Dr. Clarke Walker Thomson

Clarke left us peacefully Saturday, November 23, 2024, in his 98th year. How fortunate we were to have had this remarkable man in our lives. Clarke leaves behind his beloved wife Phyllis, his devoted children Garth (Jayne) and Marty (Cliff) as well as his loved stepdaughters Anne (the late Bruce), Lorraine (Wayne) and the late Patricia (James). His grandchildren Danielle, David, Elyse, Eric, Jason, Kaitlin, Laura, Meganne, Nathan, Pierce and Shelley, along with their partners, treasured the time and adventures they had with him, and he cherished each one of his twelve great-grandchildren.

He often commented on what a wonderful life he had. Born in North Bay on July 28, 1927, to parents Margaret and Kenneth, he attended high school there and then went on to graduate from McMaster University, followed by his Masters at the University of Colorado and his PhD from the University of Minnesota. He spent most of his teaching career in the Geography Dept. at Brock University, beginning when it was a fledgling university and retiring from there 35 years and hundreds of students later. His life was teaching, and he loved everything about it and was always eager to start another day with his students. He was Brock University’s first recipient of a national 3M Teaching Award in1989 and Brock recognized his encouragement of the development and recognition of university teaching with the annual awarding of the Clarke Thomson Award for Excellence in Sessional Teaching.

Among his fondest memories was the bicycle trip he took with his son across the United States, accompanied by cyclists from all over the world. He loved camping, fishing and spending time in the outdoors. Clarke was a veteran of the Canadian Armed forces and a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Dragoons. In his retirement he researched the area with the most consistent climate in Florida and he and his wife Phyllis headed there each winter. Many happy times were had in the south, especially when Clarke discovered they were forming a banjo group. He had learned how to play the banjo as a retirement project, and he happily joined the “Sunshine Strummers” and back home became part of the “Buffalo Banjo Band.” To entertain the grandkids, he would often play the banjo and his harmonica at the same time, much to their delight! Not content with just playing, he authored an instructional book for new banjo players which needed reprinting several times.

There are no words that will convey the immeasurable loss we feel, knowing that he will no longer be in our lives. Rest in peace dear Clarke, we will love you and remember you for as long as we live. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarke’s memory to a charity of one’s choice. The family will receive visitors at the HULSE AND ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines on Sunday December 1, 2024, from 2:00pm- 4:00pm.