On April 9, 2018, Brian James Clarke, age 58, passed away peacefully and quietly, as was his nature, at home where he most loved to be if he wasn’t working, curling or being with his family and friends. Loved husband and partner in life of Barb Down, Dad of the “J-Clarke” girls, Justine, Janelle, Jillian and Jaimee. Father-in-law of Shayne. Grandpa of Cohen, Bria, and Sawyer. Brother and Brother-in-law of Brent and Lori, Lynn and Joe, Patti and John, Cyndi and Brian, and Deb and Dave. Dear son of Betty and Art Clarke, and son-in-law of Bob Down. Predeceased by preemies Brian Down-Clarke, Hudson Lloyd Mudge, and his mother-in-law Pat Down.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Private family funeral service will be held on Friday. Cremation with interment, Exeter Cemetery.
Donations to Brain Tumour Foundation, South Huron Hospital Foundation-Jessica’s House, or South Huron Community Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Katharine McEwen
I didn’t hear about Brian untill recently. He was my agent for a long time and I’ll miss him. Not a nicer man on the planet and gone far too soon. Please accept my condolences.
Doug and Noreen Smith and kids
The Smith/ Riley-Smith/ Hill family would like to express their deepest condolences on the loss of Brian. He was a kind and friendly fellow who loved his family and his friends.
Janelle Martin
Clarke Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss!! Thinking of and praying for you all.
Tom Hartai
Barb and family
On behalf of my family, please accept our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Brian was so well loved by all his girls and our great community. A true family man.
He faced his Brain Tumour journey with grace,courage and dignity.
Find comfort in knowing that there are so many people that will miss him dearly.
God’s Blessings to you and your girls. He will comfort you in the days to come.
Tom,Nancy,Katie and Michael Hartai
Ben and Barb Dietrich
We just recently heard of Brian’s passing and were deeply saddened to receive this news. We have some wonderful memories of Brian from our Anne Street days!! Many hugs and prayers are being sent to all.
Catherine Paul
How saddened we are to hear of Brian’s passing. Remember the happy times and keep your precious memories close – he was regarded so highly by all who knew him. Thinking of all of you. David and Cathie Paul
J. Strang
Brian was always helpful, kind, and quick with a smile. It was a pleasure to know him through his work and through our families. So sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Strang
Deb Vasselin
Art, Betty, Brent and Lynn:
So shocked to see the loss of Brian so young. My deepest condolences and prayers for comfort at this time. I have so many great memories of Brian as a solid member of the “Ann Street gang” !
Deb Vasselin (Potter)
Brian & Ruth Westelaken
Dear Barb,
We are so sad to hear of Brian’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Brian was a real gentleman, and will be missed by all.
May the Lord give you and your family strength during this diffucult time.
Please know that you have our love thoughts and prayers.
Brian and Ruth
Jackie Westelaken
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Barb. You and your daughters are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the strength, love, and support of friends and family, along with loving memories will be of some comfort for you and your family.
The Lord Family
Dear Barb and Family
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Dick and Deb Lord and Family
Patti Davis
Lynn and Joe, Lori and Deb
I am sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Cherish your memories, may they help to sustain you at this difficult time.
Helen Bateman
Barb & Family
We were saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. Your memories will keep Brian with you always. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Helen, Bruce and Maggie
Ann Baynham
Thinking of You and Your Family Barb. Remember your wonderful family memories.
Ann Baynham
Lori Bennett
Brian was our trusted insurance agent…always went above and beyond! He will surely be missed! My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family.
Catherine Davison
So sorry for your loss. My sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. So sad. Brian was a wonderful, kind and gentle person. He will be missed.
Jim and Ruth Ann Chrysler
Dear Aunt Betty and Uncle Art:
We send our sincere sympathy to both of you and the rest of the family. We will be thinking of you.
Love
Jim and Ruth Ann
Robert and Pearl Dougall
Barb, Justine, Janelle, Jillian & Jaimee
We were saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. Our thoughts are with you in the days and weeks ahead.
The Hunter's
What a loss to his family, his friends and to the community, but we are fortunate to have known Brian. To the Clarke and Down families, please know that you are in our thoughts, and that we share in your sorrow.
Mike, Deb, Michelle and Molly
Sandi Bergmann
Barb, Justine, Janelle, Jillian & Jaimee
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your Husband and Father. Please accept our warmest thoughts to help support you during these times.
Sandi and Ken Bergmann
Bob Simpson and Joanne Rowcliffe
For Barb and your daughters,
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your beloved.
Thinking of you through this very sad time.
Joanne Rowcliffe and Bob Simpson
Kerry Manders
Dear Barb and family —
I was so sad to hear of Brian’s passing. Like Sheryl and the rest of the “Shell girls,” I have great memories of Brian as my first boss at the gas station in Exeter (around 1990, if memory serves)–he was professional but loved a good joke laugh/joke, perfectionist but forgiving if we messed up (sometimes we did!). When I think of Brian, it’s always with memories of the work ethic he embodied and the high standards he set, the value of saving money he instilled, the pride he took in jobs well done. Couldn’t ask for more from a first job, a first boss. And, Barb, I have fond memories of the parties you and Brian hosted at your place for the whole Shell gang — so fun! I’m thinking of you all and sending my deepest sympathies. – Kerry Manders
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene
Dear Barb, Justine, Janelle, Shayne, Jillian, Jaimee, Clarke & Down Families:
It is with saddened hearts that we are sending our sincerest sympathies to you on the loss of your dear husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather “Brian”. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family at this difficult time. Brian was truly a special, wonderful and kind-hearted man who dearly loved his family, friends, neighbours & co-workers. He will be forever missed by those who had the pleasure to have known him.
Brian fought a courageous battle and was taken way to young.
May your cherished memories put a smile on your face and comfort you through these difficult days ahead. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Rest in Peace Brian.
Hugs and Prayers.
Clare & Brenda Martene & Family
John and Linda Wuerth
So sorry to hear about Brian. He was such a good family man and loved you and your girls. He will be greatly missed but cherish your memories. You have our Deepest Sympathy
Margaret Brintnell
To All of Brian’s Family
Sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was certainly a wonderful person. May God provide extra strength at this difficult time now and in the days to come. He was just too young.
Margaret Brintnell
Ken and Kim Pinder
Barb and your J girls
So very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. By your pictures, Brian packed a lot into his life and your family. Thinking of the Down-Clarke at this very sad time.
Ken, Kim and our K girls
Mary Peterson and Rob Essery
Barb,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Brian’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your girls and all in the Clarke and Down families at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Jack & Elaine Chipchase
Our sincere sympathy to each of you at this very sad time
Scot Morgan & Judy Parsons
To the Clarke and Down Families. Our deepest sympathy to each of you at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with each if you. Scot Morgan & Judy Parsons
Marg Deichert
Barb & Family, Sending hugs and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this sad and difficult time.
Marg Deichert
Elaine Corbett
Our deepest sympathies to you and your families. Cherish your memories to help you through this difficult time! Wayne, Elaine, Jason Corbett, Dawn and Jeff Abell
Tom, Bev and Mercedes
To you Barb , Justine, Janelle, Jillian , Jaimee and extended family we send our very sincere and deepest condolences. As mayor of the Victoria Street community, Brian is the only politician I know of who had 100 % support from his constituents. A great guy and a great family!
Jennifer Ramsay
I am saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Brian for a few years and he was such a kind and gentle man. He had had taught me much in the years that I had worked with him. My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. May you find peace.
Stephanie, Josh Dougall
We were so saddened to hear. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Josh, Stephanie, Grant and Mallory Dougall
Carole Preece
To the Clarke & Down family,
Our sincere condolences in the loss of such an outstanding individual.
He will be missed by his immediate family, his co-workers, and the community.
May he rest in peace…..hopefully there will be a curling game “up there”
Carole & Al Preece
Jim & Betty Deblock
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing . Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families . Brian will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
Wibbina Toonk
Dear Barb and family. I am so shocked to just see that Brian has passed away. We didn’t talk often but you all were in my thoughts often. Brian fought a tough battle but may you find peace in knowing he no longer suffers . My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wibbina Toonk
Ann Gray
To Betty and Art. So sorry to hear about Brians passing.
Brenda & Greg Dayman
Barb,Justine,Janelle,Jillian,Jaime, Clarke & Down Families
So sadden to hear of Brian’s passing. He was such a great guy & was a pleasure to work with! My heart breaks that his Grandchildren will miss out on his Wisdom & Knowledge. He will be missed by so many. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Thinking of you all.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Barb and girls, Art and Betty and families.
Sorry to learn of Brian’s passing, he was a gentleman in work and play and will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dave Robinson
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I have many great memories with Brian from playing road hockey to working together at IGA and more recently as a neighbour to my Mom and Dad on Victora. He was a great neighbour and my Dad had a lot of respect for Brian and his work ethic. As Greg and Carrie mentioned, he was the mayor of Victoria street. My thoughts are with the Clarke-Down family. Rest in peace Cy.
Dave, Catherine, Owen and Ella
Nina Knee
Barb, and Family,
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your at this difficult time. May your memories carry you through the rough times.
Sincerely, Nina, Ryan, Justin Knee and family
MJ Chanyi
To the Clark & Down families, it is with sadness I send you sympathy & hugs at this very sad time. Memories do help. I will miss chatting with Brian at the golf course this summer. MJ Chanyi
Patti Lovecky ( Robinson)
Dear Barb and family,
I was so saddened to hear about Brian.
Mom and Dad thought the world of him and he was always watching out for them as their
health declined.
I know there are no words to express, that will make this any easier for all of you.
Keeping you in thought and prayer.
Marlyn Wein & Randy Witherspoon
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences.
Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul.
Easy Building Products
Our deepest sympathy to all Brian’s family and friends, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting and knowing Brian through his work and we enjoyed his visits, chats about his family, professionalism and his quiet unassuming ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
All the staff at Easy Building Products
Kelly Livingstone, Jeff, Kennedy and Kassidy Warren
Barb and Family,
Sending you are deepest sympathies on Brian’s passing. I have fond memories of Brian from our young years of snowmobiling, to working at the gas station and to most recently, our family’s memories of the girls’ hockey events. Brian had such a witty sense of humour and an infectious laugh that we will always remember. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
RIP Brian.
Jeff, Kelly, Kennedy and Kassidy
Sheryl Oke-Infanti
To Barb and his girls and the entire Clarke and Down families,
I am sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a great first boss, wonderful insurance guy and all round community and family man. I have fond memories of my time working a Shell in High School. Brian was a very soft spoken man with a good sense of humour. My heart felt condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Sheryl, Jim , Nathan and Kathryn (Oke-Infanti)
Robert and Sharon Dale
Dear Barb and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep dear Brian close to your heart and he will always be with you. He had the best smile and always had time to chat.
Sharon and Robert Dale
Kenzie and Starr Currie
We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. We were truly blessed to have him as a neighbor. Brian went out of his way many times to lend us a helping hand, words of wisdom and encouragement while doing repairs on our house. Cherish the beautiful memories you have of him and let them get you through this difficult time and please know that you are in our thoughts.
Larry and Lynne Lewis
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at the very difficult time. We were always greeted with a gentle smile when we passed by your house on our many walks. Thinking of you, Larry, Lynne , Morgan and Brooke Lewis
Larry Shapton
Dear Barb and Family, We were sorry to hear of Brian’s passing and would like to offer our sincere condolences to all of you at this time. Most Sincerely, Winston Shapton and Larry & Donna Shapton
Joyce Black
Sincere sympathy to Barb and family, and the Clarke and Down families in the passing of Brian. So very sorry and he will be missed by all who knew him. Take care and thinking of you all in the days and weeks ahead.
Strang
Barb, and the “J” girls (ladies)
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Brian was always a kind caring soul, he will be deeply missed. Hugs and prayers to you and your loved ones during this very difficult time.
Becky, Will and Maddy Strang
George and Sue Wilson
Barb and girls, Art ,Betty and family, Bob and family, we are very saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a friendly man, kind, and gentle spoken with a big sense of humour. Exeter has lost one of its finest gentleman. Cherish your wonderful memories. May you find peace and comfort. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson
Elizabeth (Kerslake) Patterson
Barb,
Deepest sympathies to you and the girls. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Steve Johns
Barb -I’m so sorry to learn about Brian , a great person , lots of fun memories , starting back in grade nine …
My thoughts are with you and your famiy
Steve
Evelyn Vincent
Barb and family,
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Brian was such a gentle man and will be missed by many. Many God grant peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Don and Edith Lewis & Family
Our condolences to you all.
Cherish the lovely memories.
Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
The Tuckey’s
Barb, Justine, Janelle, Jillian and Jaimee
With heavy hearts we send our condolences.
Please know we are thinking of you all!
Mark, Karen & Claire
Marilyn Waldeck
Barb
It saddened me to hear of the loss of Brian and my prayers are with you and all the family at this difficult time. He was too young and will be missed deeply by a lot of friends and family.
Sandra Newton
Dear Barb,
Losing your husband so soon is a huge heartache. You’re close in my thoughts. My deepest sympathy to you and the Down and Clarke families at this painful time.
Susan Lenk Sabourin
I am truly sad to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a wonderful loving and giving man. Always ready to help where he could from which I (and family) greatly benefited through the years. May your memories of Brian help you through this difficult time.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Susan
George Finch
Our deepest condolences to all of you. Brian was a fantastic person, friend and great family man. He will be missed by all.
George and Nancy Jane Finch and family
Steve & Annette Gilbert
My deepest sympathies to you. I enjoyed curling with Brian for a few years, he always made me smile. He was a true competitor in the sport and I feel honored to have known him. There are no words to help but please know how loved he was, he will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you, I’m truly sorry to hear of his passing.
Jeff DeBlock
Clarke and Down families,
Sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Thinking of your familes during this time. Deepest sympathy,
Jeff
Keys Family
We are very sorry to hear of Brian passing. Our thoughts are with your family at this most difficult time .
Dave, Shelly and Rachelle Keys
John and Wendi Schwindt
So very sorry to hear this…it was so obvious how much he loved his girls- the J-girls and Barb. Will never forget his presence at EUC….a Shepherd and a Wiseman and a loving father.
Steve and Kim Baynham
Please accept our deepest sympathies of the loss of your husband, dad and grandpa and childhood buddy
may the memories you treasure bring you comfort.
Sincerely
Steve and Kim Baynham and family
Jo
So very sorry to hear this…it was so obvious how much he loved his girls- the J-girls and Barb. Will never forget his presence at EUC….a Shepherd and a Wiseman.
John and Wendi Schwindt
So very sorry to hear this…it was so obvious how much he loved his girls- the J-girls and Barb. Will never forget his presence at EUC….a Shepherd and a Wiseman.
Barb and Lorne Turnbull
Barb and Lorne Turnbull
Our deepest sympathy to all your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.. Sending you lots of hugs to you all.
Al and Vickie Harvey
To the Clarke family our sincerest sympathy
Brian always was a great man to deal with
He will be missed
Deb & Steve Overholt
Dear Barb and family
I give you all my deepest condolences. Brian was a good, kind, gentle man. He taught me a lot of things when I worked with him. He was always calm and kind and informative…he loved his job and we could all tell by his dedication to his clients.
I want to thank him for all the times he supported me through our time working together.
Please hold on to all those good memories you have made as a family…treasure them forever.
Hugs to all of you today and always…he was courageous and so was his family.
Deb and Steve Overholt
Bill/Audrey Rowe
Sincere sympathy to each if you at this very sad and difficult time.Our thoughts and prayers are with each if you. Bill and Audrey
Kim Prance
Barb and family
I am so sorry to hear about your sadness. I feel like your family has gone through so much grief. Know you have the friendship and support from your neighbours close and far!! In our thoughts.
Kim and Earl Gibson
Pam and Paul allen
Barb and girls
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Brian. Please know you are in my thoughts during this difficult.
Jim and Mary Dougall
Brian you will definitely be missed. You were a great boss to two of our kids and a great friend to both Jim and I .
Marg Pavkeje
Dear Clarke and Down families,
I am so sorry to hear about Brian. He was such a great guy who is gone way to soon. He was a wonderful friend and boss and will be missed.
Hugs to all of you.
Margie ‘Hun’
Steve & Sue Cooper
Barb and family
We are sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joy Lajoie-Cowell
So very sorry to hear of your family’s loss.
Mike and Kelsey MacLean
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all.
Mike and Kelsey MacLean
Marg Williamson
Justine & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please except my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May beautiful memories help you through the difficult days, months and years ahead. Sincerely Marg Williamson
Lynne Dobson
Dear Barb and family,
My sympathy to the entire family. Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Lynne
Amber Cooper & Family
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time Barb, Justine, Janelle, Jillian, Jaimee and Art & Betty.
Jan Easton
We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. We are thinking of you all and especially on Thursday and Friday! Prayers and Blessings!
Jan and Doug Easton
Wendy Becker
Sending deepest sympathies to you all. Brian will be greatly missed. Such an wonderful man with a kind heart. Thinking about you all. Hugs Wendy and Family
Keith , Kim Hurman and family
Very sorry to hear of Brian passing, our condolences to all of the family , he will be truly missed by everyone that was lucky enough to meet him.
Bob & Sharon Pavkeje and family
Sending our love and sympathy to your family.
Ena de Haan
0h dear Barb and girls ,
What a shock to read this not knowing Brian had gotten worse maybe. ….Am teary-eyed over his leaving at too young an age! May you all find comfort, peace and much love in the near future .
Hugs,
Ena de Haan
Kim Hern
Clarke and Down Families, We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a wonderful person. A proud family man. A wonderful friend. A great boss. Hugs and Prayers to all. Kim and Kevin Hern
Mussers
We are sadden to hear of Brian’s passing. He truly loved his family. Our community has lost a good one. Thoughts and prayers. Jeff ,Cathy,Carla and Cam Musser
Mary Ann Craner
Dear Barb and ” his girls”.
I remember years back when Brian called me about our son who managed to get a few speeding tickets. He called one day and started the conversation with Mary Ann its about Kyle. Such a kind soft spoken man that I gained alot of respect for in my years of dealing with him.
Thinking of you guys. Take Care.
Paula Dunn
My sympathy to Brian’s family. I enjoyed many years working with Brian. A gentle and kind man who was proud and loved his family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Waynne and Willi Charlton
Barb and girls…
We are so saddened to hear the news of Brian’s passing. May it help to know we are thinking of all of you, during this very difficult time.
Wth sympathy and caring.
Lori Baker
Barb, Justine, Janelle, Jillian & Jaimee
So very sorry to learn of Brian’s passing — taken too soon for sure.
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Clarke Down families.
Brad, Lori and Marley Baker
Jenalyn and Matt Ignor
Kathy Kirk
Dear Barb and family,
My heartfelt sympathy to all.. Brian (and Barb) were the best back yard neighbours anyone could ask for.. My thoughts are with you… Always remember his smile and laughter.. it will help you through this difficult time..
Joan Finkbeiner
Barb and family: Going to miss a great neighbor friend. Thinking of you at this time. Cherish all the great memories and times you had.
Ross Long
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing.It was always a pleasure to work with Brian. A great family man taken to soon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and your family.
Ross & Wendy
Kendra &Gord Craig
Sympathies to your entire family…
The Parsons
Barb, Justine, Janelle, Shayne, Jillian, Jaimee, Clarke and Down families,
We are truly heartbroken. We know Brian is in a better place where he will be his old self again. We have lost a true friend and neighbor, Victoria Street has lost their Mayor. We have many memories of happy times spent together throughout the past 30+ years. Sending heartfelt thoughts, prayers and hugs to all.
Greg & Carrie
Cassie, Blair & Cali
Sherrie Broderick/Larry Ballantyne
Dear Barb and Family,
Sending you my deepest sympathy and prayers. I know it hurts and my heart aches for you…
Denise Troyer & Ralph Batten
We are truly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. Brian was such a kind and loving person and will be missed by so many. Sending love and hugs to all…
Denise & Ralph
Lloyd and Carol Moore
Lakes Wales, Florida. Our deepest sympathy Barb and girls. He was a special guy and father!!!!
Wendy Meidinger
Sincere sympathy to all families, our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Special hugs for Justine, Cohen & Bria
Love Wendy Meidinger & Les Coleman
Tara
Truly heartbroken. My deepest sympathy Barb, Justine, Janelle, Jillian & Jaimee.
The Riddells
Deepest sympathy to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs
Susan, Maddison, Mitch and Rose
Susan Oke
I am so sorry to hear about Brian. He was taken too soon. You have my deepest sympathy and may all your happy memories help to ease this very sad time. Susan
Irv. Armstrong
To Betty and Art this was quite a shock to read Brian’s death notice. He is. Just in prime of life.. MY thoughts are with you at this sad time. All the best to you. Irv.
Deb Campbell
So sorry to hear this news from the old neighbourhood. Brian was always great to chat with. I know you have many memories so pull them forward and celebrate them often. Thinking of you as always, a hug from here!!!
Leroy & Cheryl EDWARDS
So sorry guys He will be dearly missed! May you remember the happy times and know you are in our prayers!
carol
My deepest sympathy. Hits home so much when it is someone your own age. What a wonderful gentle soul he was / is … that’s what I remember.
Sending you all hugs and strength during this difficult time.
hugs
Carol ( nee Allen )