Thomas William Clarke

Thomas William Clarke, 82, of Edinburgh, passed away on December 10, 2022. Tom was a distinguished professor of Scottish literature at the University of Edinburgh for 35 years, where he inspired generations of students with his passion for Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and contemporary Scottish poetry. Born in Glasgow, he moved to Edinburgh as a young man and fell in love with the city's literary history. Tom authored seven books on Scottish literary traditions and received the Saltire Society Literary Award in 1998. Even after retirement, he could be found in his favorite armchair at the Elephant House café where J.K. Rowling famously wrote Harry Potter surrounded by books and engaging anyone who would listen in discussions about poetry. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fiona, their three children, and seven grandchildren. Tom's family remembers him as a wonderful storyteller who could recite Burns by heart, a terrible singer who nonetheless led family gatherings in Scottish folk songs, and a man whose kindness was as vast as his knowledge. His final years were spent sharing his love of literature with his grandchildren, creating memories they will cherish forever.