Clair Gartley 1954 – 2021
After a battle with cancer, Clair Gartley of Waterloo, Ontario passed away on March 15, 2021.
Clair is survived by his loving, supportive wife, Movita (Bradley), her son Brad Wiffen and his wife Brynn Kennedy, and grandchildren Aubrey, Emmeline, and Malcolm whom he adored. Clair is also survived by Movita’s daughter, Meghan, who holds a special place in his heart.
Clair was predeceased by his father Weldon. He is survived by his mother Joyce, sister Cathy, and brother Steven, along with three nieces, one nephew and two grandnieces.
Although life was much shorter than planned, Clair always felt gratitude and pride in his 37 years as a public servant. He began his career with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) for over five years, driving growth and innovation in the sector. He then moved to Ottawa, where he led the development of new programs aimed at sector renewal, environment sustainability, biofuels, farm food safety, research, and innovation. Subsequently, as a federal ADM, he moved to southern Ontario to help the region recover from the 2009 recession by building a suite of very successful regional initiatives. These initiatives aimed to connect businesses with post-secondary institutions, encourage new technology businesses to grow, and create jobs in the region.
In 2014, Clair retired and joined the Craigowan Golf Club, where he tried to perfect his game and is thankful that he stopped most work at that time to enjoy his golf friends and being “out of office”.
Clair had many friends in his home province of New Brunswick, Ottawa, and the Waterloo area. He wants to recognize their wonderful support over the past months. He would also like to thank his many leaders, colleagues and staff, and especially his assistants over the years who provided him wonderful support.
A private memorial service will be held at the Henry Walser Funeral Home (519) 749-8467. Extended family and friends may view Clair’s service on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 3 p.m. via the following livestream link:
www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com to view Clair’s memorial.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clair Howard Gartley Monday March 15th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Kitchener, Province: Ontario