A well known horseman from the Kempsey region, John Clarke, sadly passed away in January at the age of 78.
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One of seven children, John was known by many for his impeccable horse work and dedication to the trade of mustering and looking after livestock.
In the 1950-1960s John and his brother Darryl mustered cattle between Sherwood, Willawarrin, Belmore River and Kempsey delivering 300 plus heads of cattle to trains to be sent to market.
John's brother Darryl said John was a quiet man who liked hard work and was skilled at finding cattle who strayed from the herds.
"He just knew the areas where the cattle would be if they weren't with the rest of the cattle," Darryl said.
"On numerous occasions John would be sent to find 'a steer with the green tag' and every time he came back with the correct beast.
"John could also crack a whip with the best of them. He had a knack for whip work and if John crack a whip it could be heard for miles."
John saw out his days in Kempsey being cared for by younger brother Malcolm in respite for which brother Darryl is grateful.
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