Obituary for Clare Thomas Arthur
Dr. Clare Thomas Arthur, age 93, died peacefully amongst family April 14, 2023. He leaves his wife and best friend Helen (Joan) Arthur, and his loving family that includes children and grandchildren.
Born March 15, 1930 in Otterville, Ontario, Clare grew up in a hard working farming family with wonderful siblings - Keith, Joyce, Don, and Joan. He was an avid baseball player and loved to tell stories of his invitation to try out with the Detriot Tigers. Unfortunately, work on the farm took priority. Later, he sought higher education, graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto in 1961. Two years earlier he had married his sweetheart Joan, whom he had met during her summer visits to family in Otterville. They began a life together with his community dental practice in Preston, which flourished with his skill, work ethic, and gentle nature.
He was a dedicated father to his three daughters Susan, Linda, and Nancy. All learned to appreciate their parents loving relationship and commitment to each other. His family grew larger as they married, and he welcomed his new role as a father-in-law and great friend to Doug, Frank, and James. Clare also relished his role as grandfather. Papa Clare was the kind, gentle, and attentive man that every grandchild deserves. Alex, Max, Emily, and Sam will be forever touched by his grace, remarkable patience, and desire to “be there” for them.
Clare was an avid outdoors man in the great Canadian sense. Yearly fishing and hunting trips with family and friends were an annual joy. Algonquin Park became a personal back yard. As a man from solid farming stock, he appreciated the land and what it could provide. Simple things like a good tomato, a sweet onion, a perfect pepper, and finding the best corn made him happy. He could catch fish like no other and would fillet the good ones for breakfast.
As he grew older, such adventures went the way toward more family time at the cottage, winter time in Florida, an evening of bridge, maintaining his excellent golf skills, keeping a pristine lawn, and love for those around him. A man who was not settled with just one hole-in-one, he had his last at the annual family golf event at age 83. He was there for many a Leaf victory, including their last cup win in ‘67 and always held out hope for another.
Alas, his was a life so well lived that all who came to know him, came to love and respect him. That is the real victory of a great man.
For Clare and Joan, their devoted 63 years partnership was God’s blessing. His life continues in the presence of the Lord.
Family and friends will be received at the Otterville United Church, 231 Main Street East, Otterville ON, on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1:30 pm. for a Memorial Service. Private Family Interment was held prior to the Service at the Otterville Cemetery. Reception to be held following the service in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, notes of condolences may be sent to the family, or planting a memorial tree in memory of Clare Thomas Arthur.
Born March 15, 1930 in Otterville, Ontario, Clare grew up in a hard working farming family with wonderful siblings - Keith, Joyce, Don, and Joan. He was an avid baseball player and loved to tell stories of his invitation to try out with the Detriot Tigers. Unfortunately, work on the farm took priority. Later, he sought higher education, graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto in 1961. Two years earlier he had married his sweetheart Joan, whom he had met during her summer visits to family in Otterville. They began a life together with his community dental practice in Preston, which flourished with his skill, work ethic, and gentle nature.
He was a dedicated father to his three daughters Susan, Linda, and Nancy. All learned to appreciate their parents loving relationship and commitment to each other. His family grew larger as they married, and he welcomed his new role as a father-in-law and great friend to Doug, Frank, and James. Clare also relished his role as grandfather. Papa Clare was the kind, gentle, and attentive man that every grandchild deserves. Alex, Max, Emily, and Sam will be forever touched by his grace, remarkable patience, and desire to “be there” for them.
Clare was an avid outdoors man in the great Canadian sense. Yearly fishing and hunting trips with family and friends were an annual joy. Algonquin Park became a personal back yard. As a man from solid farming stock, he appreciated the land and what it could provide. Simple things like a good tomato, a sweet onion, a perfect pepper, and finding the best corn made him happy. He could catch fish like no other and would fillet the good ones for breakfast.
As he grew older, such adventures went the way toward more family time at the cottage, winter time in Florida, an evening of bridge, maintaining his excellent golf skills, keeping a pristine lawn, and love for those around him. A man who was not settled with just one hole-in-one, he had his last at the annual family golf event at age 83. He was there for many a Leaf victory, including their last cup win in ‘67 and always held out hope for another.
Alas, his was a life so well lived that all who came to know him, came to love and respect him. That is the real victory of a great man.
For Clare and Joan, their devoted 63 years partnership was God’s blessing. His life continues in the presence of the Lord.
Family and friends will be received at the Otterville United Church, 231 Main Street East, Otterville ON, on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1:30 pm. for a Memorial Service. Private Family Interment was held prior to the Service at the Otterville Cemetery. Reception to be held following the service in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, notes of condolences may be sent to the family, or planting a memorial tree in memory of Clare Thomas Arthur.