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LARRY CLARKE Obituary

LARRY DENMAN CLARKE Order of Canada, LLD (Hon) Larry Clarke passed away peacefully on October 22, 2015 in West Vancouver. His ten children survive him: Ian, Sarah, Colley, Alex, Adrienne and Andrew Clarke and Jill, Tom, Penny and Sally Rigby. He is also survived by his 19 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, wife Joan (Rigby nee Stewart) Clarke and sister Val Ives. His father Edward, his mother Audrey and brother Peter predeceased Larry. His first wife Barbara (nee Colley) Clarke died in 1974. Larry was born in London, England, in 1925 and moved to Canada in 1939 after attending Eton College. Upon graduating from Trinity College School, he served as a Technician in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII. In 1949, Larry earned a law degree from Osgoode Law School and went to work under C.D. Howe in the Canadian Defense Department during the Korean War. This was followed by 14 years with de Havilland Aircraft of Canada. In 1967, he led the acquisition of SPAR Aerospace Ltd. from de Havilland and as founder, president, and chief executive officer, built SPAR into a world-class space-technology company. SPAR was best known for the Canadarm designed for the Space Shuttle orbiters. As a result of this innovation, the country enjoyed a high profile within the US space program NASA. As a true visionary, Larry's commitment and dedication to developing Canada's aerospace industry provided opportunities for thousands of engineers. Larry was an inductee of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame and a founding Director of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. In 2004, he was awarded the Canadian Space Agency's Chapman Award for "his remarkable contribution to the advancement of the Canadian Space Program." Larry held honorary degrees from York University, Athabasca University, Ecole Polytechnique and Ryerson Polytechnic University. He was Chancellor of York University from 1986 - 1991 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1988. Those around him knew that when Larry put his mind to something -- from business to boating -- he would excel. Harnessing his skills, he built and designed several boats with the acuity of an engineer's mind toward form and function. In every pursuit, he was patient and exacting, understanding that great creations required patience and commitment. Larry was respected for selflessly sharing his knowledge and passions with entrepreneurs, friends and family alike in a kind and considerate manner. In retirement, Larry shifted his focus from aerospace to the joys of being on the water, spending his remaining years with what gave him the most pleasure -- family and boats. As a result, Larry has left those he loved with treasured memories of cruising the West Coast with him blissfully at the helm. He is greatly missed. Thanks go to the attentive caregivers at Hollyburn House. Condolences and memories can be forwarded through [email protected]

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Published by Toronto Star on Oct. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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17 Entries

Leicester Stovell

December 11, 2024

I knew one of his daughters. She described him as a most impressive man.

August 14, 2018

Mr. Clarke, as I knew and respected him, was a gentleman whose kindness and gentle spirit impressed me even more than his remarkable accomplishments in the realm of aerospace engineering. I am fortunate to have known him through my friends, Penny and Jill, two of his stepchildren.

cecily dunlap

May 13, 2016

Dennis and I were recalling our very fond memories of our stay in Toronto and being blessed with having the Clarkes as our neighbors. I only just found out that Larry Passed away last fall. It saddens us . We loved Larry. He was kind, generous and the consummate gentleman. When I think of Larry I keep coming up with the word to describe him as honorable. He was devoted to his wife Joan, and his blended family. The world needs more men like Larry Clarke. I can't imagine him ever saying an unkind word. I fondly think of him following up on my suggestion that he build a pool on his property. Well he did and it was a magnificent pool.My heart is heavy knowing that Larry has passed away. Our deepest love to you Joan and the children. Special hugs to Sally. We love you all and for blessing us with having you as our neighbors.
Cecily and Dennis Dunlap

Brenda Rich

November 13, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Clarke many times during my tenure at Spar, commencing in 1983. Larry was a down to earth gentlemen, and spoke to every employee when the opportunity would arise, no matter what job level they were at. A true leader at heart - Larry will be greatly missed by both his families - work and personal. My sincere condolences to his family on the loss of a wonderful man.

October 27, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Larry and Joan in the late 1980s on the custom design of a beautiful McQueen boat. Over the course of the design and construction, I came to appreciate their excellent taste, attention to detail and focus on quality. On a personal level, they were charming, intelligent and obviously very much in love. I have often thought of Larry and Joan and was surprised to learn that they had relocated to Vancouver, my home as well. Larry was, as others have noted, a true gentleman. Joan, my heart goes out to you and, if you would like to have coffee with me some day, I'd love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Carol Jones
[email protected]

Phil Ibbotson

October 26, 2015

I joined Spar in 1970 and provide 3 memories of Larry.
First when a colleague had the misfortune to lose a finger on a camping vacation I passed that info on. Not 15 minutes later he was sat with my colleague, not only well aware he was a valuable team member but the impact on a very good pianist and church organist.
Much later another colleague asked Larry if he would be prepared to invest further in a project. His answer I don't think the owners would like that. A definite NO! doesn't come more politely.
Finally throughout and especially at Caledonia Rd he took the time to wander and chat, genuinely interested in the people and what they were doing.
His contribution to developing the aerospace industry was huge. Certainly my career and family benefitted. Somehow gentleman and outstanding leader don't seem adequate. Our condolences to the family.

Aldo Campitelli

October 26, 2015

Larry dispelled just about every myth their is about a corporate CEO. He was never too busy to talk to you and listen to what you had to say. He remembered his employees by name and provided leadership without arrogance. He was truly a great man, a visionary and a gentleman a rare combination in the corporate world.

October 26, 2015

I joined SPAR from De Havilland in Jan .1968 when SPAR was first formed by Larry. I remained at SPAR until retirement in Jan. 1990. During these years I came to know Larry as a visionary, a gentleman @, perhaps, above all, a man of honour. I owe much of my career & later life to him & am deeply saddened by his passing. He was, & still is, in memory a giant of a man. He will surely leave a vacuum that will be hard to fill both professionally certainly more so, in private. My deepest condolences to the family for their loss.
Eric Grimshaw

Bill Shearmur

October 26, 2015

I joined Spar back in 1973, I must say everything that I have achieved in life I owe to Mr. Clarke. This gentle giant of a man would regularly come out onto the shop floor at Caledonia Road, address people by name and engage in conversation making us all feel special and proud of the company he built. Forever in our memories, rest in peace.

Bryan Burland

October 25, 2015

From 1955 to 1992 I enjoyed the trust and good fortune of Shipmate Larry.
For those who go down to the sea in ships

Robert Ferguson

October 25, 2015

During my 22 years at Spar Larry provided the leadership and support that made Spar an ideal place to work. Larry will be missed by all but his memory will live on

Edythe Henderson

October 24, 2015

Mr. Clarke always remembered each and everyone that worked for him and called by name. I was astounded when he did so to me, also remembering my husband's name. He was always kind and generous to al employees, A truly great man.

Carol Kirkpatrick

October 24, 2015

My memories of Larry are only the best. I loved working at SPAR and enjoyed the way he worked along side of us as a person who was not only interested in your work but also your family. Larry made SPAR like a family who worked well together. He will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to his family. I worked at SPAR from the beginning and remained with the company he created for 42 years.

October 24, 2015

A true gentleman,in all respects,thankful for the days at SPAR.RIP Tom Young .Burlington Ontario.

Delio Ricci

October 24, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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