean. He is survived by his wife Kathy of the home, son John Michael, brother Pat and his wife Michele, sister Janie and her husband Jamie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike and his siblings moved across the United States many times until finally settling in Olathe, Kansas, when his father retired from the Navy. He excelled in academics and sports in elementary school through to Olathe High School. He spent his time serving as an altar boy, crossing guard, actor, singer, and even student council president. Mike loved to travel and had the privilege of experiencing the international world through AFS Intercultural Programs as an exchange student in Iceland in 1967. There, he gained lifelong friends and a second family.
After high school, Mike attended Kansas State University, becoming a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and took up rowing. Mike’s life in the 70s took him to Aspen, Colorado, on a motorcycle adventure along the entire west coast to a commune in Stelle, Illinois, and even Spring Lake, Michigan, before finally depositing himself on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in 1979.
On the Outer Banks, Mike found his happy place and spent the rest of his life there. This is where “Captain Mike” was born. He spent years at the helm of multiple charter and commercial fishing boats, even gaining the honor of Captain of the Year in 1994. If you were to look through the annals of captains on the Outer Banks, you would find many who started under the guidance of Captain Mike.
Those boats were his year-round home. Even in the off-season, he could be found at the docks working on various boats, rebuilding interiors, decks, and the like. His woodworking talents shined just as brightly as his fishing skills. Many treasure boxes are scattered across the country, made from the scraps of these off-season chores and personalized with unique touches, making each one a personal gem.
Mike fished the Atlantic, Pacific, and all the lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams he could find. Ever the outdoorsman, he hunted the fields of Kansas, the mountains of Utah, the woodlands of Virginia, and every other place he was given the opportunity.
Captain Mike, loving husband, father, brother, and friend. A master craftsman, fisherman, hunter, truck driver, storyteller, wordsmith, and truly a man of so many talents. He loved life. So, as we say goodbye, remember – “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah! Zip-a-dee-ay! My oh my, it’s a sunshiny day! There’s plenty of good times heading my way. Zip-a-dee-doo-dah! Zip-a-dee-ay!”
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Holy Trinity by the Sea Catholic Chapel by Rev. John A. Hanley, osfs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Nags Head Fire & Rescue or the charity on your choice.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
