Obituary of Clarke Mecredy

Mecredy, Harold Clarke, CD, BA (Western ‘48), MA (Waterloo Lutheran ‘76), of Kingston, Ontario, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, age 101; born on May 5, 1924 in London, ON to Ethel (Clarke) Mecredy and John Harold Mecredy.

Clarke was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Joan in 1999. Clarke is survived by his sons Michael (Judith) and his children with Irene; Meghan (Mike) and Sarah (Jim): and Stephen (Darlene), and their children Graham (Kiah) and Kelly (Candace). Grampa is also survived by his 5 great grandchildren Mya, Mikai, Mylo, Zoya and Maddox.

Clarke is also survived by his long time partner of the last 20 years, Marie Sinnett.

Clarke joined the Royal Canadian Navy at HMCS Prevost in 1943 and served in Canada and the UK. Following the war he graduated from University of Western Ontario (48) where he met the love of his life, Joan. Clarke stayed in the RCN where he served in a variety of ships both on land and sea. His passion was Naval air and he served on both of Canada’s aircraft carriers, HMCS Magnificent and HMCS Bonaventure. He retired in 1966 and moved to Waterloo,ON to work in administration at the University of Waterloo and later at Waterloo Lutheran. Then to Toronto where he held a number of senior positions in the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. While in Toronto he also had time to be the Naval aide de camp to Ontario’s Lieutenant-Governor, reprising his role as he had also been the aide de camp to Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant-Governor in the early ‘60’s.

Clarke retired in 1979 and he and Joan moved to Florida where they “lived the life on the Gulf Coast” for many years. Clarke even managed to take up golf which he played until he was 93. Later they moved to Waynesville, NC in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Music was a life long passion; singing, playing the piano and organ and directing as Drum Major of various Celtic bands. He continued to play by ear well into his nineties. and wrote a march, CNAG, to commemorate Canadian Naval Air.
Following Joan’s death in 1999, Clarke decided it was time to return to Canada so he moved to Kingston, ON. He has enjoyed living on Lake Ontario, researching and spotting his beloved trains, playing golf and spending time with his partner Marie.

Many thanks to the staff of Arbour Heights Long Term Care home for all their care and assistance for Clarke. Donations in memory of Clarke may be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of choice. 

Clarke has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the RCAFA 416 Wing, 200 Hampton Gray Way at the Norman Rogers Airport in Kingston, Ontario. The formalities and the 416 Wing Poppy Ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm.