Peacefully, in the early morning hours of Saturday May 25th, 2013, at home, after 17 indomitable years with cancer as her adversary. Born in 1954 to J.W.W. Clark (last lighthouse keeper at Cape George, NS) and his wife Salome Dorothy, she was the tenth of twelve siblings: Bud, Billy (deceased), Robert, Don, Tom, Gerry, Wayne, and Greg Clark, Fay McInnis, Willie Lundrigan (deceased), and Lynn Osmond. She raised two wonderful children, Chantal (graduate student at Simon Fraser University) and Joshua (theatre and film student at UVic) Turpin. Her family, and her global diaspora of friends, will miss her.
Laurene’s life migrated from the east coast of Canada to the west coast, touching uncounted lives along the way. From her early childhood at the Lighthouse, she moved to Montague, Prince Edward Island. After high school, she took her BA at the University of PEI, followed by a business degree from the University of Ottawa, becoming the Business Manager of the Canadian National Synchronized Swimming Team in the early 1980’s. From there she helped launch Kingston & The Islands Boat Line in Kingston, where Chantal was born, before moving to Vancouver, where Joshua was born, and where she owned Kerrisdale Bootery.
The family soon returned to positions at Queen’s University in Kingston, where an early diagnosis galvanized Laurene into becoming one of Canada’s leading advocates for breast cancer prevention. She was president of the first World Conference on Breast Cancer in 1997, before heading all the way west to Victoria in 2000. Soon, Laurene was a driving force for the Island Breaststrokers Dragon Boat team, also paddling on collaborative Canadian teams in South Africa, Israel and Australia.
Laurene was also a key organizer of fund-raising efforts across the city, and she enjoyed every step of her busy life (MBD Consulting, Royal LePage Oak Bay Real Estate), charging each day with an energy that left the rest of her friends exhausted. In just the past few months, she toured the Mediterranean and San Francisco, shone as a hostess at the IBS Auction, and was orchestrating a heritage designation for the lighthouse.
A memorial will be held at McCall Bros. Funeral Home of Victoria on Thursday, May 30th at 2pm, with a reception to follow. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the BC Cancer Foundation http://bccancerfoundation.com. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Carrie Lynn Macpherson (Young)
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Rose Boudreau It was with great sadness we read of Shirley’s passing. We have many happy memories of the times shared at Cape George and at Lakevale School. Our sincere condolences on your loss may your many happy memories sustain you during this sad time.
Rose & Joe Boudreau
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Elizabeth Lang I had the privilege of working with Laurene on two of the World Conferences on Breast Cancer. She was an amazing woman, a brilliant organizer, and a wonderful friend. Chantal and Josh, my heart aches for you in your loss but know that your mother touched many, many lives and she will never be forgotten. Here’s to you both and your futures; may you shine with the light gleaned from your mother and her love for you. Sincerely, Elizabeth, Kingston.
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Ellen (Adams) Cross Sincere condolences to Laurene’s family and children. Her presence at Sunday school and services at the little church at Cape George when a wee lass are forever etched in my mind. Laurene (Shirley) was always so bubbly and happy; a bit mischievious too! God bless you all at this difficult time.
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Barbara Thompson The news of Laurene’s passing brings with it much sadness, but also pride about who this lovely woman was. She left her mark in Canada and inspired so many people. Laurene will forever be part of the fabric of leaders who worked to make life better for people going through breast cancer in Canada. Sending hugs to her family and may she rest in peace and love.
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Danny Meneses The Philippine Breast Cancer Network gives profound tribute to Laurene Clark, the breast cancer warrior of the First World Conference on Breast Cancer held in Kingston, Ontario back in 1997.
It was there that Rosa Francia-Meneses was immensely empowered, which resulted to the establishment of the Phillippine Breast Cancer Network. Laurene remained a staunch ally of the PBCN and her life had been a vital clog in the movement for the global eradication of breast cancer.
In Laurene’s honor and memory does the PBCN reaffirm its commitment and solidarity with the world community of breast cancer activists!
Farewell Laurene!,
Danny Meneses, President, PBCN
Speaker, World Conference on Breast Cancer
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Teddy and Jane Adams Sincere condolences to the Clark family and to the family of Shirley. Thinking of you all from Cape George.
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Katy Milne I am so sad to hear of Laurene’s passing. I know Laurene not only through the dragon boat world but from all the hard work she put in supporting cancer care and research. She fought hard not only personally but on behalf of many others.
She was an inspiration in how hard she fought and how cheerful she was despite whatever came her way and I hope she will rest in peace.
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Kathy ,Dave and Uncle Bill To all of you ,so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing!!!Just learned of it today!We had last heard that she was doing well so were shocked to hear this news!!God Bless you all and help you through this difficult time!!
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Alan and Lorrene Campbell and family We would like to send our condolence to the family. She was a great lady and when I was younger she taught me how to tie my shoes when I was a little boy (I was left handed)
From Alan and Lorrene and family
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Wayne Clark Dear Chantal and Joshua,
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with both of you at this very difficult time. It is hard to believe that your mom is gone at such a young age as she was so full of energy in life.
She loved both of you very much and always took the opportunity to brag about you whenever she could to us and tell us about your many accomplishments. We will all miss her dearly, but realize that she is now at rest.
We want you to know that you are welcome any time to our home. It is our deepest wish that we remain in touch with both of you so that we may grow in our relationship as a family.We love you
Wayne, Mary, Shelly, Nicholas, and Devin Clark
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BUD CLARK I’M SAD OVER THE LOSS OF MY SISTER,THOUGHT WE
TAKE SOLICE OVER THE FACT THAT SHE IS NO LONGER IN
PAIN. THOUGH APART IN DISTANCE, SHE WAS ALWAYS IN MY
THOUGHTS, ESPECIALLY THESE LAST THREE YEARS. ON HER
VISITS HOME OR ON THE PHONE…OUR TALKS WERE ALWAYS
SPECIAL TO ME AND I’LL CHERISH THEM. MY LAST IMAGE OF
HER WAS WHEN SHE WAS SITTING ON AROCK ON THE BEACH AT
BALLENTINES COVE EATING LOBSTER SUROUDED BY HER FAMILY.
SHE LOOKED HAPPY AND CONTENT IN THE MOMENT.
LOVE UNCLE BUD
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Cheryl Wannamaker Dear Chantal and Josh
I had the opportunity to live with Aunt Laurene just after Chantal was born. She invited me to come to Ontario and live with her while I attended Queen’s University.
I remember her helping me with writing university papers on the computer during the late hours of the night. I wasn’t the smartest kid on the block when it came to using a computer back then. When the family moved from Yarker to Battersea, I had the first opportunity to drive the van. I usually drove the chevette, so I sat in the driveway with Chantal in the carseat, trying to figure out how to get the van (a standard) in reverse.
Aunt Laurene took the Manager’s job with KIBL, she offered me a job for the summer. She treated me just like everyone else and quizzed me about the tourist areas in Kingston. A couple of years later, still working at Boatline, she hired Dean, first as a musician and later helped him to achieve his papers as mate/captain.
Just last summer, we enjoyed an afternoon together at Uncle Don’s. I believe she really enjoyed time spent with the kids. Two years ago, she took quite an interest in Hannah when she talked about her desire to play the sax. I am so happy she had the opportunity to hear Hannah play, just a couple of weeks ago.
I wish I had expressed my thanks and appreciation more. She was a great lady with many special contributes. She played a role in my achievements. It is with saddened heart, I express my condolences. Chantal and Josh, I want you to know that if you need anything, please feel free to let me(us) know. Sorry, I (we) can’t be there but know I am thinking of you both. Love and Prayers, Cheryl , Dean, Hannah, Liam and Emma
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Wendy Lovelace I too, had the opportunity to dragon boat with her in New York, and swim in the Hudson, and in Africa with Canadians Abreast. She put her heart and soul into every paddle stroke as she did with life.
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Ken Lane On behalf of the six Lane offspring of Montague-born-and-raised Arnold and Jean (Hunter-Duvar) Lane, our condolences to Laurene’s family. Time allotted to us to spend time with Laurene was low in frequency, but high in quality.
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Gary Rasberry I am picturing Josh’s face as he is being pulled at high speed behind the motor boat on the lake at the cottage as his mom navigates the waves and makes sure her son is given a good run for his money.
I am also picturing Josh’s face, the day he arrived at our cabin at Paddy’s Lake as a 5 yr-old boy. He had broken through some ice up to his thighs on a winter hike out to our remote cabin with his dad.
I also picture Chantal issuing words of wisdom far beyond her years over our many visits with her and her family.
I will hold these pictures just as I hold the memory of Laurene. She navigated the waters (speed boat, dragon boat and “life” boat) with a fierce courage always …
I send all my love on behalf of myself and Zinta and Rena and Hayden. Thinking of you
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Bill & Fay McInnis( nee Clark) Dear Chantal & Josh :
Although years apart in age, we,( your Mom and I) often had similar ideas and thoughts about many things. You two were her proudest subjects and she never skimped on letting everyone know how much she loved you both. You were always in her thoughts and she wanted nothing more than good things for you and would do what was necessary to make your dreams come to be reality.
We went to Mexico last November and she looked like a million dollars and I will remember her as she was then. My heart goes out to you and hope if you ever need something that I (We) can help you with, that you can know we are here for you both. Love to you both……Aunt Fay & Uncle Bill
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Marie, Paul, Rob, Steve, Liz, Gillian and Neil Canvin The Canvin family extends our deepest sympathy to Josh, Chantal and the Clark family. We shared many happy hours with Laurene, Josh and Chantal at Snug Harbour Resort. Laurene was always so positive, always asking “What can I do? How can I help?” Her dynamic presence enriched us all. When the Canvin family was having its troubles, Laurene was very compassionate and helpful to us. Marie Canvin, in particular, was very grateful to Laurene for her emotional support and lending a sympathetic ear. Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh, Chantal and the Clark family.
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Debbie Jardine I had the wonderful opportunity to meet this fabulous woman while dragon boating with Canadians Abreast. The family also had a cottage on Sydenham Lake, in Ontario which I had the privilege to visit to enjoy a glass of wine and share a laugh about our dragonboat adventures. On our trip to NYC we had the unfortunate experience of tipping our boat into the Hudson River, where she bravely swam with the dragon head in her arms to safety. She was a fierce competitor and put everything she had into everything she did. Rest in Peace, my friend.
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Albie & Carolann Falkenham So sorry to hear of Laurene passing she was always so up beat about anything she wanted to do .She would be so happy to see the new paint job on the Cape Lighthouse she always stayed connected.Our thoughts & prayers goes out to the Clark Family.
&Chantal Joshua.
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carole and greg clark Words cannot express the feelings that we are feeling for you Chantal and Josh. We love you very much and we express our sympathies to you. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you through this difficult time. She was a very special person and she will live forever in everyone’s hearts. Remember that smile that was always on her face. She touched so many people through her life.
Her memory will live on forever.
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Marjorie Daniels Laurene, your unquenchable spirit will always be an inspiration to each of us.
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Vicky Turner Laurene – too soon. We briefly shared an office at Royal LePage in Oak Bay. One of my earliest memories of Laurene is at the Royal LePage Convention in Montreal a few years ago – the best dressed flapper and 60’s era dancer there! Her knowledge and dedication to her many professional triumphs is legendary. She often told me how proud she was of her children. She doted on them and they on her. Go in peace Laurene, you are already sorely missed. Vicky Turner
It is now almost November and I just heard about Laurene. I am truly saddened by the news I heard today and I express my deepest sympathy to her family.
I met Laurene when I was a student at Queen’s and worked for her at the Kingston Thousand Islands Boat Line. She was a fabulous boss and she saw something in me that I didn’t know I had. I had versatility. She believed in me and that changed my life.
I worked for her for two fabulous summers and then she got called away west with her family. We kept in touch and when she returned to work at Queen’s she hired me again to help launch the Herstmonseux Castle study abroad project.
I wish that I had been better at keeping in touch. The strength that she had with the battle she faced is apparent in the words written above. I think of you often, Laurene, and you are still an inspiration to me.
Sincerely,
Carrie Lynn Macpherson (Young)