Donald William Clarke

It is with sad hearts to announce the passing of Donald William Clarke on Monday, December 11, 2023. He was 91 years old, born on Oct 2,1932 in Vancouver, BC.

Don will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 53 years, Liz, daughter Nancy Wilson (Ray); son-in-law Rick Cameron San Diego. grandsons: Nick Rizopolous, Nevada, Klarc Wilson, Vancouver, Koletrane Wilson, Edmonton, and Chandler Cameron, San Diego. Siblings: Marilyn Clarke Vancouver, and Kathy (Bill) Trulsen, Kamloops plus many cousins, nephews, nieces, extended families and friends. Don was predeceased by his father Walter Clarke, his mother Florence Simmonds and daughter Karen Lee Cameron.

Don loved his family, community and sports, especially when his grandsons were born and spent precious time and joy with them. As a young adult, Don was very athletic and excelled at basketball, and baseball.  His joy was spent supporting, attending games and tournaments of his 4 grandsons who also excelled in their sports: football, hockey and baseball. He was so proud of them.

His colorful career and marketing skills provided opportunities to benefit his companies, family and community. Moved to Edmonton and joined the Edmonton Police Force as constable for 7 years, then was lured by Carling O'keefe as a travelling salesman. In 1973, he was hired to be Manager of Edmonton Exhibition and when the Edmonton Coliseum was built became its first Marketing Manager. Then 7 years later he joined Horne and Pitfield as advertising and marketing manager for IGA, and Red Rooster stores in Alberta and BC. His other job was Incentive Travel director and arranged travel destinations to host the retailers at beautiful destinations around the world each year and did this for 10 years.

During this time period, he was asked to run for politics and campaigned 3 times, twice for MLA when Don Getty was Premier, then again when Ralph Klien was Premier for the Alberta government and once for city councillor and lost by 33 votes to Stephen Mandell.

A huge heart and a commanding presence, Don would walk into a room, not knowing a soul and by the time he left, everyone was a friend. His big heart also could not say "no" to any one or organizations, charities that needed help and more than not, he initiated many events and projects that benefitted his community. He was dubbed Extraordinary Volunteer and rewarded as a member of the ORDER OF CANADA for 40 years of volunteer service in Edmonton, and across Canada.

In his spare time, he made wine and watched his "Blue Jays"

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the

Chateau Louis Conference Centre, 11420 117 Street, in the Grand Ballroom. The family will be there to welcome you at 1:00 pm.