Andrew Clarke

My condolences to the Clarke family for their loss. While I'm sure that I met Andrew in high school so many years ago it wasn't until our 20s that we came to know each other better. Invariably, back in those days outings with our high school gang revolved around watching Leaf games, playing ball hockey, playing cards, eating wings and having a few beers. It was a great time, figuring our way around the world with more than a few fun and crazy misadventures along the way. It was during these times that Andrew's strength of character and sense of humour first started to stand out for me. Always selfless, always there to help and eager to have a great discussion - anchoring qualities that dispelled the awkwardness that often comes with a few year's age difference, especially when you're in your 20s. Moving into our 30s we built upon our friendships even further as we started off with our great tradition of yearly golf weekends. Given our busy lives, work and families these outings afforded us all the opportunity to get together and provided the outlet for all of us to let off some steam, laugh and catch up on life. Whether it was while playing golf, ball hockey or poker, sitting around a campfire or hanging out at the beach during a Sauble sunset Andrew was the person that kept the conversation going, provided sharp insights, pointed out crazy ironies and generally made everyone laugh. Given the tight knit nature of our group it's very hard to come to grips with Andrew's passing, it's just so wrong and so surreal. I'm certain that if he was behind my shoulder reading what I was writing now he'd be focused on making me (us) feel better, because that's the kind of person he was. We're all much richer for having known him and having had him as a dear friend. Miss you Andrew! RIP.