Whitney Pier
It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bernard ‘Wayne’ Clarke at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 81 years.
Born and raised in Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia, Wayne was the beloved son of Jenny, a gifted homemaker, and Archie, a hardworking steelworker and fisherman. Alongside his sisters Karen and Janet, Wayne learned early the values of resilience, humility, and community—qualities he carried with him throughout his life.
After attending high school at Monastery and graduating from Teachers College with a focus in physical education, Wayne dedicated his life to teaching, coaching, and lifting others up. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the community, he had an unwavering belief in the potential of people working together toward a common goal. He inspired countless students and peers not only to strive for excellence but to treat others with fairness and compassion.
Wayne and his wife, Betty (Mary Elizabeth) shared a remarkable life of partnership and purpose. Together, they raised their family in Sydney and were tireless advocates for the vulnerable—supporting charitable causes to help those who were homeless, struggling with addiction, or simply in need of kindness. Their faith and values guided them in all things, including their active involvement in their church and local politics, always championing dignity and social responsibility.
A gifted craftsman, Wayne found joy in woodworking and design, creating beautiful furniture and diving enthusiastically into home renovations—not just his own, but often for friends and family alike. He was never far from a project or a toolbox, and his quiet ingenuity turned houses into homes.
With his wife Betty, Wayne shared a deep love of Irish and Scottish culture, regularly attending dances throughout the Cape Breton Highlands, and bringing music, movement, and merriment wherever they went. From his early days acting and singing as a boy, to hosting spirited family gatherings and planting flowers in the garden, Wayne approached life with celebration and care.
Wayne was a man of extraordinary patience, warmth, and curiosity. He listened deeply, advised gently, and encouraged generously. If you had an idea, Wayne was the best person to tell it to—he would help you see its shape, guide it forward, and cheer you on. He was diplomatic, understanding, and intrepid in equal measure. He had a quiet and delightful wit; he told terrible jokes with a sly smile and shared limericks and parables like they were gospel truths. He lived by the principle that people should do their best to learn how to help themselves and others.
Wayne was predeceased by his cherished wife, Mary Elizabeth ‘Betty’; parents, Genevieve and Archibald Clarke; sister, Karen (Steve) Campbell, and in-laws, Danny and Mary ‘Babe’ MacDonald.
Wayne is survived by his loving sister, Janet Clarke (Porter); his two sons, Chadwick Michael Clarke, and James Daniel Clarke, and sisters-in-law, Francis Curtis, and Margaret Wojcik, all of whom carry forward his legacy of kindness, creativity, and strength.
Memorial service to celebrate the life of Wayne Clarke will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 3 p.m. with Fr. Albert Maroun officiating. Following the service a reception will be held in the funeral home.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.
Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the Kidney Foundation or Loaves and Fishes.
This summer, Wayne’s and Betty’s ashes will be interred together in Mabou, a resting place of profound beauty & peace – where rolling hills meet the sea, and where music, stories, and laughter endure.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
He will be missed. He will be remembered. He will be loved—always.
Online Condolences
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Chad and Jamie very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing, he was a good friend, my deepest condolence.
Family of Wayne-So very sorry for your loss. Wayne was a very nice man
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Chad, Jamie and Family,
Sending thoughts of peace and courage your way. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I hope you all feel surrounded by love and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, our condolences to you all, always remember the memories 💔
Chad and Family: Sending sincerest condolences on the passing of your father/brother. We had the pleasure of knowing Wayne and he truly was a good man and will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May you take comfort that he is back in the arms of his best friend and the love of his life, they are probably dancing up a storm. May memories help to bring comfort and peace during this most difficult time.
So sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing
As a fellow TC er. We could not have survived without Wayne and Richard’s humour and antics
May they meet again and lift the spirits up on high
Janet and family, so sorry for the loss of Wayne! He was a true gentleman. May he RIP 🙏❤️
Janet…..May our Almighty Father grant you His Peace and Comfort now and during these difficult days ahead. Brothers are special and it is so hard to say Farewell. Carry on with your nephews who love you dearly. My Sincerest Sympathy. Anna (Campbell) Eddy
Dear Janet, Jamie and Chad, we are very sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. Although I had not seen him in many, many years, I was thrilled to see him at a get together in 2023.
He will be missed by many and hopefully all the good memories you have shared with him will bring all of you comfort as you go forward.
Rose Marie (Gautier) Stewart
Lyons Brook, NS
Dear Jamie and Chad,
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man inside and out.
He was kind, funny and talented.. and calm.
He was a true family man who loved Betty and you both dearly. Big hugs ❤️
It is hard to hear of the loss of Wayne. He was a great guy and a loved member of our T.C. Phys . Ed class of “69.
It was always fun to reconnect with Wayne and Betty at our regular reunions where we added more wonderful memories together to cherish.
My deepest condolences to Wayne’s family. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Wayne taught us phys. Ed when I was in grade 8 at Don Bosco. I remember a warm, dedicated, committed teacher vividly.
May his memory be a blessing.
Tony Magliaro, Grade 8i (Don Bosco)
Dear Jamie and Chad,
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person, inside and out. I’ll never forget his kindness, humour and calmness. What a sweet man, so smart and talented. He sure did love Betty and you both. Big hugs. ❤️
So sorry to hear about Wayne. I grew up with Wayne in the Pier, went to Holy Redeemer school, etc. Wayne then went on wth his Career at the holy Redeemer Centre. Wonderful friend.
So saddened to learn of Wayne’s passing. Over the years we have had many fun times together and throughout this past year had many telephone conversations. We experienced Wayne’s ability to listen deeply and advise gently. He was such a caring person. He was so proud of his boys. RIP our friend. Dave and Chal
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s death. I met Wayne and Betty from going to square dances and would often meet them when they would be in Mabou or Brook Village attending an event. Sending my condolences to the family, they were such a lovely couple. RIP Wayne
James and Chad. Big live and many hugs to you
Janet and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. I remember Wayne from the early days as neighbours on Mercer and Manse Streets in the Pier. Although he was a bit older than us, Wayne always took time to talk and help out. In later years, our paths would cross in education and sports circles and he would have time time for a chat. A good guy!
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Dear Family
I met Wayne when I was chaplain at UCCB. We developed a fine relationship which endured throughout. Always nice to see Wayne and to share experiences. I am saddened by his death and send sympathies and condolences, care and concern. Be assured of my prayer for peace at this sad time.
God bless you.
Fr. Bedford Doucette
I had the good fortune to know Wayne as a coach while I studied and played volleyball at UCCB. He always had an encouraging word and solid advice for me and others to help improve our game and to better ourselves; especially for our team and our community. I personally benefited from his patience and thoughtfulness.
Wayne enthused fitness and love of life always with a warm smile. I’m grateful for having known Wayne.
My condolences to his family and friends. Keeping Wayne in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Terry Crawley Jr.
Halifax