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JAMES RICHARD "RICK" CLARKE

JAMES RICHARD "RICK" CLARKE obituary

JAMES CLARKE Obituary

(June 23, 1949 - February 14, 2026) Rick passed away peacefully, on February 14, 2026, following complications related to pulmonary fibrosis. Rick will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Vickie Macrae; his son, Matthew Band (Patricia Ireland); his grandson, Gabriel; his sister, Christie Hansen; and her children, Brett and Tracy. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend - and a man who never met a stranger he couldn't turn into a conversation partner or share a joke with. Rick was never shy about talking to anyone, anywhere, about almost any subject. Whether he was sharing something he had learned from a book or from life itself, he always had an opinion, a story, or at the very least, a good question. Many people discovered that a quick chat with Rick could turn into an enlightening and often humorous discussion. An enthusiastic and active man, Rick found joy outdoors and in sport. He was a CSIA (Level 3) ski instructor who spent countless happy days on the slopes worldwide, where he was known for both his ability and patience with those he was teaching. His ability to talk skiing, weather, the latest news article, a great book or philosophy - sometimes all on the same chairlift ride was legendary. He was an avid sailor, rower, tennis player, cyclist, a dedicated dog walker, and had a wonderful sense of adventure while travelling, rarely one to sit still unless there was a good book or good company involved. He will be missed on the ski hills, with his Breakfast Club, Book Club, and on long walks where he could put the world to rights one conversation at a time. Rick was loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Matthew Binnie at Toronto General Hospital and the compassionate team at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre for their care and support in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's honour to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (cpff.ca) and Escarpment Corridor Alliance (myescarpment.ca/) A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Feb. 20 to Feb. 24, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES CLARKE

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25 Entries

Gary Stinson

Yesterday

I can´t remember when I first met Rick Clarke but it was at some rowing club, and I remember I liked him right away. I left the meeting feeling this was a man who one could trust, who would be a great addition to the group and could be counted on for a laugh or a helping hand. In the decades since, that fist impression proved itself true on multiple occasions. I expect most people had that first and lasting impression of Rick, he was genuine, real, and authentic. He was the kind of guy who would give you his honest opinion and if you were smart you would listen. In a world that seems to be more about self entitlement and gratification Rick Clarke left this earth a little better than he found it. Job well done Rick! My deepest condolences to Vicky and his family.

Suzanne Heft

March 5, 2026

My most heartfelt condolences to Vickie and all the Clarke family on this very sad loss. I am sorry for your grief and heartbreak.
Suzanne Heft (Beau´s mom)

Kim Joseph

March 4, 2026

What a wonderful man! So incredibly sorry for you and yours. Sending love. He will be missed.

Anne Reid

March 4, 2026

Vickie, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. I so enjoyed walking and talking with him at Eglinton Park in the morning with the dogs and others that joined us. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to you and the family.

Pam Phelan

March 3, 2026

Dear Vickie,
Rick was such a delightful man who made his mark in countless ways with his many passions and contributions. Along the way he inspired so many people who will cherish fond memories of him.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Fondly,
Pam Phelan and Serge Trajkovich

Linda Crossley

February 24, 2026

Vicki.... Sending my love and condolences... so many fabulous memories of a unique, warm and engaging gentleman for you to enjoy each day. Take time for you. Hugs. Linda

Renee Walsh

February 23, 2026

I´ve had the absolute pleasure to have known and work with Rick - such a gentleman with a great sense of humour! I have a lot of respect for him and his accomplishments. My sincere condolences. I learned a lot from him.

Dennis Leggett

February 23, 2026

Deepest sympathy to the family, Rick was a great guy to work with, he always had something interesting to say !

Giles Grierson

February 22, 2026

I am saddened to hear of Rick's passing. Even though I didn't get to talk with him or Vicky, I was so grateful to have a hug from you both at my brother's funeral. Sending love and hugs to Vicky, and Matthew both now.

Paul Ricci

February 22, 2026

I worked with Rick for 9 years at Batten Graphics. Rick was successful, intelligent, polite, friendly, physically active and very healthy. Everyone loved Rick. He was the consummate gentleman with a great sense of humour. So sad to hear of his passing. Sincere condolences to all of his family.

Daryl Kellar

February 22, 2026

Deeply saddened by the news .
We taught skiing together enjoyed talking technique , loved having coffee together. The world is a little emptier now . Love you Rick

Richard Mader

February 21, 2026

Very sad to hear, I always liked Rick, he was a great guy. He gave me my first opportunity out of school, a gesture I have never forgotten. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Julian Perez de Camino

February 21, 2026

When three years ago I first entered that pro room as a rookie in the ski school, but with what I considered a solid background, there was this guy who with just one look made me feel like when over 30 years ago I started my career in the ski industry, I was an apprentice. He then transformed himself into a colleague and friend who wouldn´t think twice at talking about skiing or traveling or cooking a particular recipe or simply a life experience. How wrong was that first impression... Rick, you will be missed and I am lucky to have shared some runs, chairlifts and smelly boots changing in that room with you.

Single Memorial Tree

Patricia Sacks

Planted Trees

Kevin McMillan

February 21, 2026

I feel incredibly fortunate to have known Rick over the last fifteen years while at Osler Bluff and when we got out for some bike rides a few years ago.

It was a lot of fun to ski and talk with Rick about skiing and whatever topic came up. He was of course an incredible skier and a very knowledgeable instructor. In addition to his ski tips, following him down the hill was a learning experience in itself!

I really miss often seeing Rick at the Ski Haus in the morning and sometimes joining him for a few runs.

Barbara Trieloff Deane

February 21, 2026

Dear Vickie, our deepest condolences. Rick's exceptional personality lives on in memories of his enthusiasm, positive energy, intellectual curiosity, easy conversation, gregarious humour and outstanding all round athlete. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers (Rick mentioned hugging Saint James statue after your camino, as he said, "just in case"...)

Janne Dean

February 21, 2026

Rick you with be missed. The time I spent with you and Vickie at the cabin last Thanksgiving was memorable. Over the years sitting in the back room at 615 was a treat. Rick always kept you on your toes when it came to anything political. Rick you will be missed. Riva will miss you as well. Even Vickie. HAHA.
Love ya. Jannie.

Rob Chambers

February 20, 2026

Rick and I shared many winters together at the ski hill, and those years of teaching side by side created a friendship I truly cherished. Every season, I looked forward to seeing him again - stepping back onto the snow, riding the chairlift, and picking up our conversations and laughter as if no time had passed. He had such a steady presence and a wonderful sense of humor. Some of my favorite memories are simply the two of us laughing together on the chairlift between runs.

It feels especially poignant knowing he taught his final lesson doing something he loved. That says so much about the kind of man he was - committed, engaged, and fully present right to the end.

Please know that Rick made a lasting impact on me and on so many of us at the hill. He will be deeply missed, and I will carry those shared winters and conversations with me always.

Drew Brims

February 20, 2026

I´m a better person for knowing Rick. I´m also a better skier and ski instructor for knowing Rick. He was always generous with his advice on skiing and instructing. Usually with some humour sprinkled in. It always started with, "You know, Drew..." I will miss those words.

Kit & Donna Osler

February 20, 2026

Dear Vickie, It was with great sadness that we read of Rick's untimely passing. The obituary certainly captured the spirit and character of the Rick we knew! We are sorry we hadn't seen more of you and Rick in the recent past. He was always such a wonderful man with whom to spend an evening. Our thoughts are with you and the family at this very difficult time. Kit & Donna Osler

Mike Stoyka

February 20, 2026

Sorry to hear about Rick. We went to high school together and were roommates in university for two years.

Andy Andruchiw

February 20, 2026

I convinced him to get his L1 then he became my mentor and bestie. We had some great ski weeks, he showed me how to be a better skier in exchange for kobassa and eggs for breakfast. Will miss the big guy.

Ellen Seaborn

February 20, 2026

Vickie,
Very warmest of loving thoughts and memories for you and Rick.
Ellen Seaborn

Nique and Tony HENDRIE

February 20, 2026

Vicky,
We were so sorry to hear about Rick. Our love and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Nique and Tony Hendrie

Nique Hendrie

February 20, 2026

Vicky,
We were so sorry to hear about Rick

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Memorial Events
for JAMES CLARKE

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