Douglas R. Clark

With sadness we announce the death on August 30th, 2014, of Douglas R. Clark, 89, at Lakeridge Oshawa after a short illness. Doug was the son of the late Harry and Hazel Clark (née Hewson) of Oshawa. He was predeceased by his loving wife Ruth Ellen (née McLean, 2012), his sweetheart and dance partner of 61 years, and his brother Raymond (2004).

He is sadly missed and remembered with love by his daughter Jane, of Toronto, and his sisters, Helen (and husband Jerry Colleran), and Joan (the late Les Maddock), and Ray’s wife, Betty, as well as by his nieces and nephews and their families. Doug’s mischievous grin and fearless spirit will be particularly missed by his faithful lifelong friends Bruce and Ron, as well as the rest of “the gang” with whom he shared his many adventures.

Doug joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944 and served out of Halifax till 1946. He worked at GMC for 27 years, retiring as a Senior Buyer in the Purchasing Department. Doug loved cars, boats, and anything mechanical, and could often be found tinkering on his latest project in his workshop.

Doug was a former Warden at Christ Memorial Church and a lifetime member of the Oshawa Ski Club and Lebanon Lodge, as well as an enthusiastic volunteer with many local organizations, including Toastmasters, the Ski Patrol, and Junior Achievement.

An ardent sportsman, Doug enjoyed boating, golfing, fishing, hunting, and particularly skiing, which he learned climbing the hills at Raglan in his early teens with some of the founders of the Oshawa Ski Club. After his service in the Navy he renewed this passion, serving as President of the Club in 1955–56. He and his pipe continued to yodel their way down slopes in Canada, the U.S., and Europe for another 40 years.

Warm thanks to the staff of OSCC John St. and Northview branches, Centennial Retirement, OC6, and all the home-care professionals who helped to enrich the last few years, and most especially to our dear Angela. A memorial service to celebrate Doug’s life will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Monday, September 22nd, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., preceded by visitation at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (www.natureconservancy.ca/en/), Sunrise Youth Group (www.sunriseyouthgroup.ca/fundraisers), the Canadian Lung Association (www.lung.ca/donate-don/online-enligne/index_e.php), or the charity of your choice.

Please share your photos and stories about Doug, as well as any on-line condolences, at www.oshawafuneralhome.com.