Obituary of Donald Mason Cameron Clarke

With heavy hearts, the family of Donald Mason Cameron Clarke is saddened to announce that his passing occurred on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the York Care Centre located in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

We offer sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at the York Care Centre for the attention, care, and respect they have provided him over the past few months.

Donald, known as “Don” and “Donnie” to family and friends, was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, September 23, 1944, to Jack (John Herbert) Clarke, of Imperial Saskatchewan, and Mora Jean (Lamond) Clarke, of Sydney, Nova Scotia, both deceased.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maggie (Porter) Clarke; son, John-Derek (Adrienne); daughters, Jennifer, and Sarah (Jamie); foster-daughter, Dawn (Derek); grandchildren, Thomas, Olivia, Isaiah, Callista, Rhys, and Juliet; and great-grandson, Tommy. Don is also survived by his six brothers, Russell (Eileen) of Ottawa, Keith (Mary) of Marion Bridge, Douglas (Delia) of Marion Bridge, Robert (Gisele) of Edmonton, Tim of Moose Jaw and Sam of Whitehorse. He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews.

In life, Don marched to his own drum, often with a sharp humorous wit. Described by his brothers as the “confident one”, the “risk-taker”, and the “trailblazer” of the family, he is remembered by his children as their biggest fan, greatest champion, and constant source of encouragement. In his private life, Don was an avid fly-fisherman, enjoyed curling, music, cooking, and reading. Often the sharpest dresser in the room, he always welcomed an opportunity to entertain others where his abilities as an astute storyteller would be on full display. This ability blended well with his professional work over the years in roles as regional sales and branch manager for a variety of companies in Toronto, Moncton, Halifax, Grimsby, Prince George, and Fredericton. To say our hearts are broken would be an understatement.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to the care of York Funeral Home at 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, New Brunswick. At Don’s request, a celebration of life service with family and friends will be held in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances and donations can be made to the York Care Foundation, or the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick. As well, personal condolences to family can be offered through www.yorkfh.com.