Sir ellis clarke biography for kids

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In 1938, he won a special scholarship for his excellent math skills.

After high school, Ellis Clarke studied at University College London in England. Sir Ellis' coffin, draped in a Trinidad and Tobago flag, was set atop a cannon and pulled by a military vehicle. He decided not to seek a third term due to disagreements with the new government.

Although he ceased to use the title Sir after the country became a republic, after retirement from the presidency he re-adopted his title and was generally referred to as "Former President, Sir Ellis Clarke" or Sir Ellis.

He was married to Lady Ermyntrude Clarke (1921–2002) for almost fifty years. In 1941, he returned to Port of Spain and started his own law practice.

Political Career Highlights

Sir Ellis Clarke had a long and successful career in public service.

Before that, he was the country's second and last Governor-General. When Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic in 1976, Clarke was unanimously elected the country's first President by the presidential electoral college, which comprised the elected members of both Houses of Parliament. They had three children: Peter Ellis Clarke (married to Suzanne Traboulay, a former beauty queen), Margaret-Ann (married to Gordon Fisken of Edinburgh, Scotland) and Richard (who died as a young child).

He died on 30 December 2010, two days after his 93rd birthday. Sir Ellis Clarke was chosen by all members of Parliament to be the country's first President. Many important people attended, including the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice.

Ellis Clarke received three knighthoods from Queen Elizabeth II, the Trinity Cross (Trinidad and Tobago's highest honour).

He was succeeded by Noor Hassanali.

Ellis Clarke was invested as a Companion of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 and was awarded a knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of that Order in 1972. They had three children: Peter Ellis Clarke, Margaret-Ann, and Richard. He was re-elected by the People’s National Movement-controlled electoral college and completed his second term in 1987.

He was re-elected by the PNM-controlled electoral college and completed his second term in 1987. Following the private funeral, a State Funeral was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts Building situated at the Queens Park Savannah. People often called him "Former President, Sir Ellis Clarke."

Sir Ellis was married to Lady Ermyntrude Clarke for nearly 50 years.

Disagreements with the new National Alliance for Reconstruction government resulted in Clarke's decision not to seek a third term. After that, a state funeral was held for him.