Donald Allan Clarke

Don, second son of Ottie and Mildred Clarke, and younger brother to Earle, was born in Calgary, and grew up in Calgary and Lethbridge. Musical from an early age, Don was an accomplished violinist in his youth, and also played the saxophone and clarinet. As young adults, he and his brother entertained at school dances and socials in the Lethbridge area, performing big band music with a little band called The Stardusters. Don went on to receive a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Alberta. He began a teaching career in the chemistry department at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, eventually becoming department head, and retiring from SAIT after 33 years. In 1953, Don married his sweetheart, Margaret Willetta Bush of Olds AB, and the two of them settled in Calgary where they raised three children, Cathy (1954), Terry (1956) and Susan (1960). The couple shared a love of music and enjoyed travel. In the early years, it was camping trips with their children, and later, holidaying throughout the US, Europe and Australia, often in the company of Earle and his wife Madge. To the end of his days, Margaret remained the love of his life and 61 years later, Don still carried their certificate of marriage in his wallet. Among his hobbies and recreational activities, Don enjoyed various pursuits over the years, including curling and golfing, but one thing remained unchanged: his passion for music. His voice became his musical instrument of choice. He sang tenor with the choir at First Baptist Church, then baritone at Central United. He was a long-standing member of SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America) and performed and competed with the Stampede City men’s barbershop chorus as well as various barbershop quartets. For several years he was director of the Stampede City Chorus. In 1984, Don helped the Alberta Gold Chorus become a chartered member of ''Sweet Adelines International'' and stayed on as their director for many years. Advancing years never dimmed his enthusiasm for barbershop music. He continued to perform with his quartet, Four Essentials (Jim Dallman, J.P. Pouliot, and Roger Woodgate), and he was heading off for the barbershop convention in Vancouver, to sing with the Stampede City Chorus, when his heart played its final bar.

Don is survived by his wife Margaret, his daughter Catherine Abraham, son Terry Clarke (and wife Barbara), and daughter Susan Clarke; his grandson Jason and granddaughter Alix (Terry) and granddaughter Molly (Susan); brother Earle Clarke (and wife Madge); nephew David Clarke and niece Barbara Clarke; and grand-nephews Leighton and Josh. He is also survived by brother-in-law Willard Bush, sister-in-law Mavis Bush, and nieces and nephews of the Bush clan. Don will always be remembered for his love of family, his passion for music, but, most of all, for his patient, kind, and gentle soul. He will be missed.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will take place at Foster’s Garden Chapel (3220 – 4th Street NW, Calgary) on Friday, October 3rd at 2:00 p.m.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial