Robert Nash Clarke

Bob was born May 8, 1931, in Toronto and died April 28, 2023, also in Toronto. He died peacefully in his room after a good night’s sleep.

Bob was pre-deceased by his wife of 55 years, Anne Gwendolyn (Gwen) Turner, his parents Charles and Olive Clarke, and his brother and sister, Bruce Clarke and Barbara Sebben.

Bob was father to Susan (Roger Clarke), Bob (Marina McLean, div.), Charles (Sue Adams, div.) and Chris (Martha Rafuse); grandfather (Grumpy, Buppa, and Grandpa) to McKenzie, Bronwyn and Kieran Clarke; Sarah (Bryden Klein), Robin (Nicole) and Patrick Clarke; and Blake (Lara), Hayden (dec.), and Riley Clarke. Great-grandfather to Kynleigh Clarke; and to Maddox and Harper Klein.

Bob grew up in north Toronto, where he attended Earl Haig Secondary School and played on its football team. At 18, he enlisted in the Canadian Army to fight in the Korean War. In 2003, his family celebrated the 50th anniversary with him. Since then, but most especially in recent years he enjoyed telling war stories and reading on the topic. He would happily talk about the topic with anyone who would listen.

After the war, Bob met the love of his life, Gwen, who was studying for her Master’s degree in English at Queens University. He studied to became an Ontario Land Surveyor, and had his own practice most of his career. Mom and Dad married after she graduated, and had a wonderful marriage. Bob loved and respected Gwen, and spent the remainder of his days talking about her intellect and accomplishments. They celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 2004 with a party at their cottage.

Bob and Gwen spent a lifetime together, raising their four children, finding enjoyment watching their sons play sports, sailing their boat at NYC, and travelling. They moved to Italy for six months when Gwen first retired, and shortly after their return moved permanently to their cottage in Muskoka. When the grandkids came along, they enjoyed spending time with them and didn’t let distance dissuade them from visiting Charles and his family in Missouri regularly.

When Mom died in 2009, Dad accepted an invitation from the Korean government to visit there, where his contribution during the Korean War was celebrated. It was a highlight in his life, marred only by Mom’s absence. From that point on Dad embraced life in Muskoka independently where he met daily for coffee with a group of friends (Coffee Club), met regularly with the Lion’s Club, exercised at the fitness club, and enjoyed the company of his neighbours.

Covid put a crimp in his social life unfortunately, and he hated the isolation. Family members visited him there often, bringing meals and sitting outside with him, even in winter. Unfortunately he also had to celebrate his 90th birthday in this way, and Thanksgiving that year as well, but we made sure he didn’t miss any occasion.

Dad always loved hockey, and enjoyed watching his sons and then his grandsons all play. In recent years he enjoyed watching the Leafs on TV with Chris, and would have loved seeing them make it to round 2 in 2023.

Dad enjoyed planning improvements at his cottage, and entertaining friends and family there. The cottage had been a labour of love for him and Mom, and he never tired of the views. He loved reading and gardening there, and a quiet coffee out on the deck. He missed having a dog though, having had dogs his entire adult life. We have fond memories of him always taking Shan along when he worked out in the field surveying.

Dad was a social man, and enjoyed spending time with people. Dad was unfailing in his belief that people appreciated his opinion, and often spoke candidly. He is remembered most of all for his opinions of our political leaders, and also his sense of humour. While Mom might have persuaded Dad to wear a suit on occasion, Dad was most comfortable in casual (very) attire. Yet these were appreciated by many as his quirks, for he had a generous character and truly loved people. He loved family dinners, and never missed an opportunity to visit. He loved his grandchildren especially, and made sure he was kept up to date on their achievements and current status, enjoying regular visits from all of them. He was thrilled to have three great-granddaughters.

Dad maintained relationships with people. A great letter writer, he later exchanged that for texting, phone calls and Facebook. His network of friends was astounding for a man his age, made possible perhaps by social media.

Bob was pragmatic about his life in the last few years, accepting age and illness with more grace than most, and a fair bit of humour. When greeted, he either responded with “Marvellous!”, “Better than the alternative!” or “Living the Dream!” He managed to live independently in his home until his 90th year, and only recently moved to Amica Retirement Home in Toronto. Our family would especially like to acknowledge the wonderful care he received at Amica from all the staff. Of particular note was the lovely Remembrance Day service last year that was well attended by the residents; Dad was invited to speak, with Kieran by his side in his dress uniform. Dad enjoyed his mealtimes there with his friends, and his monthly men’s breakfast group. He enjoyed his lovely suite with its view of the trees, sitting out on balcony surrounded by the potted garden and outdoor dining at the Residence weather permitting.

Thank you to the staff at North York General Hospital, especial his GPs and specialists, who cared for him during both his regular appointments and his stays for acute issues over the last year. Thanks for all who stopped by to spend time and bring cheer to Dad’s day. Thanks to brother Chris and Martha for finding Amica, outfitting his room to make it a home, and seeing to his daily care. This all contributed to Dad going gently through this last phase.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob on Saturday June 17, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the National Yacht Club, dining room, 1 Stadium Rd., Toronto. Parking is available on site (say you are there for Bob's Celebration) Refreshments

Bob would have appreciated donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada (www.muscle.ca).

To share a memory of Bob or send a condolence to his family please visit. www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca