Death Notices

CLARKE, Edward James – we are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father & grandfather who passed away at the Cedarwood Village Nursing Home, Simcoe on Monday, October 17th, 2022 in his 87th year.  Beloved husband of Edna “Newt” Clarke (nee Coulter) of Simcoe.  Loving father & grandfather of Sandra Clarke of Ottawa, her son Calvin; Susan Reynolds (Doug Ruffolo) of Wasaga Beach, sons Joshua & Daniel;  Robert Clarke (Gina) of Calgary, children Jasmine & Darnell;  and Krista Clarke (Blaine Lamothe) of Stoney Creek.  Ed will be lovingly remembered by Edna’s children, Edward Nelson of Fort Myers, Florida, son Patrick;  Fred Nelson of Colorado, his children Nicholas, Jacob, Jessica & Lauren; and the late Ted Nelson (1995).  The 2nd oldest of 13 children of our beloved Clarke family.  Dad will be sadly missed by his sisters Carol Davidson (Henry), Betty-Anne Thorne, Gail Carr, Debbie Heary (Basil), Susie Clarke and by brothers David & Wayne Clarke (Heather), brother-in-law Bob Dyer, sister-in-law Bonnie Meeker and a large contingent of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews all of whom he cherished dearly.  His family was extremely important to him!  Predeceased by his parents Gladys & Harry Clarke and by siblings Joan Dyer, Ruth McRae, Barbara Hobson, Murray Clarke & Raymond Clarke and recently nephew Dean Dyer and special cousin Bruce Jones.  Ed was also predeceased by his dear brothers-in-law Bill Carr, Ron McRae, Clive Hobson and Dennis Racicot.  Dad is also survived by Phyllis and her husband Bill Strong, who have been great friends and provided wonderful extended family support to Ed and Edna!  We have been so fortunate to have a strong family unit. Dad’s first real job, besides helping in the family paint business, was at Texaco refinery in Port Credit.  Shortly after he was recruited to join Irving Oil with their new refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick.  Returning to Ontario in 1975, Dad joined his brother Murray in the painting business for a short time before doing a stint at the Fort McMurray Tar Sands as a trainer.  He returned to Ontario to work at the Texaco/Imperial Oil Refinery in Nanticoke, relocating briefly to Delhi and then Simcoe, Ontario.  A trip to British Virgin Islands to visit his sister Barb provided Dad a chance encounter with the beautiful Edna Nelson and they have been inseparable since marrying shortly after they met in 1984.  At the young age of 52, Ed and Edna (lovingly known as Two Ed’s) travelled to Costa Rica for a vacation, where Dad picked up a virus that wracked his body for several months leaving him on life support.  Not expected to live, he did the exact opposite and survived albeit with a nasty set of permanently damaged lungs that he has suffered with since, forcing him to end his career.  Despite all his health issues, Dad lived a wonderful life with Edna travelling extensively and wintering in Florida for several years giving he and Edna a chance to catch up with the US family, and for Dad to golf – the game he loved!  The big house in Simcoe was home to wonderful family gatherings as well as the annual Clarke Family Golf Tournament and was always a welcome place to visit for many.  Our wonderful memories are endless and will be cherished forever!  After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Ed and Edna decided to relocate to the Mill Pond Condo in Simcoe where they have remained.  Despite his ongoing health challenges Dad persevered always with a smile on his face, and Edna loved and cared for Dad unconditionally as she always has.  No one could have loved him more.  Recently admitted to Cedarwood Long Term Care Centre in Simcoe, Ontario, Dad quickly became loved by the staff.  We certainly appreciated their wonderful care and concern for Dad.  Arrangements are under the care of the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St. North Simcoe.  As per Dad’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service.  A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, November 5th, 2022 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Solstice Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1801 Lakeshore Rd. West in Clarkson, ON to celebrate a life well lived and a man much loved!  Those wishing to donate in memory of Ed are asked to consider a charity of one’s choice.  Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199