Condolences to the family. I only knew John a little bit a long time ago but he was the nicest fella imaginable. Sleep well, Johnny!

John the organist. Played a mean piano as well.

John the fearsome slaphot. Third from right in back row.

My sincere condolences to John's family. 
Sorry for the lateness of this message but I just learned of his death today. I was chatting with his and my long-time friend, Bryon Hurrle,  and Bryon expressed a concern that he could not contact John and was wondering if I had any suggestions. My last internet search sadly found John's obituary.  John, Bryon and I went to St Mary's College in Brockville in the early 60s. I remember John as a talented musician and great athlete.  As a goaltender I greatly feared John's slapshot and I admired his craftiness as a quarterback in touch football. I have uploaded a few pictures from the yearbooks from those days as well as one from our last reunion in 2003.  What a special time we had at the reunion and I can still feel his bear hugs.
You nailed it when you wrote "to know him was to love him."  My life has been richer because of Clarkie (didn't know him as Ace, though that is certainly appropriate).
Rest in peace, my friend. Till we meet again.
Burnie Thorp (Thorpie)

What a great  guy John was - always kind, always listening to what you had to say, always funny. We first met John at Tree Woodworking in the old Keith's Brewery and then at the Black Street house, home of the Black Street Aces. Then neighbours on Willow Street.  Jenna, thank you for stopping by when you had your dad out for a drive a couple of summers ago - it was so good to see him and talk to you both. What a great  guy. His smile and good heart will be fondly remembered.  Sincere condolences to his family, and friends.
The Migas family - Theo, Anna, Dade, Tassia. xoxo

We got to know John through soccer and working on the Mini Soccer Fest with him at Westmount field. He always had a smile on his face and was a great sport. We would like to pass along our sincere condolences to John’s family.
John, Sherry, Ansley and Valerie MacPherson

Condolences to your family Johny......thanks for helping my life and career,,,,,,where ever you are I,m sure it will be handled....

So saddened to hear of John's passing. Have only fond memories of him during our years at STFX. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

John loved and he was well loved . It’s what he did best . And he did it in so many ways . With his mannerisms, his smile and as a craftsman , with his hands. Ace was a Kind man who would take time to talk and listen to our children.  Whether it was in his home , a hockey rink or Ingonish, it always seemed he had time for you. 
There was no one , absolutely no one like John Ace Clark.
We loved him.
Jim, Ginette, Jamie , Claude Munson 

Erin, Kerry, Jenna, and Susan,

I'm sorry I cant be with everyone to celebrate John's life this afternoon The stories will be plentiful !

In the almost fifty years of our friendship Ace was unfailingly kind and generous, with plenty of time to catch up on all your news.

I was glad to learn that the past few years at Northwood were comfortable ones for this good man.

Ron MacIsaac

The Ace.  From playing Ball in Boston, Golf at Ingonish  to having you as my Left Winger with the Silver Aces and so much in between.  I could always count you for a smile of recognition.  If there is a special place beyond our Life on Earth I know you will have the key to the gate.  I can honestly say I never heard you speak a negative comment about anyone who always found something positive to say. Nice chatting with you this past X-mas.  Peace brother hope to see you upstairs.

Our thoughts are with all the family as we greave the loss of a wonderful individual. Met Ace as a early hockey player and called him my friend. From the days at Tree wood workers where he and the crew took in strays from the community and provided a positive life path to those who were lucky enough to grace their doors. Many years together at Ingonish and in the north end rink. Never a cross word and forever a helping hand. To know Aces hording abilities was to have the experience of moving him. On the move from Young Ave I broached the idea of tossing a broken bat. John picked it up and examined it from several angles with the deft precision of a surgeon. Upon final inspection his words to me were distinct - no - can’t throw that out - It’s a potential trophy. You can imagine what he had to say when the idea of throwing out the old sink came up, We moved to the  Valley in the early 80’s so the hockey went bye the wayside. However our yearly trips to Ingonish were monumental. His new white golf shoes were a treasured possession. B and Mike with Ace always had an open door and a chance to debate the latest course conditions. I have moved several times and maby of my possessions have gone bye the wayside. However I have kept the three hockey “Aces” jerseys. Whenever I see them they bring back so many fond memories. The north end rink, the sportsplex, the dances and now the memory of Ace - there was only one true Ace and he was Johnny Clark. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We can’t be there as we are traveling but believe our thoughts are with you. Bob/ Deb Thompson

Dear Susan:
Peter and I were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Mary Anne and Peter

We have many fond memories of John in the Willow St neighbourhood. He was truly a kind and caring man. We will remember his ever-present smile, resounding laugh, and generous heart.  Our family sends heartfelt condolences to Susan, Erin, Kerri, and Jenna.   

Erin, Kerri, Jenna & Susan,
Reading John’s obit brought a smile to our faces as we remembered John. Whenever you were out on the street John would say hello and often stop for a chat, telling a joke or a story.  John’s smile and laugh were infectious and made us smile and laugh along with him.  
John was a wonderful neighbor - always willing to lend a hand. Whenever a tool was required for a job if John didn’t have it he would say “hold on and I’ll get it for you” and proceed to another neighbors for it. 
One day while Hilda was hanging clothes on the line he came over to say he appreciated someone who knew how to “hang a line”. He was a man who liked a well hung clothes line. 
Our thoughts go out to you. 
Hilda Power & Jeff Scott, Willow Street gang members

The Aces of Aces
Most graceful individual 
A Blessing to know and be friends with
As he spoke about my home when he visited me , he said " very humble abode you have here Woolly , Humble Abode "
I never forgot that and nobody else i knew could ever talk with such grace , elegance , and finess as ACE .......

John was the definition of an Individual. Some random thoughts: The warm way he greeted you and spoke to only you, at that moment, you were his focus; playing hockey, he said to me one time"Just imagine that your eyes are in the blade of you stick; finding golf balls, well he never could explain that one but every time he went in the woods he came out with more than he went in.
I had the privilege of being with John as we were the last people to move out of Black Street. That stand up piano made it interesting, but with John's method there was not a jammed finger.
He will not die, he will live on in out minds and our hearts.

To my Dear Sweet nieces, Erin, Kerri and Jenna
 “Thank You for such a wonderful obituary of your Dad”.  Your thoughtfulness and sweetness are most certainly why he loved you so very much.  YOU are his greatest accomplishments and he was so very proud of you all.  The many lovely comments from friends and family really show how he treated everyone with such kindness and caring.  Your grandmother, Muriel, always thought he was a sweet man.  We remember “Uncle Johnny” with love and affection and cherish the memories we shared so very long ago. 
Rest in Peace and in the Beyond-Beyond Brother-in-law.

Auntie C and family

Long before I moved onto Willow Street my brother Bobb told me "The guy across the street is a great guy."  I think John helped Bobb shovel snow after a storm.  They immediately became good friends.  
Bobb was right about John.  After moving in directly across the street John and the Clarks became an extended family.  John helped with 'whatever' when ever he could.  He always had time and was always ready for a good chat.  Whether he talked about the latest sports event or how presssure treated wood was just a money grab, John always told a good tale.   
For John, the old Irish saying goes something like this;
May you always have a full line of clothes, may your garage always be neat and tidy, may there always be a chair close by for someone to sit and chat, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.   Take care my friend.

My deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and Friends


Dearest Clark Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of John. I will always remember him for the warmth he offered to everyone he met.  He was truly a beauty of a person and I know he’ll be sorely missed. 
Love Gina 

Dear Erin, Kerri, Jenna and Susan,

Deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a special man; as you are well aware. John stood tall in our neighbourhood with a ready smile and hand (and tool) to help. “What’s the manoeuvre “ was a common saying when he happened upon a Willow Street road hockey game or a neighbour out and about. John’s idiosyncrasies, unique laugh and big heart made our ‘hood so welcoming. 
John dearly loved his girls and grandkiddles; I  expect he will be keeping a proud watch over your “manoeuvres “ now. 

 



Jenna, Kerri and Erin,

Im so sorry for the loss of your dad,   We became great  friends and I will miss his  company and our chats .   He talked about you three girls all the time   He loved you and his grandsons.

See you next Saturday

Love Joann
XO

John Clark = Mr. Wonderful 

John was a man who carried a smile around in his pocket. A golden hello of friendship every time you saw him! His love of his family, friends and all humanity was wondering wonderful!

God let him build the biggest church doors in the city of Halifax Nova Scotia.  And.....I'm sure God will be waiting at Heaven's Gates with a giant smile on his face saying : "Glad to see you finally are going to join our team".

He was an Acer at heart and a sharer to all. Getting a big hug from John - made you glow inside.  A leader to all - but he really made everybody believe that everyone was the leader........      .....in every group he participated.         What a "WoWzer" of a man!

Erin, Kerri, Jenna, Susan

I am one of the more fortunate ones who has easily a thousand wonderful memories. Running into him on Barrington Street in 1973 put us on crossing paths that I am so thankful for. 
He created an 'Ace-ness' that elevated both our sports and our children's sports. You may not remember, but for a while he was my partner at delivering grocery cards for the St Vincent de Paul Society.
He had an amazing ability to treat people with dignity.
We continued to stay in touch and to gab in his 'Northwood era'  ..which were  great rambling discussions..as long as I did not call during  'Coronation Street'
John Mersereau


Johnny surrounded by kids on Willow street

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED ON WILLOW STREET BACK IN THE DAY, THE 80’s  & 90’s,  WERE A BLESSED CROWD INDEED —- AND JOHNNY-BE-GOOD CLARK WAS A CENTRAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THOSE HAPPY DAYS.  JOHN WAS A UNIQUE “INDIVIDUAL” WHO, IN HIS OWN VERNACULAR, SHARED HIS GOOD HUMOUR, HIS LIFE STORIES, AND HIS INFORMED PERSPECTIVE WITH ANYONE WHO HAD THE PLEASURE TO KNOW HIM.  AS NEIGHBOURS, WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES.
THANK YOU JOHN FOR THE ENDURING LEGACY YOU HAVE LEFT FOR US ALL —- PARTICULARLY IN THOSE THREE BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS WHO CONTINUE TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER, AND A NICER, PLACE FOR US ALL TO LIVE.

I was saddened to hear of John’s passing. I have many fond memories of times with John at “X” and during many hockey tournaments and “Dirty O’s. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. RIP Ace.

Erin and family,
Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember your Dad as always having a smile.  Cherish the good times you had together.  He will live on in your hearts.
My sincere condolences. Hugs

Christine Matheson

The best part of growing up as a kid of the  (Black Street) Aces was that you inherited so many amazing uncles. Of them all, Ace's heart was the biggest and the most unabashedly loving.  One of my most cherished photos was taken at my wedding where I am surrounded by these uncles, and there is Ace standing proud and radiating love. 

I am grateful for all of the phone calls, all of the visits, and all of the positivity over the years which he brought to my life and then extended to my children. I am sending this love back all the way from Australia to Halifax now. 

I think we have all learned to share our vulnerability a little more freely and love more deeply because of him. "Love you, too, darlin'". 





Susan and family,

It’s been many years since I last saw you or John, but I thought of you when ever I travelled down Willow St.

We had some fun times in our crazy younger days! Last Dance at the Jubilee Boat Club comes to mind.

I used to run into John from time to time but not in many years.

So sorry to learn of John’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and all the,family.

Johnny Clark made me feel more proud of anything when I was awarded "most sportsmanlike" in PeeWee hockey. He gave me my first guitar Amp. There was always love and positivity when John was around.
"Don't sweat the small stuff. And, it's ALL small stuff"

 John was a devout environmentalist who loved the farms, forests & lakes of his Hastings County, Ontario birthplace. He brought that love of nature and a respect for all humans wherever he went.  Ace was a keen sportsman & wonderful team player. He shared his infectious enthusiasm throughout Peterborough, Antigonish, St. John’s and Halifax where he touched so many with his kindness & love.  Blessings to Jenna, Erin, Kerry and their mother Susan. 

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a kind, gentle man. John was always so wonderful to my parents, Danny and Eve MacDonald over the years. He will be missed. 
Danette and Kevin MacRae 

Dear Erin, Kerri and Jenna 
Elaine and I send our condolences to you and Susan. We loved John as our Friend  for many years  and  then our good Neighbor  on Willow St. 
He was a real gentleman , one of a kind,  and always a positive outlook, We will miss him.

Thinking of you

Art Ormiston
 

Not only was John's laugh infectious his sense of fun was a joy to share. It feels like such a short time ago we were all hanging out in Antigonish sharing morning coffee and a laugh at the Coop. I know he was a good friend to many and I'm sure he was a wonderful husband, Dad and Grandad. 

to all of the family our condolences.      john and i were roomates at 'x' in 68/69.     we became best of friends  and  i realized that john had many 'best friends'!    i followed johns progress with woodworking and that perhaps helped me decide to do the same.    grand memories  and a 'for sure'....his daughters were his pride and joy.

johnny & i were friends  since i was 9 & he was 10-played on neils rink behind clark home on ford st -went to st mary,s in brockville together -left together-stayed in touch all the years in between -went to john,s wedding-had many visits when he returned to peterboro-he was one of a kind =from a very good athlete to a very good musician-we even took our bronze medallion together to get out of the seminary for a few hours-i,m sorry to have only met the girls once or twice but i know how much john adored you -rest in peace my dear friend

Johnny was the favourite with the kids on Willow Street and treated each one as the most special!  He created the most organized clotheslines every laundry day ...  an art form!   He rescued my mother’s precious diamond from the drain on the street!!  Cherished his family, loved  his friends   One of a kind unique sweet individual.  

Dear Erin, Kerri and Jenna - John and I send our deepest condolences to you all and to your mother. We have fond memories of John from our Willow Street days - always smiling. A good man. Take care. - Susan MacLeod and John Allen

I have many warm memories of John but my favourites are our phone chats before I handed the phone over to dad. He always took the time to check in with me, get to know me, and encourage me. It means a lot to us that Ace made the trip to attend our wedding. Hugs Erin, Kerri, Jenna and Susan 


They broke the mold. He was one of a kind.

Little did I know back at St. FX that his toothpick habit was due to his “love of wood”. It all makes sense now.

RIP Ace - 



“Dynamite” for sure.

My best to you Jenna!

Craig

Dear Jenna,
So sorry about the passing of your Dad whom you cherished so deeply.  I'm sure you get your chuckle and laughter from your dad. Keep his memories alive in the days to follow. 

Much love, 
Lillian Aladejebi 

To John’s family, 

I was very sad to hear of John’s passing. I met John at St. FX where we resided together at Mockler Hall, and the following year at Mahone’s Beach. I have many fond memories of these years with John. There was never a dull moment. Other memories revolve around visiting him in Peterborough and at his grandfather’s farm in Hastings. John was always the most unique individual! 

Sending our sincere condolences to the family at this time.
Dave (Sheldon) and Maria Cherevaty



Heaven just got better. 

Johnny “Ace” Clarke his name is synonymous with the word LOVE.
 
While he played hockey….he always got “it” 

The reason we were there was for the friendships. 
 
He was a real family man.

 He reminded me of Christopher Lloyd . While he was so wild and expressive and animated he was always so loving and fun. 

He had a wonderful ability to calm down any situation and bring people together for the common good. His solutions were always focused on getting us all back to the fun and the love. 

I’ll remember Ace  as one of the good guys.  A true gem that always looked at the best in everyone. 

Rest in peace Johnny “Ace” Clarke. 


Cheers, Craig 

I’m still playing with the Aces and to this day my hockey socks always match my hockey sweater.  I thank Johnny for that wisdom.  Let me explain.
 At a tournament back in the mid 80’s , I was playing with “Ace”  on his line and he looked at my Red socks . ( I was wearing a Blue Aces sweater) He said Craig for the next game change your socks to blue.  He went onto say that when he was in the corner digging out a puck , he didn’t always have  time to look up and see who to pass it to….. so wear the same socks as your sweater . 

Hi Jenna, I only met you Dad in passing so the great memory I share is you decorating the fence across from Northwood with all the Christmas lights.  He raised you to always think of what you could do to make things better for others. I am sure your efforts brought many smiles.
Thinking of you.
Lillian

Sincere condolences for the Clark family members from the Taiani /Coffey family.   Thinking of  you at this difficult time.
John, Marlene, Patrick and Martin.

OBITUARY

John Francis Clark

January 26, 1946 – January 26, 2023

JA Snow Funeral Home

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