Sharing what I read at the funeral. 

I feel so honored to stand here today and speak about Ron. To my family, he was never just my mom’s best friend — he was family. He was a constant in our lives, and the memories we made with him will stay with us forever.
Some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones: falling asleep on his round chair in the sunroom, or walking down the road to his house — even if that meant being chased by the neighbor’s dog. Making me clean the bath tub for my 16th birthday party. Ya he fooled me into cleaning the tub saying we were going to use it for drinks. Ended up the party was at the local hall, which he helped decorate.   I’ll always remember the stories he shared about growing up on the farm, and how he loved passing along the wisdom of his own experiences. He was always known for reminding people to ‘pick a lane ,’ a saying that only Ron could deliver with both humor and conviction.
We had adventures together, too. Like the times we spent in Florida, or more recently when he took my mom and me to my very first high tea — which, of course, with Ron, everything was always the best. Because that was just who he was. 
But what I’m most grateful for is the way he was always there for my mom. He wasn’t just her best friend; he was her rock, her cheerleader, and her chosen family. And in being there for her, he was there for me, too.
Ron lived many roles — a teacher, a real estate agent, a friend, a mentor. But no matter what role he was in, he gave it his all. Tough outside and squishy soft inside with a caring heart. 
We are heartbroken to lose him, but I know his spirit, his lessons, and his love will stay with us. Thank you, Ron, for everything you gave us. You will always be in our hearts.”

I have forty years worth of memories of Ron.  Memories from Rocklyn, Arizona, London and Stratford,   He was comfortable eating street food in Mexico while stray dogs begged at our feet, and comfortable enjoying high tea in Stratford.  I remember sitting with him on the hood of his car eating tamales under a cloudless desert sky and sitting in a little hotel bar drinking wine before we went to a Toronto musical.
He was always kind, always generous, always thoughtful, always trustworthy but with a wicked sense of humour.  He was wise, (which is a rare thing). He loved people and beautiful things and adventures. He was a mentor to many, a friend to many. I feel rudderless without him

My heart is full of many wonderful memories of Ron today. He was a kind man and a a supportive friend of the family. Ron had a love for antiques, gardens, entertaining, and people! Throughout my life, he was always a steadfast friend to my Mom and our family!

As a child, I always knew that I could count on Ron for delicious tea and snacks! If he was having a get together, I always appreciated his good taste and inclusive environment! He asked thoughtful questions and often pulled out little surprises that made me feel seen.

 Ron had such a beautiful perennial garden! I remember being excited to be hired to weed and deadhead the garden, and he would come out and check on me with lemonade, not letting me stay out in the sun for too long…He was always that parent’s friend that you knew you could count on! I know my Mom felt the same. : ) 

Throughout my life, Ron was a constant source of support, as I know he must have been for so many people, in so many different ways! He was a man of class, with good taste, and a dry sense of humour, who will live on in our hearts forever! Today, I lift a glass in a toast of respect, to Ron! Xo

So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing.  My condolences to his friends and family.

Ron was an entertaining man, loved dogs and was out often sitting outside engaging with people and their pups.

Rest in peace Ron, you deserve it.

Linda J  Johnson

OBITUARY

Ronald "Ron" Garry Clarke

5 April, 1946 – 24 September, 2025

Needham Funeral Service

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