Dr. Kerr William Clark, 81, passed away September 21, 2022 at Hanover District Hospital (HDH) after a brave and dignified 2 year battle with cancer.
He was born April 18, 1941 in Ayr, Scotland as the younger of 2 siblings. Growing up in Stevenston, Scotland he was in the Boy’s Brigade, attended Ardrossan Academy, and played soccer.
He graduated from Medical School at the University of Glasgow. While at school, he met his future wife Margaret Logue. They emigrated to Elliot Lake in Canada in 1968. In 1970, they moved to Hanover where they raised their 2 sons.
Kerr served the community of Hanover as a family physician for almost 40 years. His life’s calling was to help his patients, and he especially enjoyed getting to know them and listening to their stories. He had a tender heart and great bedside manner. He also cherished working alongside his fellow physicians, nurses, and other staff at the clinic and HDH. In his distinguished career he delivered hundreds of babies, dutifully manned the Emergency room at HDH, and was one of only a few area anesthesiologists at the time to contribute to surgical care of local residents. He also served as Chief of Staff at HDH multiple times, founded Hillcrest Medical Clinic with his partner Dr. Robert Panabaker (later joined by Dr. Neil Stretch), provided aviation medicals, and worked passionately to recruit new doctors to the area.
In retirement he enjoyed travel and theatre with his beloved Maggie, his regular golf games, coffee with the guys, following the Blue Jays, and the company of family and friends.
Kerr is survived by his loving wife Margaret and leaves behind his devoted sons Kerr Alexander (Shannon) and Andrew (Jeanne). He was adored by his grandchildren Alexandra, Catherine, Lauren, Kieran, Dawson and was a dear uncle to Sally Ann, Catherine and Gillian. He was predeceased by his parents Alexander “Sandy” and Annie Clark as well as his brother Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Clark (Sheena).
The family would like to express their appreciation to the physicians involved in his care – Doctors Sandhu, White, Heerema, Batten, and Labelle. We would also like to thank the staff of HDH and Care Partners and especially the nurses and PSWs whose care was excellent and kind. And lastly, special thanks is expressed for the support provided by close friends and neighbours.
A Memorial Come and Go Celebration will be held at Ground Effects - Event Centre (341411 Concession Rd 2 NDR, Hanover,) on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 1- 3 pm with Words of Remembrance commencing at 3 pm. Cremation has taken place with inurnment in Hanover Cemetery - Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Hanover & Area District Hospital Foundation or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover.
VIDEO: Memorial Celebration & Words of Remembrance
VIDEO: Tribute Slideshow
Margaret, Kerr, and Andy, I was saddened to hear of Kerr's passing, but delighted that his celebration of life ceremony was recorded and made available here. I just finished watching it start to finish and had both tears and laughs hearing your stories and those of his friends. Brought back many memories of my own. Like the time late one afternoon that I was cutting the grass at Hillcrest and discovered that you dad's car was still running. You can imagine what came out of his mouth;-)
With love,
Ruston
Dear Margret and family. Our sympathy, love and thoughts are with all of you on the death of Dr. Clark. We have fond memories, some of which my Mother, Alma Rody shared with us and the memories of assisting my mom in her later years to visit Dr. Clark. I always enjoyed those visits as Mom would do as he asked her to do. Blessings and peace as you cherish all your memories. Bev and Dorothy (Rody) Frook
- Dorothy FrookDear Margaret and Family , it was with great sadness we heard of the death of Kerr and we send our deepest condolences. Over the years Hanover has meant a lot to us and a major part is the Clark family. Thank You.
'Should Auld Acquaintance '
We were so sorry to hear of Dr Clarks passing. He will be greatly missed in our community. Sincerely Carol & Ken Zister
- Ken & Carol ZisterKerr was a good man, it was always a pleasure to talk to him at reunions. I missed seeing him the last few times. His obituary did him justice as a caring, conscientious and hard working doctor. A credit to Glasgow Medical school. Sincere condolences to the family. RIP Kerr
- J Paul Ferguson
Kerr always went above and beyond he will be missed .
Maggie, Andy, Jeanne, Kerr, Kirin and Dawson, We are so sorry to hear of your father/grandfather's passing. We have enjoyed being next door neighbours for 33 years now on Lake Eugenia. Dr. Clark was always so caring and such a gentle-man. We know that you will support each other as you say your final "good-bye, "May he rest in peace. Jake and Anne Marie Hammer
- Jacob W HammerMy very deepest sympathies to Margaret, Kerr, Andrew and their families. Our family was one of Dr. Clark's first patients when coming to Hanover. I was 13, and remained with him until his retirement. We shared an interest in Nascar racing and watching our granchildren play hockey together. He was one of the kindest, most caring men I've had the pleasure of knowing, and a great doctor. Rest in peace Dr. Clark, you're going to be missed by so many.
- Debbie Lesterhe will miss me and my sister love you uncle Kerr love sally and wade
28 2022
Maggie, I want to send my condolences. He was the doctor for our family and while we were fortunate not have to see him very often when we saw him, his compassion and caring was so evident. Working with him was a pleasure “PET”. Our thoughts are with you.
- Ann Leggemiss you uncle Kerr crying look after pic
- sally clarkOur heartfelt sympathy to Maggie & family on the sad loss of your beloved husband & father.
My husband James had the pleasure of playing golf with Kerr on a few occasions in the sunshine state of Florida. While I never had the opportunity to meet with Kerr I spoke with him on the phone several times & could tell he was a mild mannered & good hearted person. Thinking of you all. James & Morag McLean Scotland
he was my great uncle two me and my sisters Monday 26, 2022
- sally clarkMargaret, Kerr, Andrew and family. I am so so sorry for your loss. Dr. Clark was my physician for years and he was wonderful, kind.
Please take comfort in his dedication to healing others and selfless. His love for his family.
- Beth Gardiner.
I am devastated at this loss of such a wonderful man. He was our family doctor for 40 years plus. Love to all his family.
- Eleanor LamontWe first met Kerr and Maggie when they came to Longboat Key, Florida on vacation. Being fellow Scots we had an empathy and were regaled with many tales of Kerr's early days as a young doctor in Glasgow. On Kerr and Maggie's last visit to Longboat Key he came to Harvard's rescue after he tripped into a bush and splitting his head. On refusing to go to the hospital Kerr patched him up with Maggie's help as his nurse. Our heartfelt sorrow for a kind and gentle man. Our sincere wishes to to Maggie and all the family.
- Una & Harvard DavisDr.Clark you will be missed. You were without a doubt one of the best doctors we were fortunate to have looking after us & our new family, over 50 years ago. As a mother to be, with epilepsy, you got presented with a new challenge & you researched everything you could to ensure the safe arrival of our children.
You made it so much easier to get through the first pregnancy & delivered our healthy baby girl, Heather & 5 years later a healthy baby boy, whom coincidentally we named Andrew., I think your Scottish accent had something to do with their names. We will remember your caring, your smile & your laughter forever. Rest in peace, dear friend.
My sincere sympathy to the entire Clark family. Dr. Clark was our family Dr. a day after our daughter Tammy was born. He helped our family through a lot of hard times with grace and humor. I'm sorry his last couple of years were difficult, he deserved so much better.
- Florence AlexanderOur deepest condolences to Margaret and family. Dr Clark was the best doctor. He supported our family through some difficult times and I’ll always be grateful to him. On a lighter note, I have fond memories of making him a kilt years ago. I was so honoured that he trusted me with his family tartan. May he Rest In Peace.
- Brenda and Bill CampbellThis week we lost a true gentleman and great doctor in Dr. Clark. He was our doctor for many years and went above and beyond his duties to make sure we were alright. When he retired he made sure we had a doctor to carry on our medical needs. He had the nicest grin and laugh, so humble. The town of Hanover was lucky to have him all those years , I know we were. From the Hughes family thank you for what you did for us and the town of Hanover
- Larry HughesOur deepest sympathies to the entire Clark family. Dr Clark served our family for many years and will be sadly missed by many. Thank you for all you have done sir.
- Rick & Penny DwinnellDr Clark was a kind and compassionate care-giver who always took time with his patience. I was fortunate to have him as my family doctor for many years until his retirement. Dr Clark would affectionately address patients as "Pet". The world has lost a great man. Sending heartfelt condolences.
- Corrine Lawrence