(Image: Family photo)
TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved family man who was a trusted face to generations of people across York.
Devoted family man, passionate sportsman and respected retailer Kevin Clarkson, has died, aged 62, just 18 months after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Kevin was well known in York and beyond as the long-standing owner of children's nursery retailer Paul Stride, which closed at Monks Cross last year following his diagnosis.
Kevin Clarkson, pictured shortly before closing his children's nursery retail business, Paul Stride, at Monks Cross. (Image: Nadia Jefferson-Brown)
Born and raised in Haxby and educated at St Peter's School, he joined Paul Stride when it was still a small Acomb department store, founded by his mother Pauline.
During his 44 years with the business, which moved to Monks Cross in 2005 where it focused on nursery and baby goods, he proudly worked alongside his mother, grandmother Rene and his wife Philippa at various stages.
While numerous businesses closed as a casualty of the Covid pandemic, Kevin’s focus on customer care and service ensured Paul Stride continued to thrive.
However, his illness forced the abrupt closure of the business in June 2025 to the dismay of generations of families who had shopped there, with messages of support and gratitude pouring in.
Kevin's family said: "Kevin bore his illness with bravery, dignity and always good humour. He will be remembered as a man of kindness and warmth and a wonderful role model."
Away from work, swimming was a key part of Kevin’s life. His father Alan was a Commonwealth Games swimmer and GB team manager, and was later awarded an OBE for services to swimming, while his mother Pauline swam in the Helsinki 1952 Olympics.
Kevin chose water polo and had a reputation as a fierce competitor. He represented NE England at U20 and played from 16 to 60, only stopping at the end of 2024 due to a shoulder issue, which proved to be an early symptom of MND.
He was credited with being largely responsible for keeping water polo alive in York. As well as chairing the York club he served as Chair and President of Wakefield & District League.
Under his guidance the York team, The Minstermen, progressed to the National league. His sons Toby and Eddy also represented York, with the three family members in the same team in the National League.
Kevin was a proud family man, married to Philippa for almost 38 years with whom he had his two sons, and three grandchildren Abi, Sofi and Jasper, whom he adored.
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Kevin’s sister Karen Burdass ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May this year in honour of Kevin who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in early 2025, raising funds for the MND Association along with his son Eddy.
Kevin died on August 23, 2026.
Karen said: "Kevin’s diagnosis was devastating to all of us, and until then we didn’t know very much about the disease at all.
"MND damages the nerves sending messages from the brain to the muscles, gradually affecting movement, speech and communication, eating and drinking, and breathing.
"MND affects every sufferer differently as it is such a complex disease. So little is known about it and there is still no cure but any increase in awareness of the disease can only help. The documentary that Lewis Moody aired, and The 7-in-7 Grand Finale challenge by Sir Kevin Sinfield is bringing the whole MND community together, increasing that awareness and raising funds for research so that we are closer to finding that cure."
A Tribute Fund has been set up in Kevin’s memory to ensure all future fundraising or donations in his name will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
More than £16,000 has been raised so far on the page.
Donations can be made at http://kevin-clarkson.muchloved.com