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Clair Whitney Charles Sellens

1932 - 2021

Clair Whitney Charles Sellens obituary, 1932-2021, Toronto, ON

BORN

1932

DIED

2021

Clair Sellens Obituary

CLAIR SELLENS Clair Whitney Charles Sellens, in his 89th year, on May 6, 2021, at home with his family, following several years of declining health. He leaves his beloved wife, Judith, married 58 years; daughter, Catherine (Stephen Crosbie and grandchildren, Sarah and John); daughter, Sandra (Richard Kupferschmidt and grandchildren, Alexandra and Griffin); and son, Michael. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Charles (2007). Clair also leaves behind his furry friends, Lucy, Arthur, and Winnie. Born in Hamilton in 1932, Clair attended Central High School before heading to Queen's University, from which he graduated in 1956 with a BSc in Civil Engineering. His greatest passion while at Queen's, however, was playing Centre on the varsity Gaels football team. With friends Ron Stewart and Al Kochman, and under the winning tutelage of coach Frank Tindall, the team was the Yates Cup champion for 1955 and 1956. Such was Clair's prowess on the gridiron that, following graduation, he was offered a slot with the Hamilton Tiger Cats, but chose instead to join his brother, Morley, in operating the family's Ford automotive dealership, Sellens Motors, in Hamilton. Seeking a greater challenge (and having a phenomenal aptitude for numbers and finance), Clair left the dealership side of the industry and established his own business in the novel field of automotive leasing. Incorporating as "Wheeling World Ltd" in 1965, he was the first to offer leases on all makes and models, and his successful enterprise continued as a driving force in leasing for decades to follow. Clair's other consuming interest was the island cottage on Lake Muskoka, which he designed and built, with the (conscripted) help of family. Perhaps his favourite days were spent either closing the perfect, impossible deal, or roaring across the water in his prized 1976 'Cigarette 28-SS' racing boat, but certainly his most cherished moments were those listening to the water lap against the dock as he gazed down the lake with Judy by his side. It is toward an eternal lakeside sunset that we choose to see him now venture. Special thanks to Dr. Stephen Zizzo's office, Dr. Greg Curnew, St. Elizabeth Home Care, our incredibly helpful PSW, Desiree, and the VON Palliative team. A private family funeral will be held. Arrangements by M. A. Clark & Sons Funeral Home, 567 Upper Wellington St., Hamilton. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hamilton Health Sciences 'General Hospital Cardiac Unit', or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. Famous Clair Quotes: "It's only a weekend project!" "When you amortize the cost over a lifetime of happiness, it's only pennies a day." And, perhaps most significantly, "It's the journey, not the destination."

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Published by The Globe and Mail from May 8 to May 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

STEPHEN FIFIELD

September 9, 2022

I met Clair back in the late 1970´s when the company I was with began leasing vehicles from "Wheeling World". He would often arrive at the office in an old VW Beetle, with coffee stains on his shirt. He was an amazing personality. He invited my Family to his Island Cottage for an enjoyable day and a bar-b-Que. Never to be forgotten. Debi and I pass to Judy and Family our condolences.

Paul Quest

May 16, 2021

My name is Paul Quest & I was introduced to Clair in 1978. I would first like express sincere condolences to Judy & your whole family. Clair was an extremely interesting & unique individual. Because of Clair some very positive events happened in my life. Example, I was in his office one day & he had a couple of broken pieces of pipe on his desk. The conversation led to me buying the house which was his mother's beautiful old house at Proctor & Dunsmure in Hamilton. The broken pieces of pipe were from the heating radiators on the 3rd floor which had burst. If it wasn't for those broken bits on his desk I would likely never had owned that beautiful house. Another time he had repossessed a Sea Ray Express Cruiser from a lessee & he gave me the opportunity to own it which got me back into boating after many years out of it. Natalie & myself spent a few fantastic weekends at the Island with Clair & Judy. Clair was a colorful individual & always appreciated dry humor. I have to say that my life was definitely enhanced from knowing Clair. Thank you Clair for all the great opportunities you offered
Rest in Peace our dear friend Paul & Natalie

Irene Roberts

May 11, 2021

To Judy, Cathy and Sandy, our sincerest condolences, our thoughts are
with you. Irene Roberts, Kimberley and Kelly

Robert VanGemert

May 10, 2021

Got to know Claire somewhat this past summer of 2020. Even in failing health Claire displayed a strong will and even stronger personality. Wish I had spent time with him years earlier, l could have learned a lot from Claire.

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