Adam Clarke: Sense of humour a trademark

Being thoughtful, having a love of people, computers, cars, and always having a smile on his face, were the trademarks of Adam Clarke.

Born a month early, yet weighing 7lb 10oz (3.45kg), "He was impatient to get into the world," mum Susan said. His middle name coming from his grandfather Keith 'Nobby' Clarke who was Mayor of Tauranga City Council from 1989 to 1995.

Educated at Bellevue Primary School, Otumoetai Intermediate, and Otumoetai College, Adam gained NCEA level 2.

"He was very clever with computers and spent hours firstly at Intermediate with the IT teacher Mr Issacson and then at Otumoetai College with the IT manager, Glen Christian. They became great friends," Susan said.

She often found notes in Adam's school bag asking for him to be excused from class as a computer problem needed sorting.

Adam had a photographic memory and could recall long numbers weeks later.

All his friends knew him as "Ford Kicker" with his number plate 4DKIKR showing he was a Holden man. Through cars Adam met Melissa Lake. They became engaged and last year headed for Canterbury University.

University life was to be interrupted, overtaken by the impending arrival of their daughter Maddison Jo Clarke welcomed into the world on February 20. During this time he also began work at Millennium Technology in a job he loved.

Prior to Maddison's arrival, in January this year Adam was diagnosed with a tumour on his brain stem.

In March with the tumour growing, surgery was planned and with just two days preparation, Adam and Melissa married in the Waikato Hospital chapel in front of approximately 60 guests. Two days after he was married he endured an 11 hour operation in Waikato Hospital. The operation left Adam unable to walk or initially talk.

He was transferred back to Tauranga Hospital, his speech much improved and he was having physiotherapy to try to walk again, which sadly he was not able to do.

"His mind was still as sharp as a tack and he was still very positive. He still had his wonderful sense of humour and his visitors usually left with a smile on their face. He was the one that kept us all going," Susan said.

Another operation was needed to relieve pressure on his brain and then Adam started chemotherapy. He finished the first cycle and doctors seemed to think it was working.

Adam was able to move back home at this time and was pleased to be reunited with his beloved cat Benny who slept on his bed all night. While at home he was also able to enjoy another of his great loves, food, for which he had a good appetite.

His time at home turned out to be all too short, just 10 days, before he was taken back to hospital by ambulance after falling unconscious.

He died peacefully the next morning, Friday, August 19, among family and friends.

He wanted to plan his funeral and Susan bought him a voice recorder so he could tape what he wanted - his chosen songs, the person to conduct the service and he chose to have a Holden-red coffin and wanted people to write on it.

"At six foot three Adam was a big solid guy, but the biggest thing about him was his heart," Mr Christian said in his eulogy.