Passed away peacefully at Riverview Heights on Friday, August 18, 2023 at the age of 92 years. He had all his children with him as he declined in recent weeks.
Jim Clarke of Pembroke, husband of 67 years to the late Ann Clarke (2021). Deeply missed by his children, Gail Bilocq (Sylvain), Jim, David, Michael (Sylvia) and Barbara (Hellen). Cherished grandfather of Kevin (Kerry) and John (Stephanie) Clarke, Alexander (Olivia) and Victoria Clarke, and Chris Forcier (Julie). Great grandchildren Logan, Briley-Rae, Luxton, Cannon, Grayson and Kimberly. Survived by his brother, Richard “Snuffy” Clarke and his niece Pat Skujins. Son of the late Leonard and Amelia Clarke (nee Scanlan).
James was a Korean War Veteran and Royal Canadian Dental Corps man of 25 years, a retired Denturist (in longstanding partnership with son Michael Clarke DD), Nova Scotia Masonic Lodge Master and Past-Potentate of Tunis Shriners of Eastern Ontario.
Dad was the bread to Mom’s butter. Together they planned countless parties; birthdays, pool gatherings, anniversaries, golf tournaments, curling and everything in between! He’ll be remembered for their famous Christmas Eve Drop-ins with its legendary Moosemilk. While we were only seven, there were many more folks that joined us as “family” throughout our years with dad including devoted ‘adopted’ son Dave Kemp of Belleville. Orphaned early and a foster-child in the 1930s, parenting did not come naturally to this hardworking and principled man. Nonetheless, we had what we needed, laughed a lot and knew that he loved us. We are blessed to have enjoyed both Dad and Mom for this long and that his journey is over and his rest has begun.
Many thanks to Riverview Heights Retirement Home for the care and empathy shown not just to Dad, but to Mom as well. Special thanks to Director of Care, Katie Brochu.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Calvin United Church Hall, 276 Church Street, Pembroke. Arrangements entrusted to Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children (Montreal) are appreciated. Online donations/condolences are available at
www.mdbfuneralhome.com
