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September 7, 1947 – May 5, 2020
Donald William (Don) Clark, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 in Victoria, B.C., at the age of 72.
Don is predeceased by his parents, James William (Bill) Clark and Hazel Ethel Quinlan, his wife Pauline Lorraine Schaak and his sister Evelyn Fitzsimmons. He is survived by his son Christopher, married to Fiona Robertson, and his grandsons Brandon and Daniel. He is also survived by his life partner Clara Cauduro and her children, Lucas, Devan and Reana Mussato, his sister Marilyn MacPherson, his nieces and nephews Bruce and Bob Fitzsimmons, Cindy (Al) Kerr (Fitzsimmons) and Beth (Bob) Hancock (Fitzsimmons), Clark and Heather (Kerry) MacPherson, and his beloved cat, Chester.
Born September 7, 1947 in Springhill, Nova Scotia, he spent most of his early life in Ontario, joining the Ontario Provincial Police in 1966, then relocating to Kincardine, Ontario, working for Bruce Nuclear Power Development from 1978 to 2003.
He married Pauline on July 4, 1970 and Chris was born July 20, 1976. He was devoted to her care from the time of her diagnosis of MS in 1982 until her death on July 20, 2002.
He spent the last years of his life in Port Alberni, as loving partner to Clara, and supporter to Lucas, Devan and Reana. He and Clara (know as ‘Clare’ to her friends) shared in the planning and designing of their home, built on Clara’s parent’s land in Cherry Creek. He especially looked forward to the weekly Quilting and Knitting sessions, where, being the token male, and surrounded by all those women, he received lots of attention, as well as the bounty of the treats they brought, which he relished.
Clara and Don also had many wonderful adventures travelling, including meeting Clara’s extended family in Italy and France. All the relatives embraced him as one of their own.
Don was an avid sailor, golfer, and skier, while also enjoying hiking, camping, and motorcycling. He was a naturally skilled carpenter, designing and building many furnishings for his homes.
Don took a great interest in the community, serving a term as President of Crime Stoppers, and President of the Lions’ Club. He was known as a generous man and was well respected by those who knew him. He was a healthy, active man who still had much to give to the people in the town he loved.
A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date. If desired, donations in Don’s honour may be made to the Alberni Valley Lions’ Club, Ty Watson House, Royal Jubilee Hospital Foundation, or the MS Society of Canada.