Obituary of John Mark Clemens

CLEMENS, John “Mark”

Peacefully, and surrounded by the love of his family and friends, Mark Clemens of Lambton Shores, in his 66th year, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.  Cherished husband of Cindy Sue (nee Armeland), and beloved father of Jonathan and the late Jacob Ross (Kim) Clemens.  Adored son of Ruth and the late John (Jack) Clemens, and son-in-law of the late Hy and Doris Armeland.  Treasured brother to Maribeth Clemens, Marni (Doug) Springer, Susan (David) Smolensky, and his cousin-brother Joel (Bonnie) Vivian.  Much loved brother-in-law of Jay Armeland, Sherry (John) Renaud and Marla (Bill) Froling.  Loved also by his many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-niece, and by a huge circle of friends and colleagues.

Mark lived his life with purpose and conviction, always seeking to make life better for those he loved, and the centre of his life Cindy and his two boys.  A hard-working farm boy who grew up in the country, he went on to pursue studies in Communications, eventually becoming a consultant and corporate trainer, establishing Schoolhouse Seminars, headquartered in the same one-room schoolhouse he himself had attended.  An accomplished musician, Mark was passionate about music, and he shared that passion richly with both his sons.  Most of all, he inspired the people around him with his example of generosity, gratitude and integrity, putting others first, and embodying the Yiddish term “mensch”.  Mark lived his cancer journey with the same courage, patience, and good humour that had characterized his entire life, and to the very end, he remained a fiercely loving husband, father and friend.  Mark’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Walker of Forest, Dr. Jhawar of Windsor, and all the medical staff who took such wonderful care of Mark, especially the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice in London.  At Mark’s request, cremation has taken place.  His family hopes that you will join them for a Celebration of Life for Mark, to be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Kimball Hall in Forest, Ontario, beginning at 1:00 pm.  Donations in Mark’s memory may be made to the Jacob Ross Clemens Foundation (www.jacobclemensfoundation.com)  A special fund is being set up to sponsor an environmental initiative at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London in Mark’s memory.  Online condolences may be left at www.denning.ca  Funeral arrangements entrusted to DENNING’S OF FOREST