It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Digby. After an inspirational nine year battle with cancer, Digby died peacefully on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in Victoria, British Columbia. Predeceased by his wife, Jean, in 1990; Digby is survived by his children, Christopher, Sean (Barbara) and Tamara (Kent); his grandchildren, Stephen, Ryan and Emma Clarke and Aya and Koen Laforme; brother-in-law Ian McGowan and sister-in-law Carolyn and their children John (Cathy) and Heather (Steve). Digby was a true believer in the power of education. Upon the devastating loss of his beloved Jean, Digby walked away from a successful career as a lawyer in Montreal to pursue an MA degree in Counseling at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, in Chicago. Digby then devoted his energies to the formal study of grief and loss and earned his doctorate in Thanatology. Forever committed to assisting others, Digby worked as a clinical counsellor in Victoria at BCFIT (BC Families in Transition) until the age of 80. Digby enjoyed the art of public speaking and was a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and active member of the Oak Bay Toastmasters Club. He also had a life-long passion for cars and was a proud member of the Victoria Jaguar Club. Digby’s vigour, enthusiasm and engaging optimism touched the lives of many people. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Digby’s life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson at Vancouver Streets, on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 12:30 pm, with Rev. Dr. Victor Scalise officiating. A reception will follow in the McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, 1510 Fort Street Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com
25 Responses
The Board of Directors of NOVA West Island express our deepest sympathy to the family of Digby Clark. Digby was on the Board of NOVA (formerly VON) for several years and as such made a valuable contribution to the community of West Island Montreal.
It it interesting to note that he changed career directions to counselling in that in addition to palliative care, part of our mandate is grief and bereavement counselling to children and adults who have lost a loved one or who are living through a terminal illness.
I’m sure he will be missed.
Tom Thompson
President, NOVA West Island
Beaconsfield, Quebec
What a Loving memorial tribute today to the unique and incomparable Digby — he would have loved it! Digby was an inspiration to me as he was to so many others. I will never forget him. He had a particular gift of Listening that made you feel in that time that you were the only person in the world that mattered. I will miss his wisdom, his wit, his caring heart, his martinis!
Digby did it all his way, a Bon Vivant to the end, no doubt he is shaking up the realm that he inhabits now, leaving us all the richer for knowing him, but Oh how he will be missed! But of course, he is not really gone far away at all….
“Life is eternal and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.”
~ R. W. Raymond
I am sorry to hear of your loss…I had the pleasure of meeting Digby when he was admitted to our unit at the hospital and he was a very interesting, intelligent, kind, and lively man.
Digby is an inspiration, a powerhouse, in his profession and a true, fiercely loyal friend for anyone. In just a little over 2 years that he worked with BC Families in Transition (BCFIT), he made a large and listing impact for which we will always be grateful. All of us at BCFIT miss him and will remember him for his passionate enthusiasm for the field of thanatology, for the power of ongoing education, and for the sheer strength of his spirit which enlivened and motivated all who came near him. There will never be another Digby — what an honour and a privilege to have known him!
I worked with Digby at WBACH radio for 2 years. I can still see him with the ascot and the cowboy boots. A real beau bromel. I wrote to Tammara to tell her that Digby was on my very short “Most Remarkable Men” list. He was so intelligent but the most incredible attribute was to overcome adversity. He was an example to all that complain about the little annoyances in life.
I miss you a lot Digby
Bob