Clarence Alexander Greentree

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Clarence Alexander Greentree. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Clarence was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Clarence was born at home in East Whitby (Oshawa) Ontario. He was the son of Joseph and Mercy Greentree. Clarence was raised in Oshawa, Ontario. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Clarence was an obedient child who wanted to win the favour of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Clarence's personality throughout his life.

      Though Clarence was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Clarence was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Clarence worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Clarence was raised with ten siblings, four brothers older brothers, William, Murray, Gordon and Ray and six older sisters Ruby, Pearl, Nellie, May, Mable and Viola. Clarence and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Clarence was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Clarence was always tactful. One thing Clarence will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Clarence had a number of interests and was an active child. Clarence took part in baseball and pond hockey. He was a farm boy, so he always said it was school and farm work. There was no real spare time. Clarence's memorable achievements included raising a first prize chicken in a contest.

      For Clarence, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Clarence was also adept at details. Clarence was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Oshawa Collegiate & Vocational Institute O.C.V. I. in 1928. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. His favourite classes in high school were English and math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Armstrong.

      There was one thing that all of Clarence's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Clarence was such a popular person throughout his life. But Clarence was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Clarence was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Clarence was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Clarence was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Clarence was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Clarence made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jack Vodden, Harold Mackie and Merle Mackie. Later in life, he became friends with Hazel and Morris Joness.

      Clarence was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Clarence cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On November 11, 1933 Clarence married Minerva Rosetta Bate at King Street United Church in Oshawa, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Clarence worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Clarence and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Clarence was blessed with two sons, Neilson (Neil) and Douglas (Doug). They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Brent, Karen, Darryl, Brad and Jason, eleven great grandchildren, Brent, Trevor, Jennifer, Brian, Craig, Christopher, Kelsea, Whitney, Olyvia, Janson and Shea and five great great grandchildren, Alyssa, Chase, Dylan, Avery and Liam. Clarence was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Clarence was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Clarence would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Clarence, and he expected the same from those around him. Clarence was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Clarence was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Clarence handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was as an Engineer. He was employed for 43 years by General Motors of Canada. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      Blessed with a practical nature, Clarence was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Clarence was not in uniform but designed vehicles for the Army.

      A methodical man, Clarence enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favourite pursuits were photography and woodcraft.

      Clarence was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Clarence was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included golf. Clarence also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favourite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was baseball.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Clarence to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Clarence did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Clarence was an active member of the I.O.O.F Lodge.

      Clarence was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, serving on committees for church and community fundraising projects.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Clarence well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member the United Church for 94 years. During that time, he was on the Church Official Board. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

      Not only did Clarence enjoy travelling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favourite places. Favourite vacations included Orlando, Florida for most winters and his own summer cottage in the summers.

      Since it was easy for Clarence to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Clarence was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1970. In retirement, he found new pleasure in photography, rock collecting, and golf. Even in retirement, Clarence stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Clarence passed away on February 16, 2012 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario from complications of a broken hip due to a fall. He is survived by his son Neilson (Neil), 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Clarence was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery.

      Clarence was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Clarence was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Clarence Alexander Greentree.

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GREENTREE, Clarence Alexander

At Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Thursday, February 16th, 2012, in his 101st year. Beloved husband of the late Minerva (nee Bate) for 69 years. Loving father of Neil (Anna-Marie), predeceased by son Doug (Betty). Cherished grandfather of Brent (Linda), Karen (Bob), Darryl (Melissa), Brad (Anne) and Jason (Geana). Great grandfather of Brent, Trevor, Jennifer, Brian, Craig, Christopher, Kelsea, Whitney, Olyvia, Janson and Shea. Great great grandfather of Alyssa, Chase, Dylan, Avery and Liam. Predeceased by brothers, William, Murray, Gordon and Ray, sisters Ruby, Pearl, Nellie, May, Mable and Viola. Clarence was an employee of General Motors Tool and Dye design and Plant Engineering for 43 years. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West ( 905-721-1234) on Tuesday, February 21st, from 1:00 p.m. until time of service in the chapel at 3:00 p.m. Cremation. Donations may be made to the Oshawa Hospital Foundation Cardiac Care.