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Born in Belleville – February 28th, 1940, passed away February 20th, 2026.
Son of Harold and Bessie Clarke. Husband of Linda (Sherwin) Clarke. Loving father to Ann Hawthorne, Chris Hawthorne (Becky), Bob Clarke (Sarah), Scott Clarke (Alice) and Steven Clarke (Melissa). Proud grandfather of six grandchildren. Brother of Meribeth Dunkerley (Bob), brother-in-law to the late Pat Petruk, Nancy McGrimmon and John Sherwin (Jan).
After graduating from McMaster University, Dennis began a fulfilling 36-year career teaching history at C.D.C.I. West. Dennis enriched the lives of many students in the classroom as well as through his dedication to coaching.
Dennis considered himself lucky that he settled in Cobourg, he often said it was where he was meant to be.
Thank you to Streamway Villa Staff, family, friends, the care teams – we appreciate the compassion and care that so many people have shown us.
Thank you, the Clarke Family.
If desired, memorial donations to the St. Peter’s Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Linda and Family, Margaret and I were saddened to hear of Denise’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Even though we knew you both for a short time we enjoyed our Sunday morning chats. We can see by messages from his former students what great person he was. May he rest in peace Cherish your memories Gordon Hunt
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Dear Linda, Ann, Chris, Bob, Scott, Steven & families, I was so very sorry to hear of Mr. Clarke's passing. He was one of my all-time favourite teachers and coaches. What a guy. I will always be able to see that big genuine smile and hear that mischievous giggle. As an adult, I always loved running into him around town, where we would have a great time reminiscing about the good old days at CDCI West. Sending much love to you all at this sad time. xoxo
One of the best, Mr. Clarke. Thank you for the nicest hellos in the street while I was walking / cycling down Mathew Street, to your encouraging optimism of my basketball skills coaching our CDCI East Comets basketball team. Always great chats when we had crossed paths in Cobourg.
To the Clarke Family I send condolences on your loss. Mr Clarke was an excellent history teacher as well as a great basketball coach. He once told me there are a million ways to do something wrong and very few ways to do it right and to concentrate on doing it right. A lesson that helped score points in basketball games as well as in life. RIP Rocky!
Linda and Family; so sorry for the sad news of Dennis's passing. Our thoughts are with you through this very difficult time. Bill and Wendy
Sincere condolences to Linda and family. Mr. Clarke was one of my favourite teachers at CDCI West. It is because of him that I always enjoyed history. Meeting Mr. Clarke later as an adult, he always found time to show an interest in how my life transpired. May his family find many happy memories to remember him.
Mr. Clarke was a lovely man and a wonderful neighbour, always keenly interested in our children and their interests. He remained passionate about education, and we had many good chats about our chosen paths and the joys and challenges being a teacher brought to us. He will be remembered fondly.
My sincere condolences to the Clarke family. Like so many of us who attended CDCI West in the 70’s, I was fortunate to have Mr. Clarke as my history teacher. He was an enthusiastic and kind teacher with a great sense of humour and always made time for his students. May he rest in peace.
Linda and family; Myself and our entire family are thinking of you with love and compassion at this time. Dennis was a good friend to Art and always encouraging to our children in class and in sports. He will be missed. A donation to St. Peter’s will be made in his name.
I still have the red CDCI Basketball Jacket the year we got all the way to OFSSA. What a memory!! Sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. Gord Jibb
Our thoughts are with you Linda & family. I have a funny story from my Grade 9 with Dennis. Keep your memories close. Eric & Carol Buttar
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Clarke. I have very fond memories of both his history class and our basketball endeavours! He was quite a character and we had so much fun with Mr C. and Mr. D coaching us throughout our high school basketball years! Linda and family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Dear Linda and family—-John and I send our sincere condolences in your loss of Dennis.Sending you strength, hugs, and peace as you navigate the days going forward. Blessings to you all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
So sorry to hear about Dennis, Linda. His teaching of History, brought the subject to life. Hold his memories close.
Dear Linda and family. Sincere condolences to you all. Mr. Rocky Clarke was also my favourite teacher and basketball couch. He is legendary and will never be forgotten. What a wonderful man. God Bless.
❤️🙏🏻
On behalf of Theresa and I, we would like to send condolences to Linda and family, may he rest in peace.
My condolences to the Clarke family. I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Clarke as my history teacher and basketball coach at The West. He made history come alive. Mr. Clarke was a dedicated coach and time spent with him at basketball tournaments was so much fun. He was a great person that had a genuine interest in his students. RIP.
My sympathy to Mr. Clarke's family from another one of his past students. He was born to teach. What a lovely person. RIP Mr. Clarke. Regards Mary Blastorah class of 1974
Hi Linda, my condolences to you & your family. We're in Florida & I just read this notice of Dennis' death. It's hard to believe almost 60 years have passed since he taught & coached me in highschool basketball. It just seems like yesterday. Most of my best memories at the West school are a result of the fun & passion he brought to coaching us every day.
Linda We were so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. We certainly knew Dennis as a great teacher at CDCI West, but remember him in more recent years from the many chats we would have with him and John on the ski trails in Northumberland forest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
So very sorry Linda and family for your loss. Take care. With love and deepest sympathy, Carol
Dear Linda and Family: Sending our caring thoughts. Sincerely, Dale and Judy
My dear Linda I’m so sorry to here of Dennis passing it was always nice to see you both on the porch when I would visit the kids I’m here if you need company please reach out if you feel like any time Come summer we will chat in my garden Big hugs Eira x
My sincere condolences to the Clarke family. Mr Clarke was a wonderful caring teacher and coach. Our basketball tourneys were so much fun with him and Mr. D. Fond memories indeed. RIP Rocky
Dear Linda’s and Dennis’s families. We were so sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. We enjoyed our times we were able enjoy his company and wish we could have seen the two of you more often. He’s at rest now, so hold your memories close and think about your wonderful life together. Love Larry and Ginny 💔
Linda and family sending my condolences on the loss of Dennis. He will be missed. RIP my friend
Linda so sorry to hear about Dennis. I am thinking about you. Your childhood friend.
My condolences to Linda and the Clarke family for the loss of Dennis. Mr. Clarke was a wonderful human being and teacher to the students that attended the West.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
My sincere sympathy to Linda and family. May you be comforted by the good memories you have of your husband, father and grandfather at this sad time. Diane Froncz
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
To Linda and family, Very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Clarke was a wonderful coach and teacher and like many former students, I have lots of good memories of him in history class or pacing the basketball bench. He will be remembered with great fondness. Thanks Mr. Clarke for helping and guiding us through high school and for being a kind and caring person. RIP
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
So sorry to hear of uncle Dennis passing our deepest condolences to aunt Linda Scott and Steven and family uncle Dennis was an amazing man
Linda and family, Our heartfelt condolences to you all. We pray that You are comforted knowing Dennis is resting peacefully. Cherish the memories you made together.
Linda and family. So very saddened to hear of Dennis's passing. May the love of family and wonderful memories comfort you during this difficult time. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Kelly
Linda and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you
So sorry to hear of Mr Clarke’s passing. It was great fun having him coach Senior Girl’s basketball with Mr D. He will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
My favorite class in high school was history taught by Rocky Clarke. He always kept you interested. May he rest in peace.
Dear Linda and family; Cathy and I are extremely sorry to hear about your loss of Dennis. He was an excellent teacher, a really great colleague and friend. Dennis was truly “ One of a kind “.
Our deepest sympathy to the Clarke family. Remembering Dennis not only as a fellow teacher but also as a friend. Such great memories of cross country skiing adventures and trips to the cottage at West Lake. Then the long telephone conversations reminiscing about former days. Missing those good times Dennis.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Linda and family so sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences.
To Linda, the Clarke family and Sherwin family our condolences! Fond memories of Dennis and his dedication to the students of CDCI! A certain brother, who will go unidentified, will miss Dennis and their friendship from early school days, men’s basketball league and decades of friendship! Regards to all!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Oh To the Clarke Family, Sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of having Mr Clarke as a teacher and a basketball coach. When I think back on high school he was definitely one of the positive influences. My deepest condolences. Scott Lang
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Dear Linda and family , our sincere condolences goes out to both you and the family .on the passing of Dennis . Dennis was a superb teacher and coach at the Collegiate His passion for teaching history was always apparent. His love of coaching was exemplary. His love of his students was” through the roof . “ He will be missed .
Linda & family. Sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. Cherish the memories.
What a great history teacher and coach !! Soon as I met him I gave him nicknane Rocky. RIP pal
Dear Linda .. our deepest condolences to you & all of the Clarke family . Thinking of you & yours at this difficult time . Bob & Sandy Burge
Linda, my sincere condolences to you and extended family. Dennis was so respected by the students that he coached, including our Brian. Thinking of you at this sad time. Carol.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
Linda and family, Our sincere condolences on the passing of Dennis. Our thoughts are with you. Lynn and Doug Holland.
Linda and family, very sorry to hear that Dennis has passed. Those of us that attended CDCI West in the 1970's were very fortunate to have such wonderful and dedicated teachers and Dennis was one of the best. His teaching and his coaching inspired so many students during that time. We all knew that Dennis was originally from Belleville because he sure loved to go down there and beat those Belleville schools. It was great fun, Thank-you to Dennis.
Linda,I’m so very sorry to you & your family on the loss of Dennis. Condolences to you all at this sad time.
Bob, we send our deepest condolences in this time of grief and loss. Praying for comfort and peace for the whole family. - Micah and Misha, with Loue, Jonel and James
We were so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. He was a dedicated coach and teacher and very entertaining at times. Cherish the wonderful memories you shared, for they will provide comfort in the days ahead.
Linda and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a CDCI fixture and so dedicated to basketball outside classtime.
The Enriquez family (Sonny, Cecilia, Micah, Misha and their children) are saddened by the passing of Bob’s dad, Dennis. We pray that the family he left behind will find comfort in the Lord.
Linda and family. We are sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing. Sending our sincere condolences and prayers.
Linda, Bob and family, I am sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Memories are a gift to help us get through the difficult days.
Sympathy to you and the family.we pray that your faith will comfort you Colleen,Murray and family
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis passing. My sincere sympathies to the family.
To Linda and family, Expressing my sincere sympathy at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Linda I’m so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. May your memories of your life together carry you through.
So sorry to hear of Rocky,s passing he was a great teacher great coach and more importantly a great person. Woody
I attended CDCI West in the mid to late 1970s, and one would be hard pressed to find any student who didn't adore Mr. Clarke. From his enthusiastic teaching, to coaching of numerous teams and sports, it was always obvious how much he cared deeply about the profession, and his students. He was a gem, and could be absolutely hilarious to boot! It grieves me that I haven't stayed in touch with him all these years - he was a wonderful man. RIP Dennis. You made the world a better place for many more than you could know.
Mr. Clarke was a great teacher and coach. It was my privilege to have known him. He was always happy to hear from his students and absolutely enjoyed all of the conversations shared. Rest in Peace Dennis. Your imprint is eternal.
I’m so saddened to hear of your loss. Mr. Clark was a favourite teacher and coach of mine. He was a kind heart who worked to bring out the best in others. He was one of the few who inspired my own teaching career. May the Lord bless his journey home.
Wishing you all comfort and peace. Dennis was a lovely man. He will certainly be greatly missed
Dear Linda and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. He was a great history teacher and wonderful person. Sincere condolences to all the family.
Love and hugs to everyone at this sad time. May your many happy memories help in the days to come.
Hello Linda Our thoughts and prayers are with and your family during these difficult times. A donation has been made to St Peter's Church in memory of Dennis Karen/Howard Goodfellow
I'm very sorry to hear of this. What an absolutely wonderful teacher he was. He had such respect from his students. My sincerest condolence to his friends and family.
Linda and family sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers
Such a wonderful teacher. Condolences to his family and friends.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Dennis was one of my favourite teachers at the west high school. He had a great sense of humour and always positive with his students. So sorry for your loss Linda.
To Linda and Family Sending our love and hugs to your family at this difficult time. Dennis is at peace now. Cherish all the good memories that you's have enjoyed over the years. Wendy and Rick
I was privileged to be taught, and coached, by Mr. Clarke back in the mid 1970s. He instilled in me a love of history that continues today. And he was a coach who shaped my life in ways that I am still discovering. I will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
I had the good fortune to teach with Dennis at Cobourg West. I was a young teacher arriving at the school, and I enjoyed, and benefited from, Dennis’ insights and experiences that were openly shared in before school chats in his room. He was a great friend and colleague. Heather and I share our condolences with Linda and the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Clarke’s passing. He taught me (Ruth) and coached me many years ago at CDCI West. He was one of my favorite teachers. Always enjoyed reminiscing with him whenever we met over the years.
Im so sorry for your loss. Mr Clarke taught me at CDCI West, great man. Please know I am thinking about you all during this sad and difficult.
I remember a very young Mr. Clarke coming to CDCI to begin his teaching career there. He was very popular and immediately immersed himself in the school and its culture. Just the kind of person you would like as a teacher🤗
Mr. Clarke taught me History in grade 9 back in 1994. I’m so sorry to hear he has passed.
Mr Clarke like many of the teachers at The West went beyond the class room. He also coached a lot of the sports teams. History was a subject if you didn't have a keen interest in it you might find it boring. He always tried to make it interesting. Because of teachers like Mr. Clarke C.D.C.I. West was a great place to learn. Thankyou Mr. Clarke
Dear Linda & family. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Dennis. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Linda,Our sincere condolence to you and your family with the passing Of Dennis.
Mr. Clarke one of the great teachers and coaches that made CDCI West a great place to go to high school. RIP Mr. Clarke
Linda and family, I am sorry to hear that Dennis has passed. He was a great history teacher and one of my favourites. My sincere condolences to all.
Linda my condolences to you and your sons in the passing of Dennis
Sorry for the loss of Mr Clarke He was a great guy. One day in class him and I had a discussion about when you greet someone you say how are you doing? My view was nobody cares. Mr Clarke said I do care when I ask. Every time we would bump into each other from that point on till the last time I saw him was always with a hey how are you? with a little chuckle after. Mr Clarke did care!
Our condolences to Linda, Scott and the rest of Dennis's family on his passing .
Linda and family .. my condolences to all of you in the passing of Dennis .
I’m so sorry to hear of Dennis’ death. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
To the Clarke family: Our deepest condolences. Dennis was my history teacher, my basketball coach, and eventually, he was my colleague at Cobourg West. I learned a lot from Dennis when we coached basketball together. He really cared about his students, his players, and most of all, his family. He was a good man and I’ll miss him. He left his mark with a lot of people in this area, especially at Cobourg West. Sam and Anna Cavanaugh
Linda and family So sorry for your loss Linda. I best remember your husband when I attended Cobourg West. He was a great coach. Keep all your fond memories in your heart where he will be with you forever.
So sorry for your loss.