Wilfred “Wilf” Brian Clarke

It is with heavy hearts, that the family of Wilfred "Wilf" Brian Clarke announce his passing on March 15^th, 2022 in Barrie, Ontario, 1 week shy of his 81^st birthday. Son of the late Wilfred Victor and the late Anna ( Fridfinnson), and beloved husband of Barbara (Stewart).  Twin brother to Frederick (Melanie), and loving father to Kenneth and Kim. A cherished grandfather to Courtney, Ethan, Brendan and Janelle, and missed by his nephews and nieces.

Just shy of his 50^th year and months away from retirement, Wilf suffered a stroke that left him with mild paralysis and chronic pain on one side of his body. As a testament to his demeanor, he did not play the victim, he made it his mission. He began volunteer work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Kingston, Ontario. For many years, he gave so many people hope and courage as he shared the journey with them. The biggest blow to him was the closing of the program which left him missing a rewarding part of his life that he cherished doing.

A devoted family man, and as described by a family friend as “quite an impressive love story!”, he married his sweetheart Barbara at the age of 23.  Together for 58 years this June, they had a truly magical marriage and life together. Wilf passed away the way he would of wanted in a bed with his beloved wife beside him.

A true hero and role model to his son and 2 grandsons, and an inspiration to his daughter and 2 granddaughters, his family was always the number 1, 2 and 3 priorities. He was dependable to his family and that he would be where he was needed anytime, anywhere unconditionally.

One week ago, He had a visit with his twin brother and sister-in-law who flew in from British Columbia. Although a few tough days in the home, Wilf had a great day on the last visit, and that great day allowed this bond to have a final goodbye to one another.

He touched the lives of so many people, and has left such a strong positive impact on so many more. He was a selfless man, and he was a fighter. He will be missed dearly.

The family would like to extend their undying gratitude for the thoughts, well wishes and prayers from everybody. We are truly blessed. We would like to ensure that as tough as this has been on all of us, we are at peace that our husband, dad, grandpa and brother is finally getting the rest that he so strongly deserves. We all had an incredible opportunity to say good bye to him over this past week, and we have positive closure seeing his remaining days in a state of comfort he hasn’t experienced in years. At this time, we have chosen to have a private family closure, and will look forward to a Celebration of his life in his home city of Winnipeg, Manitoba in the near future.

With that, once again thank you and our sincere appreciation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Words of Condolences can be made at www.peacefultransition.ca