J. Brian Clarke

J. Brian Clarke

J. Clarke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 4 to Jun. 5, 2006.
OBITUARY J. BRIAN CLARKE Passed away peacefully at the Jewish General Hospital on June 2, 2006 aged sixty-seven years. Loving and devoted husband of Mary Di Palma. Dear father of Mark Esposito, Johanna (Mark Hekimian) and Krystina (Luc Beaudoin). Cherished grandfather of Tatyana, Brianna, Kamron and Catherine. Survived by his sister Linda (William Bertram) of Toronto. He will be sadly missed by his loving relatives and dear friends. Brian, while a native Torontonian, fell in love with and adopted Montreal as his city when he first arrived in 1967. He had a life-long fascination with toys of all sorts. An avid model train builder, Brian worked in the toy industry for many years, moving to New York City in 1983 and rising to become Chief Executive of Coleco, a major North American toy manufacturer. He 'discovered' the famous "Cabbage Patch Kids" and had the foresight and skill to lead the promotion of his "kids" to become one of the most successful in the history of children's dolls. At the time of his death, Brian was Executive Vice-President of Strategy First, a leading computer games creator and manufacturer. He firmly believed in giving back to his communities and fellow citizens: He was Vice Chairman of the Constance Lethbridge Foundation, Director of Stanstead College, immediate past Vice-Chair and Elder of Mountainside United Church and past Chair of the Board of Management of Erskine & American United Church. He was an active member of The Opimium Society and the Whiff of Grape. For over twenty-five years, Brian's home-away-from-home has been his summer residence at Bark Lake, Quebec. The perennial Mayor of the town of Barkmere, he showed his love of the area and of its residents by giving untold hours to the preservation of its environment and the life style he enjoyed so much. Visitation at the Kane & Fetterly Funeral Home, 5301 Decarie Blvd. (corner Isabella) on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. A Service of celebration of Brian's life will be held at the Mountainside United Church (The Boulevard & Roslyn, Westmount) on Tuesday, June 6 at 12 noon. Special thanks to Dr. Gyger and the hematology/oncology department, and to Dr. Lapointe and the palliative care unit. In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the J. Brian Clarke Fund at the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, 3755 Cote Ste-Catherine Rd., Montreal, QC H3T 1E2.

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June 29, 2006

Joseph Tutino posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2006

Brenda Myers posted to the memorial.

June 17, 2006

Jerry Esposito posted to the memorial.

34 Entries

Joseph Tutino

June 29, 2006

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Brenda Myers

June 23, 2006

I am so saddened at Brian leaving us,I never had the opportunity to meet with him personally. It has affected us greatly. His daughter, Johanna is my best friend and has shared many memories of her childhood with me. I also know Odette, who I consider to be one of my close friends.

When Johanna or Krystina spoke of Brian I felt a closeness as family. Brian is a wonderful person and I look forward to meeting more of the people who he has been close with throughout Johanna and Krystina's life.

God has blessed Brian and his family greatly and I hope his family and friends feel comfort in that fact.

God Bless us all

Brenda Scottsdale, AZ

Jerry Esposito

June 17, 2006

Dear Cousin Mary and Mark,

We were so sad to hear that Cousin Brian had passed. We know how much you loved him. He was such a wonderful man and because of that we can be assured that he is with God now, and Uncle Mike, our Dad and Mom, Aunt Anne & Phil and everyone else in our family that have gone Home. I bet he is hearing all of the great stories of our families and having some great macaroni, too! We love you and Mark very much and think of you often. You were always so thoughtful to me and Phyllis. Please come and see us the next time you visit New York. We'd love to get together! You are always in our thoughts and prayers, love your Cousins - Jerry Esposito, Phyllis, Gregory, Dylan & Morgan Sleter, Long Island, New York

Jennifer, Joseph & children Tutino

June 16, 2006

Dear Aunt Mary & Mark- We are all so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. Brian was definitely one of those special souls who touched the lives of everyone he met. We are truly blessed to have known him. I pray that you can get through this extremely difficult time with the love & support from all your family members.

Sarah Licha

June 15, 2006

J'ai eu beaucoup de peine lorsque j'ai appris le déces de Brian. Il a ete mon patron et mentor chez Strategy First.

C'etait un homme extraordinaire, avec un charisme incroyable et un excellent sens de l'humour.

Je suis navree!



Toutes mes sinceres condoleances.

Richard Therrien

June 9, 2006

A man that will be dearly missed by most who knew him and I am one of them.



Giving Mary and Mark my sympathies and hoping the best for them in the future.

John Brownie

June 8, 2006

From God's Lake Narrows First Nation, Mb in the Far North may the Spirit of the Eagle be with all of you.

My condolences to all members of your family.

kimberly jensen

June 8, 2006

Dear aunt mary and mark,We are so sorry for yourloss,and feel sorry we didn't get to see you more often,but even so we will never forget the wonderful aura brian posessed.He had such a gentle way about him.I will always remember his winning smile,and big heart.He would make anyone feel special in his prescence.He was humble and generous to everyone he met.It was an honor to have known him,and we will miss him dearly.He is now an angel as he ever was on earth.May you take comfort knowing he is with the lord,and is watching over us all.god bless.

Yanick Blenkhorn

June 8, 2006

I was deeply saddened when I heard the news. My sincere condolences to all his close friends and family.



I had the privilege of working with Brian for a couple years when he started at SFI.



Brian was a highly respected gentleman. He was a phenomenal speaker and always had interesting stories to tell. He also had a great sense of humour and he really knew how to deliver a joke.



But more importantly, he always felt genuine when he spoke. There was never any beating around the bush with Brian and he really knew how to get things done.



He definitely left a positive lasting impression to all who knew him.

Boutaina Florence

June 7, 2006

Dear Mary and Mark,

I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and the whole family.

I have some idea of what you and your family are going through , No comfort is quite enough to replace the loss.

I will always remenber him as a great and wonderful man.

David Woolley

June 7, 2006

Brian and I were great friends when we were going through Ryerson many years ago. After graduation we gradually lost touch with one another, as unfortunately sometimes happens -- my fault entirely, but I will always remember the many good times we shared together within our small circle of friends. He was a 'class' guy in every sense of the word. My deepest sympathies to the family.



David Woolley

Robert Clark

June 6, 2006

I have fond memories of Brian who helped me obtain a great job leading to a great career at Moore Corp in 1963.He was also my closest friend at the time and I am truly sorry that so many years passed without us seeing each other. I was able to learn many things from Brian and I can only imagine how missed he will be by his friends and family.

ELLIOTT SHUCHAT

June 6, 2006

To Mary and Mark,

My deepest sympathies at this time.Brian was always able to top me with his brilliant wit.

may you both be spared any further sorrow.

Elliott

Pauline and Jim Garton

June 6, 2006

We are deeply saddened by Brian's passing. He was a close Ryerson classmate and true "buddy". Although the years took us in different directions we never forgot his wonderful humour and leadership. Our thoughts are with you at this time.

Linda & Spiros Polycandriotis

June 6, 2006

We would like to extend our condolences to the whole family. We consider it an honour to have known him.

Tim Kalil

June 6, 2006

We wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences, to the entire family. We feel fortunate to have known Brian and will cherish the great memories and experiences shared with him at Bark lake. Christine, Sandra, Carole and Tim

Tony Pullen

June 5, 2006

My memories of Brian are all larger than life! He had such a dominant presence, booming voice and enveloping smile! I can still see him vividly all these many years later. He was the first person I ever knew who actually had a telephone in his car!

As a cousin-in-law he gave me my first "real" job with Topper toys in Toronto which, at the time, helped me greatly to continue my university education.

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Heartfelt condolences to all his family from a very distant, in time and place, fan!

Brenda Ajzenkopf

June 5, 2006

Dear Mary,

How very sorry to learn of your great loss. I did not know Brian, but in knowing you, he must have been a very special reflection of kindness and grace. My sincere condolences and may you be spared further sorrow.

Adam Phillips

June 5, 2006

I am sad to hear of the passing of this great man. I had the opportunity to work with Brian and considered him a mentor. God bless you Brian.

Pierre Rouette

June 5, 2006

I would like to extend to you and the whole family our sincere condolences.

I became very fond of him. He was a caring, gentle, kind, loving man who loved his family very much and will greatly be missed.

As time passes may you look back and reflect on all the fond memories and special moments that you shared. May you be comforted in the memories that you carry in your heart forever and may time ease your pain.

Heaven is a better place now.

ON the behalf of all former Coleco employees (present and past).

Bon voyage Brian et merci pour tout

Nancy McGee

June 5, 2006

Hello Mary,I want to offer you my very deepest sympathy in your loss.I had only met you and your lovely husband last Monday in oncology.My sister Pat McGee introduced us.Anyway I wish you peace and please be comforted by the fact that he is suffering no more.All the very best wishes to you and yours at this very sad time.Nancy (oncology patient)

Robert van Duynhoven

June 5, 2006

As my departed father's best friend, Brian was very special to me. He was a friend, a mentor, a voice of reason and an incredible caring and loving person. He will be missed and always be warmly remembered. My thoughts and condolences go to his family.

Love Rob

Neil West

June 5, 2006

My condolences to Brian's family. His efforts at Bark Lake will always be rembered and appreciated.

Krystina Clarke

June 4, 2006

Dear Dad,

God gave gave Johanna and I a gift: parents we never thought we would have, two people who shaped us, and loved us, and saved us. You will be a part of us forever.

I will remember our first meeting forever. I will always thank you for giving me a sister and a mother. I will always strive to be the best and I will remember that everyone is human. I will speek of you in the present tense, because to me, you are alive, in me, in my my children, in my life,

forever your daughters,

krystina and Johanna

Romy Litwin

June 4, 2006

Dearest Mary,

I am so sad to hear of your loss. The love and respect that you and Brian shared was so special and touched so many.

May his memory be a blessing and a comfort to you and all who love him,

Bruce Henderson

June 4, 2006

I offer my condolances to Mary and to Mark as well as Brian's extended family.

I will remember him as a man of action and a bon vivant. He will rest in our souls as long as there are hearts that knew him. A great man and a wonderful friend.

Eleanor & John Harries

June 4, 2006

We admired and respected Brian's outstanding ability as mayor of the Town of Barkmere. He was perceptive, thoughtful, and considerate in the leadership he provided to the people of this small, environmentally sensitive Quebec community. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Mary and his family at this time.

Robert Muller

June 4, 2006

Brian gave me pleasure of his company many evenings at the UC and at this sad time I am remembering each of them. My deepest condolences....

Tatyana Clarke

June 4, 2006

It's sad my grand father is dead.Him leaving is like a black void in my heart.

Brian teaching Brianna how to drive the boat

June 4, 2006

We Love you, Johanna, Brianna and Kamron

June 4, 2006

Brian and Mary at Bark Lake watching the Sunset

June 4, 2006

Emanuel Wall

June 4, 2006

Hi



I am really sorry to learn of Brian's passing. I enjoyed Brian's company very much. He is a strong man, and some one to learn from. In times of adversity he managed to carry himself with great poise and grace. I will always remember his anecdotes and his enthusiasm for his family and friends. You can really feel his excitement while talking about his trip to the Caribbean.



All the best to his family and friends.

Grand-papa Brian with Brianna and Kamron at Bark Lake

Johanna Clarke-Hekimian

June 4, 2006

Grand-papa Brian with Brianna and Kamron at Bark Lake, we love him and will miss him. Love Mark and Johanna Clarke-Hekimian

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Not sure what to say?

June 29, 2006

Joseph Tutino posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2006

Brenda Myers posted to the memorial.

June 17, 2006

Jerry Esposito posted to the memorial.