Clarke, Donald (Don) Barry
DONALD (DON) BARRY CLARKE
August 28th, 1949 – August 13th, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Donald (Don) Barry Clarke on Thursday, August 13th, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Don was born on August 28th, 1949, in Regina, Saskatchewan, to Les and Dorothy Clarke. He spent his very early years in Radville and Weyburn, SK and the family then moved and settled in Moose Jaw, SK in 1955. Don spent his career with the Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation (SPMC), where he worked primarily in maintenance at SIAST, and later with the Department of Highways.
Don was quietly determined and he approached life on his own terms and with a routine he could count on. Above all, Don loved his family deeply. He was easygoing, easy to please, and rarely complained — although the weather might occasionally earn a comment or two. Through the health challenges he faced over the years, Don continued to greet family, friends, and strangers alike with a smile, a thumbs-up, and his familiar reassurance: “O yes, I’m good.”
He was predeceased by his parents, Les and Dorothy Clarke; and his beloved daughter, Jennifer Clarke. Don leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Leigh Anne (Derek) Lesperance; son, Scott (Stef) Clarke; his treasured grandchildren: Payton, Olivia, and Kaelin Lesperance; brother, Bob (Barb) Clarke; sister, Brenda Clarke Grieve; along with their families; as well as many cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Don found great comfort and enjoyment in the simple routines and small joys that made each week his own. Tuesdays were for buying bread, Thursdays for milk, and every Saturday and Wednesday included a trip to the 7-Eleven on 13th Avenue to check his lottery tickets and buy the next ones. Even in later years, when getting around became more difficult, a little bad weather was never enough to keep him from heading out. Don valued his independence and enjoyed going about his days in his own way.
Lottery tickets gave Don something he loved to dream about. He always talked with his family about what they would do if he won the big one, buying property at the lake, building a log cabin, and enjoying life by the water. While the jackpot never came, the conversations, laughter, and shared dreams became treasured memories his family will hold close.
Don had a lifelong love of old cars and an incredible ability to identify the make, model, and year of almost anything with just a glance. He was also a devoted weather watcher who could tell you what the forecast held on any given day and could even recall the weather on the day each of his children and grandchildren were born. Monday and Friday nights were reserved for WWE, a weekly tradition he rarely missed.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, health-care staff, and spiritual care team at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital and Providence Place – Raphael Wing for the compassion and kindness shown to Don and his family during the final months of his life.
In keeping with Don’s wishes, a private family gathering and interment will take place at a later date to celebrate his life.
Though Don was a man of few words, his love for his family, quiet kindness, and forever positive spirit spoke volumes. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Dear Scott, Steh and family , Sincere condolence’s to you and yours . Your Dad was truly the most determined , positive , independent fellow who always found his way . Cherish your life long memories and take care of each other ! ❤️