Donald Clement

After a long life filled with love and laughter, Don Clement passed away in Fort Frances on February 1, 2014 with his family at his side. He was a cherished husband, dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle, brother, father-in-law, friend and mentor.

Don was born August 16, 1924, at North Branch, Ontario. As a young man, he enrolled with the Canadian Armed Forces and served during the Second World War. After leaving the army, Don moved to Fort Frances where he met his future wife at a local dance. Don married Eunice Gibson in 1952, and the couple went on to have five daughters, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

From a very young age, Don loved to work in the wilderness. He logged and operated heavy equipment, but his favourite pursuit was trapping. At one time, he owned the rights to and trapped the largest trapline in northwestern Ontario. Don was proud of the letters he received from trapping organizations that proclaimed his pelts the most outstanding in a sale. Don had an exceptional understanding and appreciation of nature's delicate balance. He took every opportunity to share this knowledge with his family, shaping generations of respectful hunters, trappers, and fishermen.

It was during one trapping expedition through the pines that Don discovered the spot that would one day become his family's haven. He purchased the property on the shores of Factor Lake and built two log cabins. In 1986 Don and Eunice built their dream log home. More than fifty years and a few more buildings later, “The Cabin” continues to be a beloved place where summer holidays, Christmas celebrations, and even weddings take place.

Don was a family man with immeasurable amounts of love and affection for his descendants. He was a wise, sensitive, gentle, kind, and caring soul. His daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always found comfort and safety in his embrace (along with a shirt-pocketful of peppermints). Don also had a mischievous sense of humour, and particularly liked to tease his five son-in-laws.

Don was predeceased by his parents Albert and Estha Clement, and by his brothers-in-law Horst Werner and John Advent.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Eunice; their daughters Donnas (Al) Stuart, Cyndy (Barry) Petsnick, Renee (Frank) Martin, Teryl (Sandy) McFarland and Lisa (Rick) Krishka; his grandchildren Dave, Tracy, Travis, Allana, Brienne, Bryce, Jaymee, Ashley, Donny and Jillian; and great-grandchildren Ellie, Grace, McKinley, Asher, Samson, Oliver, Isla, Mollie and Rowan. Don’s passing is also grieved by his sisters Maxine Werner and Marjorie Advent, and brother Max (Louise) Clement as well as his many nieces, nephews, and friends.

At Don's request, no funeral will take place. The family will celebrate Don's life at their cabin by the lake this coming summer. Don will be deeply missed by his loved ones.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.