Whitney Pier
We, the family, regretfully announce the passing of our father, Walter Lawrence Clarke, age 95.
Walter was a very proud Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. Dad passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Harbourview Hospital, Veterans Ward, Sydney Mines. Dad lost his wife and best friend of 74 years in March of 2019. The pain of his loss was unbearable and he died of a broken heart.
Born in Sydney on September 6, 1923, Walter was the son of Mae and William Clarke. He served in the Canadian Army ranking as Private Medic during World War II from February 1943 to March 1946. His service required travel to Britain, Italy, Holland, Germany, North West Europe and the Central Mediterranean.
Dad was decorated with many medals; 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France Star, Germany Star, Holland Star, War Medal Star 1939-1945, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
After returning from Overseas, Dad worked as a Nurse at the Point Edward Hospital for several years. He later worked at Sydney Steel Corporation and retired with 39 years of service.
Dad was a very kind, caring, and compassionate father who loved to be surrounded by family and friends. Dad loved special occasions, but the occasion he was most fond of was celebrating Remembrance Day with his two sons, Philip and Allan. He proudly placed many wreaths during Remembrance Day services for his fallen comrades.
Dad had a sense of pride when he spoke of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his younger years, Dad enjoyed bowling, darts, carpentry, gardening, and was a very active member of his beloved Branch 128 Legion in Whitney Pier, where he recently received a special award for being the longest surviving Veteran.
Dad will be forever missed by his sons, Philip (Krista), Allan (Eileen) and daughter, Diane. He was blessed with 8 beautiful grandchildren, Jason, Jared, Amanda, Troy, Brittany, Brent, Joshua, Jonah and great-grandchildren, Aria, Clarke, and Calissa.
Dad was predeceased by his wife, Mary Clarke; oldest daughter, Lydia and special son-in-law, Shane Befurt. He was also predeceased by several brothers, Cecil, Harold, Wilson, William, Douglas and his sister, Hilda Boutlier.
Dad is survived by his brother, Fred (Pearl) and sisters, Gladys Carew, Dorothy Mugridge, Rita Morrison (Ron).
Dad will be missed by special friends, Dawn Young (Dan), Herb and Catherine Lewis. Dad was predeceased by two special war friends, Larry Gibson and Ed Champion.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. A private family service has been held.
Special thanks to the staff of Harbourview Veterans Ward for their care and compassion for our father. As well, we would like to express our appreciation to Branch 128 Legion during of time of sorrow.
He’s your very own guardian angel, and he’ll be with you to the end, when you meet in heaven again, and your broken heart will mend.
Online Condolences
Sincere sympathy on the passing of your loved one. Treasure your great memories close to your heart.
From: Ed & Doreen Tynski
Phillip, Allan, Diane and Families,
I was saddened to read of your dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
From: Chuck Drohan