It is true, you can die of a broken heart.  Respectfully we announce the passing of John Clare, a mere 5 months after the loss of his “bride”, Donna (nee Gibbons).  March 5th of this year would have marked 65 years of marriage. He met his wife on a blind date at a New Year’s Eve party.   John passed away quickly on March the 1st at the St Catharine’s General Hospital. Father to Randy, Robin Primerano (Chris) and Mary Kay Waggle (Brian).  Cherished grandfather to Martha and Taylor Primerano, Cooper and Clare Waggle.  Much loved uncle to Pam Clare 

Born January 17th, 1934 to Edward (Ed) and Mary Clare, he was always proud to say he was one of seven children. Marylin, Edgar Given (deceased), William, Doris (Marie deceased), Phylis, Richard Lee (deceased), Robert, Rita (Boop) (deceased), survived by Donald & Gladys Clare, and Sharon and Dave Atkins.  Beloved brother-in-law to Mary Emery (Krieger).  During John’s later years he took much joy in reconnecting with family and friends on Sunday afternoons at his vacation home on Lake Erie.

Last week enjoying an outing, he gleefully told people he had won a trip to Japan.  This was true, however the first trip was in 1965.  That did start the first of many highlights of a long career which began in 1955.  He received his first motorcycle a 1932 Harley Davidson in exchange for a plumbing job from his brother- in- law, Ed Givens.  John’s plumbing career ended when he became the founding partner of Clare’s Cycle & Sports, still at its current location in Fenwick.  Known as a motorcycle sportsman, he was the recipient of the Ontario Sportsman of the year award, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of fame, Welland Sportsman Hall of fame, and the Trev Deeley Lifetime achievement award.  Active in racing and enduros as a passion, he quickly became an active motorcycle retailer when there were none in Canada.  Selling just about all brands of motorcycles through the years, John was able to develop and grow the Canadian motorcycle market.  John was truly a founder and pioneer in the motorcycle industry.  He will be sadly missed by the Welland County Motorcycle Club and his friends at the Lincoln County motorcycle Club and numerous motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the years. 

He was graceful, charming and truly cared about his customers. John made everyone feel like family.  There are many people who have stories to share where he touched their lives.  

He was a notable member of the Pelham Community, and a strong member of the Fenwick Lion’s Club. He will be missed especially by his friend’s Bill and Sharon Farion. One of his favorite boasts, was being the oldest and longest standing member of Lookout Point Golf and Country Club. In his later golfing years, he was fortunate to have many friends such as Tom Lambert and others who patiently helped him get out to play the game he loved.  To both John and Donna, the entire staff at Lookout Point were gracious, and welcoming whenever they were in the Club House.  John spent 20 years playing golf in Myrtle Beach with many Canadian friends in his later years.  

John’s final years were marked by the loving support of many people.  The staff at Lookout Ridge Retirement Home in Fonthill, Sandy Kovacs and the entire team at Encompass Care, Korry Walton, were instrumental in maintaining John’s quality of life. Friday’s will not be the same without Gerry Siconolfi and fish and chips.