Roderick Samuel Dunfield Clarke

RODERICK DUNFIELD CLARKE April 17, 1933 - November 4, 2025
We are very sorry to announce the passing of our father, Roderick Samuel Dunfield Clarke. Predeceased by his wife Diane, parents Vincent and Helen, brothers Aubrey (Mickey) of Montreal, Donald of Almonte, sisters Joann (Stuart) of Quebec City, Rosamond (Harold) of Ottawa. Dad is lovingly remembered by his daughter Keltie (Stuart) and sons Fraser and Braymer and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Dad attended Quebec City High School where he was a scholar and an athlete in the 1953 Inter Scholastic Track Meet involving 30 schools. Dad won the 100, 220 and 440 yard dashes and anchored the 4x100 yard dash to 1st place. He was named Quebec City's Athlete of the Year. His 100 yard dash was never broken.

Dad then enrolled at College Militaire Royal in St. Jean to become a pilot (his lifelong dream). But to his regret, he could not pass the eye exam due to slight colour blindness.

Dad then enrolled at the University of New Brunswick where he put his athletic ability as quarterback for the university football team. There he met a doctor's daughter who became the love of his life. He and Diane remained together for 56 years until her much lamented passing. While enrolled in Forestry, he obtained a B.A. in Economics and Politics and then entered law school at UNB where he obtained a Bachelor of Civil Law. During the summer he worked as a law student for Charles Hughes Q.C. who later became Chief Justice of New Brunswick. After being called to The Bar, mom and dad moved to Toronto where dad joined the firm of Hollingworth and Stanbury. When Mr. Hollingworth was appointed a judge and Mr. Stanbury to the senate, the firm dissolved and mom and dad moved to Port Arthur. Dad practised law with Gavin Young Q.C. acting as a prosecutor for the Federal Department of Justice, as defence council in criminal matters, and as an advocate in numerous civil litigation cases.

Dad was very active in the community, serving on several boards and committees as president of the Port Arthur Liberal Party. He co-chaired the election committee when Robert Andras was elected to The House of Commons in 1965 and chaired the campaign committee when Ronald Knight was elected to The Provincial Legislature in 1970.

Dad was appointed as a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice on June 17, 1974, where he presided on a fulltime basis for the next 34 years until mandatory retirement in 2008 at age 75. He was active in judicial affairs and served at various times as chair of most standing committees and many Adhoc committees of the Ontario Judges Association. He was elected president of The Ontario Judges Association in 1984. He was appointed to the Ontario Judicial Council responsible for adjudicating complaints against judges of the OJA. He was appointed by the Chief Justice of Ontario as the Administrative Justice for the Northwest region of the courts. He served in that capacity for 11 years in addition to presiding regularly in courts in Thunder Bay and throughout the region. His reputation was that of a very well prepared, thoughtful, dignified, communicator and master of the courtroom. Seeking only the truth and the right result.

Dad was active throughout his life, enjoying sports until his 90s and always attuned to the needs of others. Dad was an amazing person who never developed any hint of arrogance despite his many accomplishments. He was a wonderful father, husband, son, sibling, relative, friend, neighbour, lawyer and judge. As fine a man as any of us knew. He will be terribly missed and forever remembered and loved.

When Spring weather permits, we will have a private ceremony during which time dad's ashes will be placed with mom's.

The family wishes to thank the exceptional care dad received from the many doctors and nurses of St. Joseph's Hospital.

Donations can be made to Heart and Stroke, St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay or a charity of your choosing.