CLARK, Peter John

Passed away tragically on Monday, March 23, 2026, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while on the job keeping children safe as a crossing guard in Barrhaven (Ottawa). He was the kindest, most generous, and considerate human being that his friends, family, and colleagues have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was intelligent in a way that most did not understand, and he had an extraordinary imagination. He loved serving others and dedicated his life to making all those around him feel safe, heard, seen, and cared for. He loved animals and lived with five rescue cats who will miss his “scritches,” steady warmth, and heartbeat when they napped on his chest, as well as his attention to their needs. His favourite thing was to be outdoors, walking sometimes for hours daily and finding glimmers in songbirds, interesting natural beauty, and being near water. Although, as an adult, he did not particularly enjoy distance travelling, he made it to PEI and Nova Scotia and fell in love with the sea and its creatures. He could wade for hours looking for crabs and other marine life. A self-admitted Marvel geek, he loved watching the latest blockbuster or Disney animation on the big screen next to his wife, with hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks. He was born on July 6, 1970 and grew up in Ottawa and spent many wonderful summers with his extended Clark family at the “farm” near Mount St. Patrick, where friends became family, or at the family homes in Renfrew, and with his extended Hoey and Foley families in Ottawa and Athens, as well as fun times at Lake Bernard, QC. He worked many jobs throughout his life, such as working on assembly lines, driving a forklift, delivering and sorting the local newspaper, and working as a kennel attendant. None of them fit him until he found his calling as a crossing guard, which he initially started in Mount Forest. This allowed his strengths of loving children and seniors, and his need to be outside, to be used in service to the community. He loved interacting with the children, families, and seniors whom he guided safely from one side to the other and treasured every card, kind word, and trinket they gifted him. One of his greatest joys was making a child who was frowning smile. He was known by some students in his crossing guard area as “The Smiling Crossing Guard.” He was raised by loving and attentive parents, Jack and Jane (Hoey) Clark, who raised him to have solid family values and to always show kindness towards others. He was incredibly close with his brother, Don, and they enjoyed an idyllic childhood. They spent their days outdoors, playing many sports, including basketball, football, hockey, tennis, and swimming in their pool. Family was always at the centre of his life, with many cherished March Break trips to Myrtle Beach. As well, their summers were spent at the farm in the Ottawa Valley or at the cottage on Lake Bernard. He met his wife, Amanda Gayle Catherine Clark (Rolston), in 1995, and they were married in 2001. Coming just shy of their 25th anniversary, he leaves behind someone who relied on him for strength, comfort, and love. He taught her so much about being a good person, such as truly listening to others, not trying to “fix” everything but being a comfort to others, how to be patient and pick battles carefully, and, most of all, what it means to love and be loved in turn. Predeceased by his mother, Jane, in 2022, he leaves behind not only his wife and brother, but his father, Jack; his nieces, Jenna and Hayley Clark; his sister-in-law, Amanda Clark (Hough); two other sisters-in-law, Sharon and Shelagh Rolston; his brother-in-law, Bernhard Holmok; his niece, Hollis Rolston-Holmok; and his father-in-law, Garry Rolston. They will miss his warm smile, fun laugh, reminiscences about the shared past, and unwavering love and empathy. He also leaves behind many, many people who will feel the loss of his kindness, care, and attention, who were like family to him. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Zohr Family Funeral Home, Renfrew, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held for family and friends on the 2nd of April at 1:00pm with Rev. David McFarlane officiating in the Zohr Family Chapel. Following the family time in Renfrew there are plans for a more public event to be held in Ottawa. Details will be released as the weather improves for outdoor gatherings. For those desiring donations in memory of Peter, please consider two of his dearest charities, Hope for Wildlife (Nova Scotia) or Homewood Health Care (Guelph). Condolences, tributes and donations can be made online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com