Peacefully at Tansley Woods Long Term Care in Burlington on December 26, 2021.
Predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years Norma. Much loved father of Carolyn (Roman), Jim (Diane), Janet (Brad) and Stephen (Susan). Proud and cherished Grandad to Emily, Alexandra, Stefanie, Courtney, Jamie, Sarah, Natalie, Grace, Sean and Melissa.
The last surviving Clarke boy to brothers Alfred, Peter and Phillip, and a much-loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Frank was born in Dartmouth NS, September 10th, 1933, and moved several times during his childhood as his father was a shipbuilder in the Navy. He spent years in Collingwood and Kingston before settling back to his maritime roots in Moncton, New Brunswick. It was there that he met the love of his life, Norma, and they raised a family in Riverview (Gunningsville) NB, where Frank made many lifelong friends and served the community as Mayor.
Frank joined Massey Ferguson farm machinery in 1950 and stayed with the company for 43 years working his way up from the mail room to National Sales Manager, Canada. His fierce loyalty and charismatic charm earned him many friends and accolades along the way. His career brought his family to Toronto, then Des Moines, Iowa, and back to Toronto where they settled in Burlington.
Frank took early retirement in 1993 and unable to sit still, joined his son, Jim, as a founding member of Ardent Automotive in Burlington. Again, Frank’s dedication and attention to customer service brought many of his friends and their cars to the business. Frank stayed on at Ardent (getting paid with an annual bottle of Glenfiddich) for 20 years until declining health forced him to retire.
Frank’s strong Catholic faith and moral compass guided him throughout his life. He was a parishioner of St. Raphael’s Church for over 40 years and involved in many of its social and charitable organizations where he met and developed strong friendships. He will be missed by the Scripture and Euchre club members.
Frank had a wonderful sense of humour and a generous heart. He and Norma supported many charitable organizations. Frank was quick to help anyone in need.
Frank had a strong sense of community. He belonged to the Burlington Curling Club and was proud to support it with an annual Ardent Automotive Bonspiel. He will be missed by the men in the Poker and Investment clubs as well as Probus (where he served as president). Frank loved to socialize and entertain. Many friends and neighbours enjoyed parties and BBQs on the back deck. And, no evening was complete without a game of “Pass the Ace”.
A life well lived; he will be missed by all he met along the way. We know he is at peace with Mom (Norma) and watching over us.
We would like to thank the staff at Tansley Woods for their exceptional care.
A private family memorial service will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home on Guelph Line in Burlington on Friday, Dec 31, 2021, interment to follow. For those wishing, a donation to the Good Shepherd’s Centre of Hamilton would be appreciated: Good Shepherd Centres a charity Frank and Norma actively supported.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frank Chivers Clarke Sunday December 26th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario