Donald Douglas Clarke

Donald Clarke was born on February 20, 1946, in Vancouver, BC, and was raised in a loving family in Gibsons, BC. Living in a household with six children he learned at a young age the core values that he maintained throughout his life: love of family, a strong work ethic, charity and service to community.

A typical younger brother to his big sisters, Cindy and Penny, he teased them and embarrassed them in front of their boyfriends as they were growing up. He and his younger brother, Len, had a number of adventures in the forests, being thick as thieves. He was also a very protective older brother to his younger sisters, Debbie and Dee.

On August 29, 1970, he became the happiest man in the world, marrying Joanne, whom he described as the most beautiful woman in the world. They soon left the Sunshine Coast, having adventures in different parts of BC before settling in Kelowna, BC. During this time they welcomed four children: David, Christina, Stephen and Michael.

His love of family was passed on to his children as he ensured that no matter where they were living the Clarkes would always be together on holidays, always playing Santa for his nieces and nephews. Summers were always spent with family, split between Kelowna, the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast. His sense of charity was passed on to his children as he always demonstrated the importance of having humility while sharing whatever he could with others. His service to community was always on display to his children as he would always take the time to volunteer with community organizations, often bringing a child or two along to volunteer with him.

While he could be extremely serious when discussing matters as a member of the board of directors for the Kelowna Regatta in the 1980s or president of the Okanagan Sun in the 1990s, he was also renowned for his quick wit and sense of humour. It was not uncommon for him to have a quick response almost immediately after someone had finished making a comment.

A keen walker and animal lover, Snoopy, Abby and Charley were faithful companions on his long walks. He revelled in being outside, whether taking his family camping or just going for a stroll.

A devout puzzle solver, he would often complete the Globe and Mail’s cryptic crossword puzzle using a pen, rebuffing any suggestion of using a pencil. This skill would come in useful as he and his brother-in-law, George (Diana), would play Scrabble long into the night whenever they were together.

He often said that of all his achievements he was most proud of his wife and children. That love and pride extended to his many nieces and nephews, whom he was always bragging about as well. He was always happiest when surrounded by family.

Sadly, he began to experience the symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s while still in his 50s. Despite this, he maintained his sense of humour and love of family, always smiling and laughing with his grandchildren, Jack and Elliot. It was always with children that his sense of humour came out and shone.

When his walks took him farther and farther afield, even Charley wasn’t able to ensure he returned in a timely fashion. This forced his family to make the difficult decision to have him go into care.

Donald spent the last ten years of his life under the care of the wonderful staff at Czorny Alzheimer Care Centre in Cloverdale, BC. While he may not have been able to remember exactly who everyone was, he maintained his grace and sense of humour right up until the end.

It is with both sadness and relief that we announce the passing of Donald after a decades long fight with Alzheimer’s Disease

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Evelyn Clarke (McLaughlin) and Harold Clarke, father-in-law Frank Wheeler, mother-in-law Josephine Wheeler (nee Ezzy), sisters Cindy Wolff (nee Clarke), Donelda Annat (nee Meldrum), brother George Meldrum, sisters-in-law Diana Eberle (nee Wheeler), Elizabeth “Marty” Clarke (nee McLean) and Karen “Sam” Clarke (nee Gibb), brothers-in-law George Eberle and Lutz Wolff, nephews Mike Eberle and Teddy Meldrum as well as niece Kori-Lee Meldrum.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Clarke (nee Wheeler), sons David Clarke (Eileen), Stephen Clarke (Michaela) and Michael Clarke (Becca), daughter Christina Debruyn (Marin), grandsons Jack Debruyn, Elliot Debruyn and River Clarke, granddaughters Joey Clarke and Cameron Clarke, brother Leonard Clarke, sisters Penny Taylor, Debbie Clarke and Dee Clarke (Ted), brother-in-law Steven Wheeler (Carol), nephews Gavin Wolff (Meg), Tyson Wheeler, Rob Wheeler, Doug Meldrum, Adam Clarke, Eric Taylor and Michael Taylor, nieces Sherrie Yarrow (Mike), Lynn Graham, Lea Breen, Susan Adams, Tara Wolff, Danielle Wolff, Debbie-Lynn Taylor and Evelyn Taylor as well as countless grandnephews and grandnieces.

Donald Clarke passed away peacefully the night of March 2, 2025, with family present.

Visitation at Bell and Burnaby Funeral Chapel (4276 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, May 2nd. Parking is available in the rear.

Funeral service at St. John’s United Church (5085 Davis Bay Rd, Sechelt, BC) from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Saturday, May 3rd.

Interment at Seaview Cemetery (1706 Lower Rd, Roberts Creek, BC) at 1:30pm on Saturday, May 3rd.

Reception at Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 109 (747 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, BC) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday, May 3rd.