It is with profound sadness and immeasurable love that we announce the peaceful passing of David Garland Clark, who passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the age of 61.

He was the beloved husband of Elodie (nee Hagel), and the adoring father of Abigael (Justin) and Caleb (Lauryn) and a dear friend of Melissa. He was a cherished son of Doris Clark and the late Gordon Clark, and a much-loved brother to Jo-Anne (the late Charlie) and Gord (Marcia). He will also be deeply missed by his parents-in-law Edward and the late Irene, and sister-in-law Karen (Barry). He was a treasured uncle to Hannah (Taylor), Gordie (Faith), Heather, and Edward, and a great-uncle to Henley and Braelynn. Dave will be lovingly remembered by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, colleagues and students.

For all the roles he held, perhaps the greatest was simply being our Dave, a devoted husband, loving father, inspiring teacher, and cherished friend. Dave possessed a rare ability to make everyone he met feel genuinely welcome, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves. Beneath it all was an unwavering faith in God that truly defined who he was and guided everything he did. It was this deep belief in his divine purpose that fueled his lifelong passion to help others and serve those around him.

For over 30 years, Dave poured his heart into education, first at Orillia Christian School and later with the Simcoe County District School Board, where his dedication was recognized with a Trustees’ Award. His impact stretched far beyond the classroom walls. He believed deeply in his students, valued the power of a supportive community, and lived by the conviction that every child deserved the chance to play, belong, and grow.

That passion extended into every corner of his community, earning him the City of Orillia Citizen of the Year Award in 2008. Whether rallying people around a shared cause or growing a simple 2003 classroom initiative into the annual Stamp Out Hunger campaign which continues today, a movement that collected millions of food items for regional shelters and inspired a book he authored, Dave had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together.

From playing hockey and baseball as a young boy to trying every sport imaginable in school, Dave was a natural athlete. Over time, his primary loves narrowed to baseball, basketball, and football, a passion that carried him all the way to Queen’s University, where he proudly played varsity basketball and football. Though a fierce competitor, Dave knew sports were about far more than the game itself; they were a platform for building confidence, friendship, and perseverance. He brought that exact spirit to the sidelines as a coach, constantly encouraging his students, drawing out their potential, and teaching them to believe in themselves. Dave continued playing slo-pitch for many years, but his absolute greatest joy was watching his own children, Abigael and Caleb, play their favourite sports. He would gladly drive anywhere, at any hour, just to cheer them on. Those long road trips became sacred time spent sharing stories, laughter, and wisdom. For Dave, simply showing up was the ultimate expression of love.

Dave delighted in life’s rich details: good music, history, playing cards, deep conversation, and gathering people around a full table. He had a gift for finding joy in the ordinary and making it feel extraordinary.

Dave gave endlessly to the people and places he loved, leaving a legacy in the students he encouraged, the athletes he coached and cheered for, the community he united, the lifelong friends he gathered around him, and most profoundly, the family he adored. He showed us how to love well, inspired us to find our passion, and reminded us to never let a moment pass without turning it into a memory.

He will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever our Dave.

Dave could not have asked for a better physician than Dr. Barnett, whose compassion, faith, humour, and knowledge brought strength and comfort to every step of his cancer journey. His heart was continually lifted by his dedicated oncology team, including Dr. Eng and nurses, Nicole, Nicole, Jeff, Diane, and Kim, whose constant smiles, care, and unwavering support made them truly “his people." Deep gratitude is also extended to the Bayshore nurses, especially his beloved Julia, for their exceptional care and love, to his PSW, Aryan (AG), who never failed to brighten his day, and to our dear friend Kim, for supporting us throughout this entire journey.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 24th from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church (265 Coldwater Road, Orillia). Friends and family are invited to gather for refreshments and continued fellowship afterward at ODAS Park (4500 Fairgrounds Road, Severn, Ontario).

True to Dave’s lifelong passion for sports, he asked everyone to attend his celebration of life in their favourite jersey or sports attire. He wanted us to gather and celebrate his life with the team pride, joy, and camaraderie that meant so much to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Lighthouse in Orillia, The Sharing Place, or the Orillia Lakers, to ensure every child gets the chance to play, would be deeply appreciated by the family.