Art Clare Obituary
CLARE, Colonel (Ret.) Richard Gerald Arthur "Art"
After an extended illness, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, just before his 84th birthday. Loving father of Richard (Cecilia Quiroga), Shaun (Anne Vaillancourt), Sally (Christopher Duffy), and to his honourary daughters Connie Abbott and Merril Bawden. Much loved "Grumps" to his seven grandchildren, Bethany, Kelsey, Ryan, Anthony, Gregory, Maia and Jack. Great-grandfather to Aveline and Felix. Will be deeply missed by his extended family and friends around the world. Devoted member of the Knox United Church. Predeceased by his wife Nancy (nee Fraser) and his brother Gerry (Nanette). Special companion of Joan Feltham for many wonderful years.
Art was born in 1933 in Needles, British Columbia, on his parents' farm. He expressed an early interest in military service and enrolled as an Officer Cadet in the Canadian Forces in 1948. He graduated from the Royal Military College in 1957. Art served all around Canada and in Europe as an Officer of NATO in the 1960's and 1970's and attained the rank of Colonel in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in 1972. He retired from active service in 1985 and undertook a second career with the Department of National Defence, as Director General, Defence Program. He was appointed Chief of Program in January, 1990.
He retired from the Government in 1991 and, along with his loyal crew Nancy, adopted a life afloat, navigating the lakes, rivers and canal systems of Ontario, Quebec, New York State and Vermont in their beloved Cocoon, a 38 foot River Queen house cruiser. When not on Cocoon, Art travelled the world, often by cruise ship. An avid member of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, Art became Commander of the Britannia-Rideau Squadron in 2013. He had the kind of retirement that we all dream of.
Those wishing, may make a memorial donation in Art's name to Friends of the Rideau (www.rideaufriends.com) or Knox United Church (www.knoxnepean.ca).
Friends are welcome to attend a service at Knox United Church, 25 Gibbard Avenue, Nepean, on Friday, May 19, at 11:00am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 Entries
Lynne Vail
June 3, 2017
Shaun + Anne,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Art. I only had the privilege of meeting him when he passed the helm of Cocoon to Patty and Scott. His love for Cocoon was obvious from the get-go as was his obvious respect for the two of you. Patty just told me about your loss they fittingly learnt of last evening while on the Rideau on Cocoon. I do hope that his memory provides you with some comfort during your time of sorrow.
Art Nancy Jane and me, Halloween1975
Tony Downs
May 17, 2017
Art was a cool, calm, intelligent leader. i worked for him for two years in Maritime Command Headquarters. He was an understanding and competent boss. Jane and I enjoyed an active social life with he and Nancy.
I watched his follow on career in DND as Chief of Program. The Defence Program ran smoothly under his leadership. While I have had little contact with him recently, except at the odd RMC reunion, I will miss him "not being there" anymore. My sincere condolences to his family.
Beverley Southerland
May 15, 2017
My deepest sympathy to you, Richard, Shaun and Sally. Your father has been a dear friend since your Mom and I arrived in Vancouver in 1958. We had many wonderful times together through the years, at our wedding, in Germany and most recently on Vancouver Is.
Ian and Heather Macdonald
May 15, 2017
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Ian and Heather Macdonald
May 15, 2017
Ian and Heather Macdonald
May 15, 2017
Canadian Military Engineers Association
May 13, 2017
The Canadian Military Engineers extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies in your time of sorrow.
Brigadier-General Steve M. Irwin, CD (Retired)
Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Military Engineers
https://cmea-agmc.ca/cme-family-last-post
May 13, 2017
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Art will be missed by his many friends in CPS-ECP.
Cathie Johnstone
National Executive Officer
Wayne
May 13, 2017
Thank you for your dedicated service to our country. R.I.P
May 13, 2017
We are sorry for your loss. Art will be missed by his many friends in CPS-ECP.
Cathie Johnstone, National Executive Officer
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