Sunday, February 18, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Clark family.
Rae Clark was my football coach for three years 1972-1975. During our time together he showed incredible patience in teaching me the nuances of playing quarterback. Although we never had a championship team we did improve every year with his leadership.
I also remember our frequent badminton and basketball matches (horse). He would usually crush me in badminton but more times than not I would beat him in horse.
I also remember a few times we were summoned to his office on Monday morning. We were caught drinking at the Friday night dances and he expressed his disappointment in our poor behaviour as we were supposed to set an example for the other students.
On a personal note I lived across the street from the Clark family when they lived on Lyndhurst Place. I used to babysit for them when they used to go to dances or visit friends. On one particular occasion they just had a new baby maybe a couple weeks old and I was asked to babysit. They were just leaving and as they left they said they had just put the baby down and he would be asleep at least until they got back home. Those were their famous last words, no sooner had they left and the baby started crying and I tried everything to calm him down but nothing worked. I was at my wits end so I called my mother to come over and give me a hand. She was able to calm him down within a few minutes and all was well from then on.
I also remember the football team went up to the cottage, we had a great time other than nearly freezing to death, No matter how much wood I put on the fireplace I couldn’t get warm. I guess I’m not much of an outdoorsman.
I met Rae and Ron Reesor at the Ingersoll golf club 5-6 years ago and we had a brief chat. I hadn’t seen Rae in over 20 years. I wish I could have talked to them more but they were teeing off.
It’s funny calling Rae Clark, Rae as I always called him Mr. Clark or Coach. Coach had a tremendous impact on my life. He was always patient, humble and kind. In reading his obit I never knew all his achievements as he wasn’t the type of man to brag about such things. I remember if I threw an interception or screwed up a play he would calmly explain to me what I did wrong. He never yelled at me.
I wish I kept in touch with Coach Clark as he was one of the good guys in my life. It seems like only yesterday we were playing football at South.
It’s 50 years since I last walked the halls of South. Two of my teachers have now left this world Rae Clark and Glen McDonald May they both rest in peace. You will be missed by your families, students, friends and me. My life was so much better having met you, God Bless you.
