Obituary of Len Clarke Sr.

To some he was known as Lenny, of the infamous Lenny’s Pig Roast, to others he was The Irishman, The Warlock and loyal brother in the Ugly Buggers club.

To us he was Dad.

It is with deep sorrow that Laura (Adam) and Len Jr. (Kim) have to share that our devoted and unwavering Dad has passed. 

Dad was the youngest of four boys who, with his parents, immigrated from Northern Ireland to Canada in the 1950s. In the 70s, he met and married the love of his life, the late Debbie (1997). He was a proud steelworker at Algoma Steel where he worked in Coke making. Our Dad built a home and life in Goulais River, he provided stability, good values and a strong work ethic in which we both carry with us today. He gave us the best upbringing any kid could ask for. We are so honoured that he was our Dad.

He leaves behind his most valuable treasures, his grandchildren, Taylor (Kevin), Cash, Mackinlee and Paige. His great grandchildren Carsyn, Thomas and Alaurah-Lee.

He is survived by his two older brothers Angus (Margaret) and Bobby (late Susan) and is now reunited with our Mom, his late brother Ian, as well as his mother Margaret and father Bill. Proud Uncle to Scott, Dawn, Judy, Jody, David and Hazel, as well as all of their children. Much loved brother-in-law of John, Mary-Lou (Danny baa), Roxanne (Billy), Susie, late Kathy and the late Timmy.

Left to mourn his passing are many, many friends, namely Jim, Gary and Lori Jo (LJ), Al and Cindy, Norm (Sav) and Sharon, Armand and Jean Paul (JP). The list is extensive and we apologize for not being able to name everyone who meant so much to him.

We are so appreciative of the many doctors and nurses that have helped Dad retain quality of life through the past ten years of his battle with a rare form of cancer. From Mount Sinai, Princess Margaret, Health Sciences North and Sault Area Hospital, the journey has been long and without the specialized care over the years, we wouldn’t have been able to keep him this long. In his unselfishness, he allowed his Mount Sinai and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre permission to study his type of cancer so that they may one day be able to help others who have to face this terrible disease. Only 500 Canadians are diagnosed with Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma each year and not many studies are available. 

His home nurses Jody, Sierra and Lyvia became adopted daughters to our Dad. We wish to thank them for the care they provided to him so he could stay at home for as long as possible.

A very special thank you to Tasha and Jeremy, and the Officer family for always making sure Dad was ok when we couldn’t be with him.

We plan to hold a celebration of life for Dad close to his birthday in August. Our plan is to have amazing fireworks in honour of his memory because that is what he loved most. He was always the loudest one to hoot and holler at the biggest loudest ones. 

With this we ask, next time you have the opportunity to watch fireworks, take a moment to appreciate all that is good in life. Hold your family and friends tight and never take anything for granted.

~ Laura and Len Jr.

It’s not luck, it’s strength 

Memorial donations to Tracy’s Dream would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).