Dec 16, 1963 - Mar 26, 2018
Gregory 'Greg' Patrick Clark fought a valiant and courageous battle against cancer, and he never gave up. Two days before God called him home to heaven, he politely informed the charge nurse he wasn't palliative, and his next course of action was planned for the following week; radiation treatment in Kelowna.
Greg was a complete optimist, and everyone he knew admired his tenacity and spirit. Greg's faith was strong, but his battle sadly ended on March 26th, 2018, in Vernon, BC, surrounded by his devoted wife, Joy, his beloved Mom, Leah, and friends to the beautiful song, 'I Can Only Imagine'. Born on December 16th, 1963 in Toronto, Ontario, Greg always said he made the wise move to Vancouver at two years of age.
After a wonderful childhood full of hot wheels, dirt biking, hockey, golf, and family adventures, he graduated on the honour roll from St. George's School in 1981, after forging friendships that lasted his lifetime. Greg went on to study at UBC, achieving his Bachelor of Commerce in 1986, and then his Bachelor of Laws in 1989, attaining the highest possible score on his BC bar examination. Greg became a Global Business Advisor, International Corporate Lawyer, Speaker, Educator, and an Entrepreneur.
Greg was 'called to the bar' in Bermuda, so he enjoyed life there with his family for a couple years. One early morning while running, he was inspired to shift gears from law, and make a difference in children's lives in the education sector. Coincidentally, the following day a friend asked him if he could help start a school. So he went back to Vancouver in 1995 and started West Point Grey Academy. Following that he went on to be the founder and consultant of 13 private schools, including being the Co-founder and Director of the Centre for Arts and Technology Okanagan (and Halifax). Greg's career path was interesting and diverse, and often his hobbies and passions blended with his expertise.
Greg loved running, golf, tennis, hockey, guitar and piano playing, traveling, collecting art, and painting. Greg started, and owned Marshall Clark Galleries in Tsawwassen. He loved to tie in culture, fun, and events together, but believed in education most of all. He made sure that golf, sports, and the arts were of paramount value in the curriculum of his schools, and his life. Greg also worked at Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Head Office, in Vancouver, BC as VP National Brokerage Operations, and General Counsel.
While the incredible list of accomplishments goes on, the most important part of Greg's life was raising and sharing time with his four cherished children. They were his heart, and they were his inspiration to fight. The Clark family enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Hawaii in December of 2014; Greg revelled in those memories, and in all his special family times including the 108 Mile Ranch.
Greg is survived by his loving wife Joy Case of Vancouver, BC; his dear Mom, Leah Meeker (Stepfather Howie) of Parksville, BC; his former wife, and Mother of their children, Christina Clark of Whiterock, BC; the lights of his life, their children, Karmen, Nicholas, Alyssa, and Cameron of Whiterock, BC; his dear brother Ian Clark (Debbie) of Parksville, BC; Aunt Norma Clark of West Vancouver; Uncle John Tanton (Barbara) of West Vancouver, BC; Uncle Ron Tanton (Joanne) of Halifax, NS; and Aunt Susan Wilson (George) of Kelowna, BC.
Greg was predeceased by his beloved Father, Donald Clark of Vancouver, BC; and Grandparents Anne & Norman Clark of West Vancouver, BC; and Georgie & Ben Tanton of Qualicum Beach, BC; and his Uncle Joseph Kennedy of West Vancouver, BC.
Special thanks are given to the medical professionals that fought through obstacles to strive to save Greg's life. Deep gratitude is given to the large and loving community of family and friends that rallied around Greg and Joy to support them through this challenging journey.
To honour Greg Clark, please join us at one of two Celebrations Of Life. In Vernon, BC on Saturday, April 7th, 2018 at Neil Erickson's Gallery, 964 Pottery Road from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. In Vancouver, BC on Monday, May 21st, 2018 at the Point Grey Golf & Country Club, 3350 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver BC from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.
As an expression of sympathy and love, please kindly feel free to make a donation in Greg's honour, to a special fund to benefit his children that will enable them to follow their passions and dreams (information to be provided at time of service). 'I have to leave my heart and go away to a land across the farest sea, but my thoughts will always be by you. If I should never come, don't cry in vain. Aloha-oe - aloha -oe... until we meet again.'
Funeral arrangements are with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD. bethelchapel@uniserve.com 1.250.542.1187.
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.