It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lawrence Clark (Laurie) age 94 years, on Sunday, August 27, 2023, in St. Joseph’s Hospice with family by his side. Dad has been reunited with his wife Arlene whom he had missed everyday since her passing.
An only child, Lawrence was born on April 28, 1929, in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Camden and Rita Clark. Lawrence graduated from Gordon Bell high school in Winnipeg in 1949. From there he gained employment with Canada Packers and was transferred to Fort William, Ontario. It was here that he met and married Arlene Selkirk and together raised their 3 children on Donald Street West. After 4 years he then spent 9 years with Husky Oil and subsequently was employed by the federal government as a Customs Inspector at Pigeon River until he retired in 1991.
Dad was a long-term member of the Elks Lodge 82. He served as Exalted Ruler, District Deputy and sat on many committees. He was also chairman for the Elks Children’s Trust for many years helping many families to access special needs for their children. Thru the Elks mom and dad both gained many lifelong friendships. They travelled for district meetings and conventions throughout Canada. He also enjoyed his holidays to Florida and Las Vegas with mom and friends. And there were many family holidays to visit his parents and extended family in Winnipeg.
Dad was a big fan of sports namely the Toronto Blue Jays, Winnipeg Jets and especially the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He also enjoyed watching curling, golf and The Price Is Right. In his younger years Dad enjoyed golfing, playing cards, cross country skiing, horseshoes, bowling and dances. He was a kind soul who played no favorites and was always willing to listen. He loved his family and friends dearly. Dad took great pride watching his grandchildren grow up and was proud of all their accomplishments. In his final years he loved his little dog Molly and enjoyed her companionship. He will be remembered for his sense of humour with a touch of sarcasm and his love of food especially sweets.
Lawrence is survived by his daughter Susan (Daniel) Chepil; son, Perry (late Frances Dubois); granddaughter Emily Chepil; grandsons Michael and Ian (Allison) Clark; great grandson Mason Clark; nephew Bobby Duncan and family and special cousin Hazel Eccleston. Predeceased by wife Arlene (2008); son Patrick; parents Camden and Rita; daughter in law Frances; mother-in-law Pearl Selkirk; brother and sister-in-law Ken and Pat Duncan; brother-in-law James Selkirk; nephews Billy and Brian Duncan.
Special thanks and gratitude to the staff of St Joseph’s Hospital 4north and TBRHS whom all treated dad with the utmost dignity and respect.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Thursday September 7, 2023, at 11 am in Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 South May Street with Rev. Adelina Pecchia presiding. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time. Following the service there will be a time of fellowship and reception. Internment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers if desired donations made be made in Lawrence’s memory to the St. Joseph’s Hospice Palliative Care Association or Thunder Bay Humane Society.
He will always be loved and forever missed.
