Obituary of Jerry Stanfield Clarke

It is with profound sadness that the family of Jerry Stanfield Clarke announce his passing at the Veteran’s Health Unit on June 8, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Dora (Kent) and Frederick Clarke and the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Dr. Dawne Clarke (Dr. Stephen Pidwysocky), his son Jerry A. Clarke (Shelly Francis), chosen son Norman B. Merry, and his adult grandchildren, Meredyth, Keith and Emily (Jesseb). He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Janet (Flemming) Clarke (R.N.), his brother Frederick Keith Clarke, and his daughter-in-law Kathryn Neilsen Clarke.

Janet was the love of Jerry’s life, and although they experienced life’s ups and downs, their devotion to one another never wavered. Shortly after their marriage in 1963, Jerry and Janet moved to Germany during his service in the Canadian Armed Forces—a time he fondly and often referred to as their “three-year honeymoon.”

Jerry served his country with pride, carrying that same sense of dedication into his life after military service. Following his retirement from the Armed Forces, he pursued a variety of occupations before concluding his working life as a Commissionaire at the Fredericton International Airport, where he was known for his reliability and professionalism.

After Janet and family, Jerry’s greatest passions were music and animals. He was a gifted musician with a remarkable ability to play almost any stringed instrument he picked up. Over the years, he owned and cherished several acoustic and electric guitars, each one reflecting his deep and enduring love for music. He was particularly skilled on the pedal and lap steel guitars, spending many happy hours immersed in making music, crafting beautiful melodies and harmonies that brought him and those around him great joy. For him, music was more than a hobby—it was a source of peace, expression, and connection. Those who had the privilege of hearing him play experienced not only his talent, but also the warmth and sincerity he poured into every note. His passion for music was a defining part of his life and identity, and it remains a meaningful part of the legacy he leaves behind.

His love of animals was unparalleled, and he and Janet had many four-legged loved ones, including dogs Mittens, Lady, Shadow and Mandy. In his later years, acknowledging that he could no longer “properly” look after a dog, he experienced great joy from Dawne and Jerry’s many dogs and cats. In his final years, he was particularly close to “His Boy” Atticus, who looked forward to Papa’s Saturday visits to Dawne and Stephen’s, which later became Atticus’ twice-weekly visits with Papa at the VHU.

Jerry was an intelligent and curious man who found great pleasure in reading, a lifelong passion he proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was also an avid sports fan, with a particular love for hockey, baseball, and golf. As children, Dawne and Jerry spent many summer evenings caddying for their father—whether they were eager volunteers or not—creating memories that would long be remembered with (some) fondness and humour.

Jerry’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff at the VHU, who provided Jerry care, compassion, and support, adeptly maneuvering around his fierce independence, his refusal to ask for any assistance and his pride, that remained until the very end.

At Jerry’s request, a private graveside service with family and close friends will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate in his name to the Oromocto SPCA, the Pine Grove Foundation, or a charity of your choice.