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
Tammy, Kent and all of the family, I was so sorry to read of the passing of Digby. It is very tough to lose a parent and it is something we all go through. It is a very difficult thing and I wish you well with the grieving that must go on. Take good care of yourselves, Jo Hadfield
Deepest sympathies from Don Breackell, a friend from afar, a fellow fraternity brother of Lambda Chi Alpha at McGill University where, even then, he was an inspiration to us all.
Although we lived in opposite ends of the world – I in Capetown, South Africa, he in Victoria, B.C. – over the past few years I was able to re-connect with Digby via e-mails and a few telephone conversations.
He will remain in my thoughts and remembered in brotherhood, always. May he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Don Breackell
Chris, Tammy and Sean
We miss Digby and know that without him and his strong presence our “west coast” family feels incomplete.We are all grieving the loss of your father and our friend.
We met Digby nine years ago when he moved to be closer to his family. He wanted to be closer to his son Sean, who he was very proud of, Sean’s wife, Barb and his grand children,Stephen, Ryan and Emma, and to his daughter Tammy, his confidant , who he shared so much without reservation.
The first serious discussion we had with Digby centered around how he hoped to convince his son Chris, who was living in Montreal, to move to Victoria. He loved him, was concerned for his well being, and wanted him closer.
Like most problems Digby tried to solve, he was successful, and soon Chris moved from Montreal to Victoria and became an integral part of our “west coast” family.
We shared memorable times together,the birth of two grandchildren,
Aya and Koen , seeing his daughter become a wonderful Mother, Sunday dinners which Digby treasured, always arriving in his just polished Jaguar with a bottle of wine. He would shake hands with Cliff and I because it was the right thing to do and hug Dianne. We remember each of those many dinners and get togethers fondly. We will miss him terribly.
We only knew your father for a short time but marveled at his energy, his love of life, his youthful outlook and of course, his accomplishments. Whether it was practicing law, working in radio, pursuing his masters and his doctorate in Thanatology or helping and counseling those in need at the Families In Transition center here in Victoria. He did it his way.
He was a dear friend and a partner in our” family” journey and we will miss him.
Unfortunately, we did not know Jean but through Tammy and Chris and Digby we felt her presence, her caring, her gentleness, her sense of family. At the beginning of many shared occasions, Digby would raise his glass to “absent members”.
We are richer for knowing him and honored to call him our friend.
With Love,
George and Dianne
Tamara, Kent, Aya & Koen,
Although we only knew Digby briefly, we were very impressed by his keen mind and commitment to making the most of everyday. His passion for learning and commitment to being productive were a wonderful example for us all.
We hope that your many happy memories of Digby and Jean bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Colleen & Rick
Dear Clarke Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Digby for a couple of years as one of the four original members of Canadair Limited’s legal team. I certainly remember his affection for English sports cars and the sometimes heated discussions with another member of our office who was a Citroen enthusiast. Neither car, of course, was suitable for our Montreal winters, but who could tell him that?
We stayed in contact after he left to set up his practice, but then my career led me to a long stay in Europe and we lost touch.
I am very happy to have known Digby and glad to read about his rewarding career of service. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and my best wishes to all of you.
Sincerely
Bill Gagnon
i will always remember the day Digby came into my office to interview for a sales job at WBACH radio. He had an ascot (of course) and was as pompous as only he could be, and of course, I ended up hiring him and the next two years were atrue delight for me as his “manager”, which was a joke! He was the most intelligent, wise carting person I have had the honor of knowing. He certainly taught me a great deal about life and people. He lived well. I miss him…..
BW
The loss of a legal classmate is always painful and more particularly after knowing one for over 50 years.
His own sad loss was converted into continuing to help others.
To his personal family permit me to send my sincere sympathies.
He will be well remembered across the country.
May he rest in peace.
Digby was a fighter and a realist. When the going got tough he rolled up his sleeves, and when things looked their bleakest he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
He was a wise man and a good friend of my husband’s and mine for many years.
He loved life, cars, challenges but above all, Jean.
He devoted the last years of his life to helping others.
Digby made a difference, and he will be sorely missed.
I am sitting in the Hotel Belleclaire in NY city, a place where Digby and Tamara used to visit, a place he suggested I stay. All I can think of is how much I will miss the man who became a valued friend, confidant and teacher. Digby was a communicator and that is how I met him, at Toastmasters. At our first meeting I remember saying to myself,”oh my goodness who the heck is this guy”. Digby always told it like it was but he was also able to listen, advise and support you. I have learned so much from the man of so many skill sets that I will always take his legacy with me everyday of my life. Thank you Digby for being you and allowing me to share the time we spent together. That voice and advice will live with me until my time comes.
Love,
John
Christopher, Sean & Tamara:
Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Digby, a treasured friend for over half a century. Always full of energy, always caring for others, alway possessed of a great sense of humour, always young at heart, Digby was a very special person.
The loss of Jean was truly devastating, especially as she was someone so gracious, lively and vivacious and in the prime of life. But to Digby’s credit, he “soldiered on.” And in so doing, his compassion came to the fore as he left the practice of law to assist others in very unique way. I know many will have benefited from his committment to those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Barbara and I will miss him but will always retain wonderful memories of times gone by. Our sincerest condolences to his family at this time of great sorrow,