Clare Nesbitt

Gerald “Clare” Nesbitt, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 23, 2025, just shy of his 93 birthday. He will be greatly missed by his children Kirby (Bonnie) and Patricia (Paul Infuso) and grandson Owen. Clare was the kindest and most loving person one could ever meet. His positive outlook on life and his wonderful sense of humour brought joy to everyone around him. He was such a supportive and encouraging father and friend, always ready to lend a helping hand. Despite facing health challenges, he remained resilient, never losing his good hearted and warm spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Jean (nee Atchison), and his brother Grant, Clare was born February 25, 1932, at his grandfather’s farm in the R.M. of Whitewater, south of Brandon. The beginning of a long and successful career with Manitoba Hydro began right after high school, when he joined the appliance department in Brandon in 1950. Career progression took the family on to Neepawa in 1961 and then to Winnipeg in 1964. Clare retired from Manitoba Hydro as Business Manager for the Eastern Region in 1991.

Clare cherished his time at the family cottage north of Gimli on Lake Winnipeg. For 33 years, he loved to putter and spend time with family and friends at the lake. Prior to building the cottage and in retirement, he and Jean also enjoyed RV’ing all over Canada and the United States.

Clare took pleasure in so many hobbies and interests and volunteer pursuits. He was an avid golfer for over 70 years, including hitting the links this past summer with his cherished friends. He was an active volunteer and official for Golf Manitoba for 20 years. Every fall was spent hunting with Kirby and friends – he loved setting out decoys or hiking through the fields. He became an amateur radio enthusiast and was a member of the Winnipeg Senior’s Amateur Radio Club. He recently became involved in a new form of digital radio communication (DMR) and was a member of the Winnipeg Digital Repeater Group. This was typical of Clare, age was no barrier to learning something new. He also volunteered as a guide at the Manitoba Electrical Museum and cherished his time as a schoolyard patrol at St. John’s-Ravenscourt School.

The Masonic fraternity was also an important part of Clare’s life. He was Past Master of the Three Pillars Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason in Scottish Rite of Free Masons, a member of the Royal Order of Scotland and a member of the Tuscan Historical Daylight Lodge.

Clare will be remembered for his warm smile, his sense of humour, his adoration for his grandson and his love for all his “grand dogs” over the years. He took the greatest joy in making new friends and building connections. He leaves a legacy of kindness and love and we will treasure his memory forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 20 at 2:00 PM with reception to follow at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. To honour Clare’s warm and generous spirit, we invite you to carry his kindness forward - help a friend, share a laugh or offer a kind word to a stranger. He had a way of making everyone feel special and we’d love to keep that spirit alive in his memory.