CLARK
It is with extreme sadness that the family of Perry Michael Clark age 60 announce his passing on December 18, 2023 in St. Joe’s Hospice surrounded by loved ones. Perry was born November 2, 1963 in Fort William, Ontario to Laurie and Arlene Clark. He was the youngest of 3 children. Perry was raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario on West Donald Street.
He was educated at St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Pat’s and graduating from Westgate High. At age 20 Perry boarded a train to further his education in Toronto at George Brown College, where he obtained his Red Seal Cook Certificate. Initially he apprenticed and worked at the Red Oak Inn, eventually becoming head chef and mentoring many others. He became a partner with Lawrence Dika at Domino’s Pizza for a few years eventually selling his half. In 1999, Perry moved to Winnipeg to accept a job as executive chef at the Bridgeport Restaurant. That led to him purchasing the restaurant with his partner Dean Duff renaming the restaurant Brio. The restaurant was featured in many articles around Winnipeg and Perry would appear on a Winnipeg morning show demonstrating his skills. He took great pride in that adventure. In 2009 the restaurant was sold and he moved back to Thunder Bay working at the DaVinci when in 2012 Aramark Food Services was hiring an executive chef at the University of Manitoba for which Perry was offered the job. After 3 years at the University of Manitoba he was able to transfer back to Thunder Bay to the same position at Lakehead University until he retired. After retiring he went on to work at Superior Foods and TBCC until his health started to decline.
By his side for 23 years in work and home was his partner Fran Dubois. They tirelessly worked side by side at the restaurant taking great pride in their craft. He was devastated when she passed and had to become one again.
While living in Winnipeg, Perry would become excited and enjoyed when family and friends came to visit and always opening their home for anyone to stay with them.
In his younger years music was his greatest interest even taking drum lessons and forming a band named Pegasus with his lifetime friends Rob Jeff Kelly John. Rush and Kiss were his favourite rock groups and he was able to see both of them in concert. He also enjoyed auto racing, golfing, baseball and cheering on his Chicago Bears and the Winnipeg Jets. Family dinners and card games namely Russian Rummy were special to Perry as well often resulting in a lot of laughs and a few arguments.
His sense of humour and wit was unique to him always able to joke with a straight face and cheer up someone’s day with a few words. He had nicknames for most people and many had a nickname for him as well. All in terms of endearment. He was special to a lot of people over the years here in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg and will be missed by friends family and co-workers. A lot of us have some skill or knowledge in the kitchen that was demonstrated to us by Perry. He loved his chosen career and was very talented.
Perry is survived by sister Susan (Daniel) Chepil, nephews Michael and Ian ( Ally) Clark, niece Emily Chepil, great nephew Mason Clark, cousin Bobby Duncan and family.
He was predeceased by his partner Fran Dubois, Parents Laurie and Arlene Clark, brother Patrick Clark, grandparents Rita and Cam Clark, grandmother Pearl Selkirk, aunt and uncle Pat and Ken Duncan, uncle James Selkirk, cousins Billy and Brian Duncan and his beloved dog Cammie.
As per Perry’s wishes no service will be held. Cremation has taken place and interment and celebration will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank all staff at TBRHSC and St. Joe’s Hospital for their care and compassion towards Perry. It did not go unnoticed and was very much appreciated.
You are at peace now - You deserve it.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
