The family of Darwin Wark announces with great sadness the passing of our beloved, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
After a brief illness, he passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospice, with his loving family by his side, many of whom traveled from all corners of the country to show their love and admiration to a man who touched their lives in profound ways.
Darwin was born on March 11, 1933 in Minnedosa Manitoba, and spent his childhood in Franklin Manitoba. He moved to Fort William in 1951 at the age of 18 where he got a job at the Grain Elevators and later worked as Icemaker manager at the Curl-a-drome. Curling was a lifelong passion for Darwin.
His love for the sport began in Franklin, and continued at the Fort William Curling Club, where in 1959 he represented Northern Ontario at the Brier in Quebec City. During the summer months, Darwin coached little league baseball in Westfort for over 20 years. Truly, all sports were a major part of his life.
He joined St. Thomas Anglican Church where he was involved in the Sunday School for 60 years. His work there was of the utmost importance to him, rarely missing a Sunday over the 6 decades. This is where he met the love of his life, Ruth Martin. Together they raised their five children at 136 North Maplewood Street, where he still resided until his last days.
Darwin is survived by his children, Paddy (Barb), Karen (Kurt Widmeyer), Darcy (Camille), Tracy (Bruce Kennedy), and Kevin (Annie), grandchildren Brennan (Amanda), Keenan, Erin, Kelly (Jarerd Prevost), Kiel and Katie Widmeyer (Jason), Sarah, Hollee (Matt Ferrera), Lizz, Ginni, Chantel, Lisa (Brian Adams), Phil Kennedy (Mallory), Archer and Dashiell, great-grandchildren Gavin and Madison Prevost, Hendrix and Kingston Ferrara, Brian Adams III, Ava Kennedy, sister Dianne (Barney Johnson), nephew David (Katie), brother Larry (Lori), and countless other extended family members, including his much loved cats Sassy and Penny.
Predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Ruth, parents Jim and Patricia Wark, grandson Matthew Kennedy, and niece Shannon Johnson.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday May 7, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Thomas Anglican Church, with Rev. Doug McClure officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Friends are invited to drop in on Friday from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the family home at 136 North Maplewood St. If friends so desire, donations to St. Thomas Sunday School or the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, or to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Darwin Wark’s endless love of humanity extended to all creatures, big and small.
Darwin Wark will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017
