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Rebecca Pow described her husband as "the greatest man I know" after he died this morning (Friday, June 21).

Charles Clark, a well-known businessman in Somerset and the South West, passed away following a battle with cancer.

The father-of-three served on the committee at Somerset County Cricket Club in 2010 and later became chairman in January 2018 - a role Rebecca described as his "dream job".

Charles Clark was involved in a number of organisations, namely Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Auctioneers and Chartered Surveyors, National Agricultural Valuers Association and The Somerset Community Foundation.

He also raised more than £2 million for a range of charities throughout his life.

(Image: Western Gazette)

The Taunton Deane MP said her husband was "blessed" with "the common touch" and would treat everyone "equally and making each feel special."

The MP said: "He was truly the greatest man I know, filled with the gifts of wisdom, intellect and quick wit.

"He had a phenomenal talent for making a speech as well as being a masterly and entertaining auctioneer fundraiser (he has raised over £2m for a huge range of charities during his life).

"He's been a remarkably effective and hands on chairman of Somerset County Cricket Club (his dream job) over seeing the introduction of the lights and Somerset's first trophy in 14 years.

"His work ethic for Greenslade Taylor Hunt has been remarkable.

"He has lived and breathed Somerset all his life. He was a 7th generation Somerset agricultural auctioneer.

"Most crucially, Charles has been a wonderful husband to me and father to our three children.

"He was also blessed with that special thing - the common touch, treating everybody equally and making each feel special."

'Somerset matches won't be quite the same without him' - Somerset County Cricket Club tribute

(Image: Somerset County Cricket Club)

Following Charles' sad passing, Somerset CCC CEO, Andrew Cornish said: "In the short time that I knew Charles I found him to be a man of great integrity.

"His passion for Somerset cricket was second to none and his enthusiasm for the Club was infectious.

"He also took a huge amount of pride in his work.

"Even as his health faltered, his love for the Club remained undiminished.

"We are all so pleased that Charles was able to be at Lord's to see the Club that he loved lift the Royal London One-Day Cup on that fabulous day.

"The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his wife Rebecca and his entire family at this sad time."

(Image: Somerset County Cricket Club)

The cricket club's president, Brian Rose, added: "I knew Charles for a long time, and he was a Somerset man through and through.

"He took a huge interest in every element of the Club, from the progress of the Academy players all the way through to the development of the Cooper Associates County Ground.

"Charles was of the opinion that Somerset was the best club in the country, and he made it his mission to convince everyone that he met that this was the case.

"He took his role very seriously and took huge pride in how the County Club was helping to develop the game from grass roots level through to the International arena.

"Somerset matches won't be quite the same without him."

(Image: Western Gazette/ReachPLC)

Since the news of Charles' death was made public, members of the business community and political groups shared their condolences to Rebecca Pow's family.

Many called him a "great son of Taunton and Somerset" while others remembered him as a "lovely man".

The hotelier of The Castle Hotel, Kit Chapman, said: "Deepest sympathies and condolences to Rebecca Pow and her family on the sad news of the death of her husband Charles Clark.

"Former Chairman of Greenslade Taylor Hunt and Somerset County Cricket Club, he will be remembered as a gentleman and a great son of Taunton and Somerset."

Jay O'Brien of Eden May Lettings said: "Very sad to hear that Charles Clark has passed away, our condolences to Rebecca Pow's family and colleagues at Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

"He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him and I remain forever grateful for his kindness at our first meeting."

The Liberal Democrats in Taunton also expressed their sympathises to Rebecca Pow's family following the news.

A spokesman said: "My and many people's thoughts today are very much with Rebecca and her family at this sad and difficult time for them.

"I know I speak for the local Liberal Democrat Party in passing on our sincere condolences on Charles' passing."

Did you know Charles Clark? Would you like to share a tribute or memory of him?

Get in touch: Email michael.taylor@reachplc.com, tweet @JournoMikeT or call 01935 709742

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