F. DONALD CLARK

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F. DONALD CLARK "The Wind Beneath Our Wings Is Gone!" F. Donald Clark passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Phyllis of 42 years; Don Jr. and Nancy and two granddaughters, Gabrielle and Emma of Nova Scotia; Bob and Robyn of Brandon; and Mark of Dauphin. Don will be sadly missed by his extended family and all his friends that he made through his long teaching career and involvement in the various community activities in the towns where he resided. Don was born in Bowsman, MB on August 1, 1932. He graduated from Bowsman High School. Don was invited to play hockey in Colorado Springs, CO where he suffered an ear injury and thus returned to Manitoba. He attended Normal School (Teachers College) in Winnipeg. Don started his teaching career in Oak Point, MB and then continued teaching at Swan River. There he met Phyllis and they were married in Dauphin in 1959. Don Jr. was born in Swan River. Don and Phyllis moved to Stonewall and Don continued teaching there along with coaching football, hockey, baseball and track. Bob and Mark were born while they were in Stonewall. In 1969 the family moved to Neepawa where Don continued his career in education as audio-visual coordinator, teacher, principal and ultimately serving on the Beautiful Plains School Board. Don served with various groups in the community, local and provincial Red Cross, Barbershoppers, Manitoba Summer Games (twice), coaching hockey and baseball, Westman Communications board member and local access television. His coffee chat program continues. Don was always ready to share his music talents by entertaining at many functions either by himself or in concert with his friends, Fran and Bill Fraser. He encouraged his sons in both sports and music and was always there to support their endeavours. Don composed over 100 songs, some of which have been sung by local groups. He composed an individual lullaby for each of his granddaughters and a wedding song for Bob and Robyn. Yes, indeed, "The Wind Is Gone From Beneath Our Wings" but, Don lived a full life, enjoyed his family and made many friends; so, he leaves a great legacy for his sons to follow. May you now rest in peace, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend. Memorial service will be held at St. Dominics Roman Catholic Church, Neepawa on Tuesday, July 3 at 2:30 p.m. with Fr. Y. Gamallo officiating. Interment in Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa. Prayers will be said at St. Dominics Roman Catholic Church on Monday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends who so desire may make donations to Neepawa District Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 70, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 or Neepawa District Palliative Care Service, P.O. Box 1240, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Whites Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2001