Clark, Philip (Age 77, Goderich)

On September 8th, 2025, Philip Fordyce Clark passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, in his 78th year. Despite 30 years of significant health challenges and health scares, Phil was a man of quick wit, tenacious determination (or sheer stubbornness) and a heart as big as the farm he worked for most of his life. It was that same determination that carried him through life with a smile and a laugh, no matter what was thrown his way. Phil was born on April 30,1948 to Irene and Fordyce Clark (predeceased). He was the baby of his family, much to the amusement of his older siblings; Mary (predeceased by Lawrence Nesbitt and Bob Whitehead), Margaret (Jim Latimer), Carolyn (predeceased by Wayne Binney) and his brother George and Peggy Buckley (predeceased).

In grade 12, he met the girl who would become his life partner for 55 years, Joan Fisher. Phil and Joan married in 1970 and Phil inherited wonderful in-laws, Arnold and Eleanor Fisher (predeceased), sister Shirley and Dan O’Brien (predeceased) and two brothers, Bruce (Gloria) and Doug (Cathy) Fisher.

Together, Phil and Joan took over the Clark family farm and raised 4 children, Alison (Wen Sluys), Susan (Chris MacIntyre), Jeff (Coralie Dykstra) and Shauna (Nic Armstrong). It was a beautiful place for a family to live and grow.

Phil was a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures; his farm and animals, especially his dogs, a good game of black jack or euchre, watching Fox News, and his pride and joy, his 10 beloved grandchildren; Cameron (Sydonay Weales), Kellen Brenner, Ryan, Eleanor and Anna MacIntyre, Isaac, Ethan, Will and Charlotte Armstrong and Olive Clark. He was always quietly (but fiercely) rooting for the people he loved. No trophies, no big speeches — just unwavering support and the kind of loyalty that meant your biggest fan might show up with half of his foot but his whole heart.

Phil’s generosity was the quiet kind, but you could trip over it everywhere. He gave freely — of his time, his wallet, his tools and machinery and his heart. If someone needed a hand, a meal, or just someone to sit with them in silence, Phil showed up.

Phil will be deeply missed by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, siblings and
in-laws, cousins, nephews and nieces (predeceased by Jennifer O’Brien and Jared Fisher) and his very dear friends.

Phil was very thankful to his wonderful- and- vast healthcare team who took such excellent care of him over the years. We are forever grateful for all of the “bonus” years.

See you in the movies.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Falconer Funeral Homes – Bluewater Chapel, 201 Suncoast Drive, East Goderich on Monday, September 15th from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 16th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon with the Celebration of Life commencing at 12:00 pm. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Earlier this year, Phil discovered that the support boot he had after his foot amputation was cost prohibitive to many people who would greatly benefit from this piece of medical equipment. It was his wish that in lieu of flowers, we collected donations so that he could provide boots for people who need it most. E-transfer of memorial donations in Phil’s memory to philsbootfund@gmail.com would be very appreciated. Additionally, donations gratefully accepted to Clinton Public Hospital and Lupus Ontario.

Messages of condolence for Phil’s family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

Categorised in: Obituaries

This post was written by jriley