Ronald Clark

Ronald Alfred Clark, age 77 years, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at Grandview Lodge on Sunday, May 25th. Ron was born on Sept 30th, 1936 in Toronto, Ontario. Where he received his education at Gledhill P.S., and Malvern Collegiate where he met his best friend, the love of his life in 1952, Pat Nixon and they were married in 1957. He participated in many sports but his favourite was hockey and he was a diehard Mapleleaf fan. Ron and Pat brought 3 boys into this world and made it their goal in life to love them unconditionally and to teach them values that would make them appreciate the love of family and helping others. Ron's dedication to his family and his hard work in the financial world took them to Kingston, Ottawa and finally Thunder Bay where they made their home in 1972. Ron was very involved in coaching youth baseball and hockey, where he taught the boys that winning games isn't the focus, rather hard work, positive attitude and honesty is important. These values are how he lived his life and it was reflected in all aspects of his life. He moved from finance into selling real estate in 1974, where he was very active in promoting the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board, as a board member, vice president and finally president from 1985-1986, Ron volunteered much of his life as a coach, cameraman for local TV, and as a coordinator for various activities including Royal Lepage's Run for Women. Ron's greatest joy in his later life was his involvement (co-managing with Super Dave Cano) his son Stephen's (Eljer's) show band "The Sensational Hot Rod's". Whether it was listening to the band, dancing with Pat on the dance floor, his Management duties, working the sound board even performing with his very good friend and blues brother Dave Cano; Ron would never miss a show he would even travel with the band all around Canada & USA until he was confined to the wheelchair and he still managed to get to local shows on his own. Ron was loved by many as "Big Daddy Hot Rod". He loved cruising in his 1946 Chevy Coupe with his girl at his side while they listened and sang along to 50's music mostly the Hot Rods while cruising with their wonderful friends Dave & Rosie. When Ron passed away Sunday morning, family received many comments through phone and social media expressing their condolences and repeated thoughts about Ron's passion for his family, loyalty to his friends, his humble and incredibly positive attitude. Many people sought Ron's advice because it was sincere, wise and heartfelt, whether it was about business, relationships or anything in life, as it was valued. Ron is survived by his wife Pat, his boys Dave (Julie) of Duluth, Steve of Thunder Bay and Bob (Suzanne) of Thunder Bay; his cherished grand kids Josh, Stephanie, Trevor, Stevie-anne, Holly and Maddy and his step-grand kids Tim and Kyle Fiorito; his brother and sister-in-law Michael and Colleen Hosier of Bowmanville, ON, his niece Michelle Pagazani-Hosier of Oshawa and nephew Jamie (Kelly) Hosier of Ponty Pool, ON; his great nephew and nieces, Brianagh, Michaela, and Sophia Pagazani and Nixon and Delaney Hosier, as well his dear lifelong friends and cousins, Donna & Joe Pegg, Ken (Margo) Gadsden along with all the Gadsden cousins. Ron leaves behind many family members and close friends whose lives were enriched and blessed because they were fortunate to have known this humble, wise and amazing human being. A loving husband, the best Dad that any man could dream of having & such a loving Grandfather. Mentor and friend to so many. Ron was predeceased by his mother, Katherine Clark (Woods) in 1994 and his father, Arthur Clark in 1996. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the many staff at Grandview Lodge who provided Ron with the highest level of care and support, that maintained Ron's quality of life and created an atmosphere that Ron could call home. For this we are forever grateful. As Ron wishes, no service will be held. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations to the Thunder Bay Salvation Army or Thunder Bay & District Humane Society or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. On-line condolencesmay be made through www.nwfainc.com "