Obituary of Norman Howard Clarke

Norman Howard Clarke passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024, at Parkwood Hospital in London, Ontario, with family at his side. Norm was in his 97th year. Son of the late Howard and Mildred (Gillies) Clarke. Beloved husband to Heather (Stewart) Clarke, and loving father of Judy, Neil and Nancy (David). Predeceased by daughter Gayle (Dayna, nee David). Proud grandfather of Bronwyn, Steve, Ella and Stefan, and great-grandfather of Kealan and Jonathan. Predeceased by brothers Bill and Don, as well as sisters Eleanor and Marlene. He was a favourite uncle to many. Norm grew up in and around The Junction in the west end of Toronto, where he learned to love the Argonauts and the Maple Leafs. He was both industrious and adventurous from an early age, taking jobs as a delivery boy for local drug stores and exploring the city on his bicycle. After two tours in the Canadian Naval Reserve, Norm embarked on a career in design and typesetting in Toronto where he met Heather, his wife of 72 years. They relocated to Oshawa, Ontario, in 1967, where they made their home for 17 years. When the typesetting era drew to a close, Norm and Heather relocated to Port Sydney, Ontario, where they bought and ran the General Store. Norm was active in the community, especially at Knox United Church, where he was treasurer for many years. Norm and Heather eventually left Muskoka for London, Ontario, to be closer to family, but Norm’s Port Sydney friends always held a very special place in his heart. Though reserved, Norm had many passions. Like his brother Don, Norm had an abiding love of jazz and big band music, with Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald among his favourites. He also loved to read, taking a particular interest in local and Canadian history. A natural conversationalist, Norm could discuss subjects ranging from politics and history to music and sports. He fondly recalled the details of his childhood in pre-war Toronto, and could always be counted on for an amusing story relating to the General Store and the people he came to know over the years. Norm deeply loved his country, and took every opportunity to explore it by car, bus, train - even on foot and by canoe. In their retirement, Heather and Norm took the train across Canada through the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver, visited Moosonee in northern Ontario, and took countless bus excursions to explore the Muskoka region. Norm developed a special connection to Port Sydney and Muskoka with its abundant wildlife and natural beauty, especially in the winter. Perhaps his greatest joy, however, came from travelling to Newfoundland, where he was overwhelmed by the kindness of the people and the beauty of the landscape. Norm will be remembered for his quiet manner, easy laugh and great sense of humour, but mostly for his gentle kindness. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Port Sydney, Ontario. A special thanks to the staff at the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood for their care and support. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca or the Parkwood Institute www.sjhc.london.on.ca would be appreciated by the family.