July 10, 1921 - February 7, 2022
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Clarence peacefully in his sleep at Arbour Trails in Guelph in his 101st year.
He was born in Vineland and predeceased by his parents Ellwood and Lottie Comfort, siblings Rodger (Myrtle), Elva (Francis Moyer), Ralph (Margaret), Helen (Hugh Arthur), Eldon (Elizabeth), Maurice (Jean), and grandson Chris Fletcher.
He is survived by his bride of 71 years, Dorothy (nee Oakes) and daughters Linda Myers (Robert), Sharon Fletcher, and Beverly (Jim Craig).
He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Brendan Myers (Andrea Lobel), Nuala Reilly (Shawn), Niamh Webster (Andrew), Roisin Derbis (Bartek), Bridget Gole (Terry), Ciaran Myers (Angela), Turlough Myers (Krystal Moss), Jude Fletcher (Wendy), Dawn Percher (Cam) and Elliot Craig (Krista), as well as 22 great grandchildren. He maintained a strong relationship with his “Little Brother” Mike McCabe who will miss his mentor and friend. Clarence blessed his extended family with his knowledge, mentorship, and love, from their earliest youth to their formative years and beyond. He instilled a respect for nature, lifelong learning, and determination.
Clarence was a proud veteran of the RCAF 409 Beaufighter Squadron during WW2 working as an Engine Mechanic stationed on airdromes overseas. Returning from war, he finished his education to become a teacher all while raising a family and farming in Eramosa Township. As a teacher and principal, he believed that learning should be fun but also had high expectations. He loved to laugh and made a lasting impact on his young students who benefitted from his respectful, positive nature. He enjoyed coaching, music and his famous “Sweat Night” for the grade 6 boys.
He sang in church choirs and volunteered many years with the Scouts and Big Brothers as well as summers at the YM-YWCA Camp Nagiwa. He retired from teaching with the Wellington County Board in 1980 to build their dream home and start a maple syrup business in Ayton which they ran for 15 years. They returned to Guelph to reside at the Arboretum and later Arbour Trails.
Our family would like to thank the staff at The Village of Arbour Trails but particularly the PSWs who cared for Clarence with dignity, respect, and compassion. They filled his final days with smiles.
Cremation has taken place. Our thanks to Scott Young at Wall-Custance Funeral Home for his support and guidance. A Celebration of Life to take place at a later date when we can gather with private interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Big Brothers of Canada would be appreciated.
"In his memoirs Clarence wrote, 'Life after death is the effect that we leave to those that follow.'. In that spirit, we who loved him shall remember him, and miss him."
A tree will be planted in memory of Clarence M. Comfort in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.