Obituary of Ronald Clark

Ronald Eugene “Gene” Clark (Papa) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his devoted wife and family, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in his 90th year. Gene was a gentle, kind, and loving man with a great sense of humor who truly loved life. Born October 30, 1936, in Fredericton, NB, he completed Business College and shortly thereafter followed his brothers to Brantford, ON. He stepped off the train on a sunny, mild day in February 1955, making Brantford his forever home. There, he met his beloved wife Hubie, and together they planted deep roots, raising four children. He went on to first work at Cockshutt Manufacturing and then spent the next 30 years at York Farms. He loved playing bridge and became a Life Master in 1992. He loved giving back to his community and he generously donated his time to teach many others the game in addition to running two bridge clubs in Alberton and Brantford for over 20 years. He also shared his financial talent with friends and the community through his free annual tax clinics, operated from his kitchen table, as well at the senior community centre. Gene also had a lifelong passion for horses and horse racing, spending countless hours in the barns and at the racetracks, proudly co-owning horses with his son Bentley, and other cherished friends. Above all, Gene loved his family. He is survived by his soulmate of nearly 69 years, Hubie; sons Ralph (Judith), Bentley, and John (Deb); daughter Kimberley (Barry); grandchildren Sarah, Raechel (Matt), Mitchell, Bailey (Jeff), and Clark; great-grandchildren Hunter and Madison; and sister Marlene (Bet). Those he leaves behind are forever grateful for his wisdom, love, and the example of a life well lived. A devoted grandparent, Gene took great joy in supporting every achievement, game, and challenge his family faced. He valued education deeply and will carry on his legacy through his generous gift of donation of his body to McMaster University Health Sciences, where he will be lovingly known as "Professor Gene", and help teach others about human anatomy. He loved country music, card games, hockey, baseball, and CFL football. Though his dream of playing professional hockey ended early, he remained a lifelong fan and supporter - still swinging a bat from his wheelchair with his son-in-law Barry, granddaughter Bailey, and her husband, Jeff and grandson Clark, waiting for his call up from the Blue Jays until the very end. Living with late stage Parkinson’s disease, Gene spent his final four and a half years at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre. The move during COVID was not easy, but Gene was never alone. Each day, he was surrounded by the steady love of his devoted wife and family, along with the kindness of the staff at St. Joseph’s. We offer our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who walked alongside Gene with such kindness and compassion who, over time, became a true extension of his family. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Details will follow. Donations to the Parkinson's Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Gene in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.