community

Also in this section:
Former PanCanal pilot Wilbur Velarde gets a master's from the Naval War College
Remembering Clarence Pinnock
Rush hour in San Carlos
 

One of the men who integrated the Canal Zone Fire Department

Clarence E. Pinnock

by Frank Thomas W.

Clarence E. "Penko" Pinnock died at Paitilla Hospial on July 19 after a long illness.

He was born in Panama City on January 3,1927 and attended La Boca Junior High School in the old Canal Zone days.

In 1956 he was one of the "Barrier Breakers" of the old Canal Zone labor and social system, one of the men who integrated the formerly all white American Canal Zone Fire Department. As a firefighter he worked mostly on the west bank of the canal, at Rodman. He was very much appreciated by his co-workers and officers as well. Very precise, he helped with the training of many of the rookies, As a Driver Operator he knew the operational proceedures of the Fire Engines and could explain all in simple words, very cool, never got angry and always willing to help in any which way.

His main passion was for traveling. He covered most of South America including Colombia, (Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Buenaventura), Ecuador (Guayaquil), Peru, (Callao, Lima) and Chile (Antofagosta, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, Santiago).

By road, he crossed the "Cordillera de Los Andes," visited "El Cristo de Los Andes" continued on to Argentina (Mendoaa and Buenos Aires).

Costa Rica was for weekend visiting and relaxation, which he did on many occasions, also touched the islands of Cracao and Aruba.

In the USA, Miami was for shopping, New York, Los Angeles and other US cities were for visiting relatives and friends.

Penko lived his life the way he wanted to --- cool, collected "y sin bulla."

He retired from the C.Z.F.D. in 1982

Now he is in the glory of the Lord and may his soul Rest in Peace.

His colleagues' condolences go out to his wife Nanda and two sons Eddie and Carlos.