Obituary of Charles Clarke
Charles Maurice Clarke of Teeswater, passed away peacefully, surrounded with love, at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton on Monday, April 28th, 2025, at age 82.
Loving spouse of Kevin Hart of Teeswater.
Dear brother of Fred Clarke, Marlene Willsie and Linda Barrett.
Fondly remembered by his nieces, Sherrie Willsie (Darren), Jenny Lynn McConnell (Gavin), nephew Mark Willsie (Susan), sister-in-law Michele Hillis (Mark) and dear family friend Max McDonald.
Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Charlotte “Jane” (née Berdan) Clarke and brothers-in-law, Doug Willsie and James Barrett.
As a very young child Charlie was severely scalded over much of his body with boiling water. In grade 1 it was suggested that Charlie should be institutionalized because he could not talk or effectively communicate, he was ‘unteachable’. The school board speech therapist pleaded to have extended time to work with Charlie. Charlie won the oratory contest in grade 8. That tenacious, eager and willing spirit is something that stuck with Charlie for the rest of his life.
As a young adult, Charlie endured heart break and loss when his first love, John, was killed in a car accident at Christmas time. As he began his healing journey he met Alan and Bob. Friendship merged with business and CHALBO was formed with real estate holdings in Kitchener, Toronto and Teeswater.
In 1979 and the early 1980’s all the real estate holdings had been consolidated with only Teeswater remaining and all hands were preoccupied with building the current dwelling. CHALBO and ‘REST Ministries’ was a place, in those early years, for people to come and be in community, a place where they could come to peace with themselves and seek healing in their lives.
In those early years, around 1982, Charlie and Kevin decided to walk together and commit their lives to one another, for as long as it felt like the right thing to do. It always did, even when there were the inevitable spats that arise in any such relationship. Both enjoyed travel and adventure. From back-country canoeing, camping and hiking to sailing, globe-trotting and RVing (with a few other odd adventures thrown in) Charlie loved getting out into the world and particularly enjoyed the people he met along the way. Charlie’s 50th birthday was a grand adventure spanning two months with their sailboat “Risky Business” along the Gulf coast states of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
Charlie was very sensitive about others and their feelings and often connected quickly with others. Those sensitivities extended to both the animal and the plant world as well. Pets, including a pet rabbit as a child, were part of Charlie’s life throughout. Many poodles in the beginning thanks to a wonderful friendship with a breeder who was originally a client of Charlie when he sold hearing aids. Cats and stray dogs and stray cats and a raccoon and a crow, etc.! And then there was his passion - his plants and his gardens. Nurturing life and creating beauty, in spite of the work it often involved, was what sustained Charlie and his spirit, it brought him peace and joy and a sense of fulfillment.
Charlie, throughout his life, also had a sense of humour tinged with a hint of mischievousness and was known to pull a leg or two! This aspect of Charlie could easily be attributed to his father and is perhaps captured in his memorial photograph. It was taken two days after his 82nd birthday this past January at the Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) Botanical Gardens. Puerto Vallarta and Melaque, further south, were favourite destinations throughout his retirement where Charlie liked to unwind and recharge.
Throughout his four month illness up to his last hours, care-givers, friends and family members, more often than not, left his presence smiling or laughing, blushing or just simply shaking their heads because of what he had just shared!
Charlie was a man of faith, who had a personal connection, as well, with his maker! This, along with the many people who called him friend and loved him, helped sustain him through the many trials and tribulations of life.
So he did not fear death and was prepared in his heart and his spirit to be with God.
So we wish him well on that journey...
“Vaya con Dios, Charlie!”
A private service to honour Charlie’s life will be held at Peace of the Country at a later date.
Memorial donations to your local animal shelter or rescue agency would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
