Our condolences go out to the Clowater family and friends.Sorry for your loss.
Harold Clowater,
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HAROLD CLOWATER,
2021
CLOWATER, (HAROLD FRANCIS) CHESTY — April 2, 1938 – December 23, 2015
With aching hearts and (so many) sweet and happy memories, the Clowaters announce the unexpected passing – following a brief hospitalization – of (Harold Francis) Chesty Clowater surrounded by the love of his family near and far at Health Sciences North in Sudbury on December 23rd, 2015. Born in in 1938, Chesty grew up in Noranda QC but would return to spend his summers helping his grandparents and extended family on the farm in Jacquet River NB, where he was born. He was generous with his time and loved to socialize with friends — in short, he enjoyed life. He was naturally agile, physically strong, and a gifted athlete — a true sports enthusiast — an avid football player, golfer, and hockey player (he enjoyed recounting his exploits and reminiscing about the good old days not the least of which was the ’54 NOHA championship win as a player with the Noranda Lions Midgets and coaching the juveniles to the all Ontarios). As a husband, father, and grandfather, Chesty was a softie, content to be surrounded by those he loved so fiercely. Chesty was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Caroline Clowater; his brothers, Robert and Cyril Clowater; and, his sister, Ann Fortin. Blessed with a large, boisterous, and fun-loving family, Chesty will be deeply missed by his wife and rock of 56 years, Marilynne (née Larose) a.k.a. Hun and 6 children: Blaine (Lynda) Clowater of Kirkland Lake ON; Dale Clowater of St. Catharines ON; Tracy (Steve) Tamas of St. Catharines ON; Shelley (Mike) Dell of North Bay ON; Kurt (Patti) Clowater of Revelstoke BC; and, Kent (Lissa) Clowater of North Bay ON. He was a proud and doting Papa to 9 grandchildren who were his whole world — Jordan Clowater; Alec and Chloe Tamas; Adam and Emalee Dell; Cormac and Finian Clowater; and, Dylan and Nathan Clowater. He also leaves behind his brothers Carl and Jude Clowater; and, a plethora nephews and nieces, including Robin Whelan Desjardins who will hold close her cherished memories of “Mon Oncle.” Chesty had a wide a varied work career — starting early as a teen sharpening skates at the arena! He was Assistant Manager of the Recreation Centre in Noranda QC, a small business owner and Recreation Director in Matagami QC, finally moving to Kirkland Lake ON in 1976 as owner and operator of the Esquire Cigar Store, followed by a position as Sales Manager with Teck News Agency, traveling throughout Northeastern Ontario and Northwestern Québec, until his retirement in 1998. In recent years, Chesty kept himself busy driving school bus and had a special place in his heart for the kids on his bus run – an affection that was cheerfully returned! He was an active member of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish and the Knights of Columbus and a familiar site at church functions. A steadfast and devoted husband, Chesty and Marilynne built a life and family together that included not only much entertaining and an active social life, but also every opportunity that they could give their children. They weathered life’s ups and downs, and 56 years later still endured. With a thousand different inflections, his cry of “Hun” could mean a thousand different things and, though sometimes exasperated, Marilynne could always interpret exactly what he wanted! They built a home where all were welcome — when his family was young, random extra kids in family photos were not a rarity; as they moved into their teen years, a few more at breakfast were a matter of course (and the Clowater parties when they were out of town were fairly epic); and, as the family expanded with spouses and – especially – grandchildren, Chesty loved nothing more than to have them all close for a snuggle and a visit. He doted on his children, involved in their activities, particularly hockey. “Passionate” about the game, he was involved with a number of northern hockey schools, coaching, and managing (his antics are legendary), and the classic shop ’n stop fundraiser “Wok with Chesty” saw many different incarnations over the years. While Winters were spent in arenas across the North, Summers were spent creating memories camping as a family at the Knights of Columbus site at Nettie Lake. Though he had a gruff exterior, the grandkids learned quickly – not only to shut the door (!), but also that he was a great big marshmallow at heart. Always with a camera in hand, Chesty was the caretaker of the family photo albums, documenting life’s little moments and family get-togethers. He loved to visit his grandkids and watch them in action in their chosen activities … followed by boasting to his friends. He had recently even taken up Facebook and Skype to keep in touch (though he still struggled with the camera function and the kids would spend much of the call looking at his forehead!) Though he had slowed down in recent years, Chesty’s winters were spent complaining about the cold, woodworking at the Encore Club, watching the grandkids’ hockey games and downhill skiing, and looking forward to his visits to the rest of his family. He spent his summers at the lake — complaining about the heat, enjoying a round of golf with the Sesekinika crew, puttering around the cottage, and fishing the lake with Hun — though, to be sure, she cleaned all of their catch! — then hosting family and friends for a fabulous end-of-summer fish fry. The Clowater Clan looks forward to welcoming friends and hearing their favourite stories of Chesty on Tuesday, December 29th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the French Family Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 30th at Holy Name of Jesus church with a luncheon to follow at Hockey Heritage North. Donations in Chesty’s memory to KidSport Timiskaming (PO Box 783 Kirkland Lake ON P2N 2K4) will be gratefully received — Community sport played such a large and important role in Chesty’s life and family, that we can think of no better way to honour him than to help make sport accessible to all kids.Offer Condolence for the family of Harold Clowater
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83 messages received
remember from Recreation Center in Noranda always there to help us . Rest in peace my friend
Ginette Laliberté Guilbeault, March 1, 2021
Remember Chesty well from the Rec Centre and sports activities in Noranda. He was a significant part of a wonderful Noranda community. Brian McLatchie
Brian McLatchie, March 1, 2021
Dear Marilynne &’family Mike and I are very saddened to hear of Chesty’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time! R.I.P. Chesty
Mike & Louise LeClerc, March 1, 2021
He was a real gentleman and a gentle man, he will be missed by all who knew him and all who dealt with him over the years. Thank you sir for everything you gave to the people of KL, and for being part of our community and our families, You will be missed
Pat Coughlin, March 1, 2021
please find some comfort in this Bible scripture, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice+ 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, ” This is God’s promise to us. My condolences goes out to all the family and friends.
teresa mccraw, March 1, 2021
My wife and I were very sorry to hear of the passing of Chesty We hope he find peace in the arms of Jesus He was a good friend to all of us school bus drivers,as well as many others.
Tom Richardson, March 1, 2021
Well Uncle Chesty the Obituary says it all..There is nothing more i can add to that..Every word written there is the truth..I will miss seeing you on Weds. at the Macs Store.. We always had our little chats about what we would do when we won the big one…On the mornings when we didn’t meet, i would see you on the highway and flash you because you always left your darn high beam on…Just for the hell of it, when i see the matach bus going to pick up the kidlets i’m going to give him my highbeam and smile…Hope that sounds like a plan to you, and you laugh like hell when you look down and see me doing it….And when my time comes, i’m bringing a toy school bus and car so we can have a really good laugh…Love you.. Rest In Peace Uncle Chesty….Love You….Your Niece Glenda
Glenda Clowater Saile, March 1, 2021
Blaine and Linda , so sorry to hear of your loss.
Gloria McLellan Kesseler, March 1, 2021
rest in peace Chesty—a lot of fond memories from the REC center in Noranda and the golf course!
Borden Smith, March 1, 2021
My thoughts and prayers with the Clowater family.
Alyson DiDonato, March 1, 2021
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
James Perry and family, March 1, 2021
Blaine & Family So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your father. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. May he rest in peace. Pat & Lorraine & Family
Pat & Lorraine Kiely, March 1, 2021
Chesty, you will be hugely missed by all near and far. thankfully what you have created will be carried on by those who follow. your legend will always live on. gary gec.
gary gec, March 1, 2021
Toute mes sympathies a toutes la famille, Chester était un homme bien et j’en garde un très bon souvenir , au travail et comme ami., je suis avec vous de tout coeur !!
gisele dignard, March 1, 2021
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Chesty. He will be sorely missed and Kirkland Lake lost a great man who gave so much. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family. God bless.
David Zivkovic, March 1, 2021
We are sorry to hear about Chesty passing away.| We send our condolences to the family and friend of Chesty. He will be missed by all.
Jack and Barb. Lee, March 1, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Chesty’s family. Chesty was our daughter Savannah and our son Daniel’s bus driver for a few years, (Matachewan run) and they both were very fond of him, as were my husband and I.
Dianne Gilbert and family, March 1, 2021
Our condolences to the Clowater Family We were very sad to hear of Chesty’s sudden passing. We have so many great memories of him over the years starting with our football-playing days and including his never ending involvement with his family’s many activities in KL. He was always so much fun and so passionate in all his interests ! Like so many others we will miss him.–Brian and Gale
Brian and Gale Hamilton, March 1, 2021
Remembering Chesty running Wok With Chesty fund raisers for our son Darcy’s hockey team many years ago. We had such a good time. What a wonderful man and family. Our heart felt condolences to all of you.
Barry & Brenda Ryan, March 1, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the Clowater family , Mike (Harold’s Mike) Dempsey
Mike Demosey, March 1, 2021
We will remember Chesty with his wonderful smile and his passion for family, town and sports. We have so many pleasant memories of our hockey days together.
Vivi & Don Mervyn, March 1, 2021
Dear Marilyn Our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband Chesty. Although I only met Chesty a couple of times in Noranda and Kirkland Lake, I still have fond memories of him. We last met in a small store in Kirkland many years ago. Memories of the Walsh/Larose family goes back a long way and will never be forgotten. Love Art & Brenda
Art & Brenda Walsh, March 1, 2021
Dear Marilynne and Family Please accept my deepest condolences on the recent passing of Chesty. Harry had many fond memories of his time up North and your names crossed his lips many times. I know Chesty will be deeply missed, but you have had almost a lifetime of many great memories to share with your children and grandchildren which I am sure they will hold dear. My thoughts are with you all.
Doreen (Harry) Korman, March 1, 2021
Dear Marilyn Our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband Chesty. Although I only met Chesty a couple of times in Noranda and Kirkland Lake, I still have fond memories of him. We last met in a small store in Kirkland many years ago. Memories of the Walsh/Larose family goes back a long way and will never be forgotten. Love Art & Brenda
Art & Brenda Walsh, March 1, 2021
We will remember Chesty with his wonderful smile and his passion for family, town and sports. We have so many pleasant memories of our hockey days together. Vivi & Don Mervyn
Vivi & Don Mervyn, March 1, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the Clowater family , Mike (Harold’s Mike) Dempsey
Mike Demosey, March 1, 2021
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Chesty was a great man. So sorry to hear this news and sorry I couldn’t be there in person.
John Savarie, March 1, 2021
To you Marilyn and your family , we send our most sincere sympathies. I have so many memories of both you and Chesty and our young families – and even before that when you and I were young and running across the lane to spend time with each other. Mom worked with Chesty at the Recreation Center and I know how much he was admired and loved. It is with sadness that I send this message and wish you well. love Betty
Betty & John Gillies, March 1, 2021
Remembering Chesty running Wok With Chesty fund raisers for our son Darcy’s hockey team many years ago. We had such a good time. What a wonderful man and family. Our heart felt condolences to all of you.
Barry & Brenda Ryan, March 1, 2021
This message is from the daughter of Jessy Hervieux of Matagami. I’m with you in thoughts. God bless you all and help you through these sad moments. Claudette Hervieux
Claudette Hervieux , March 1, 2021
Our condolences to the Clowater Family We were very sad to hear of Chesty’s sudden passing. We have so many great memories of him over the years starting with our football-playing days and including his never ending involvement with his family’s many activities in KL. He was always so much fun and so passionate in all his interests ! Like so many others we will miss him.–Brian and Gale
Brian and Gale Hamilton, March 1, 2021
Dear Marilyn ad family It was with great sadness and shock we read about Chesty’s passing.Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this very sad time. God Bless all of you Larry Emily Boisvert
Larry Emily Boisvert, March 1, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Chesty’s family. Chesty was our daughter Savannah and our son Daniel’s bus driver for a few years, (Matachewan run) and they both were very fond of him, as were my husband and I.
Dianne Gilbert and family, March 1, 2021
We are sorry to hear about Chesty passing away.| We send our condolences to the family and friend of Chesty. He will be missed by all.
Jack and Barb. Lee, March 1, 2021
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Chesty. He will be sorely missed and Kirkland Lake lost a great man who gave so much. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family. God bless.
David Zivkovic, March 1, 2021
Toute mes sympathies a toutes la famille, Chester était un homme bien et j’en garde un très bon souvenir , au travail et comme ami., je suis avec vous de tout coeur !!
gisele dignard, March 1, 2021
Chesty, you will be hugely missed by all near and far. thankfully what you have created will be carried on by those who follow. your legend will always live on. gary gec.
gary gec, March 1, 2021
To the entire Clowater family go our sincere condolences on the death of your husband, Father and brother. So sorry for your loss, Gloria and Jerry Majich
Gloria and Jerry Majich, March 1, 2021
Blaine & Family So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your father. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. May he rest in peace. Pat & Lorraine & Family
Pat & Lorraine Kiely, March 1, 2021
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
James Perry and family, March 1, 2021
rest in peace Chesty—a lot of fond memories from the REC center in Noranda and the golf course!
Borden Smith, March 1, 2021
Blaine and Linda , so sorry to hear of your loss.
Gloria McLellan Kesseler, March 1, 2021
Well Uncle Chesty the Obituary says it all..There is nothing more i can add to that..Every word written there is the truth..I will miss seeing you on Weds. at the Macs Store.. We always had our little chats about what we would do when we won the big one…On the mornings when we didn’t meet, i would see you on the highway and flash you because you always left your darn high beam on…Just for the hell of it, when i see the matach bus going to pick up the kidlets i’m going to give him my highbeam and smile…Hope that sounds like a plan to you, and you laugh like hell when you look down and see me doing it….And when my time comes, i’m bringing a toy school bus and car so we can have a really good laugh…Love you.. Rest In Peace Uncle Chesty….Love You….Your Niece Glenda
Glenda Clowater Saile, March 1, 2021
My wife and I were very sorry to hear of the passing of Chesty We hope he find peace in the arms of Jesus He was a good friend to all of us school bus drivers,as well as many others.
Tom Richardson, March 1, 2021
He was a real gentleman and a gentle man, he will be missed by all who knew him and all who dealt with him over the years. Thank you sir for everything you gave to the people of KL, and for being part of our community and our families, You will be missed.
Pat Coughlin, March 1, 2021
please find some comfort in this Bible scripture, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice+ 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, ” This is God’s promise to us. My condolences goes out to all the family and friends.
teresa mccraw, March 1, 2021
Dear Marilynne &’family Mike and I are very saddened to hear of Chesty’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time! R.I.P. Chesty
Mike & Louise LeClerc, March 1, 2021
Remember Chesty well from the Rec Centre and sports activities in Noranda. He was a significant part of a wonderful Noranda community. Brian McLatchie
Brian McLatchie, March 1, 2021
remember from Recreation Center in Noranda always there to help us . Rest in peace my friend
Ginette Laliberté Guilbeault, March 1, 2021
To our very Special friend for over 60 years. Chesty, Marilynne & family bring many fond memories and many stories to tell. We will miss you. Love & friendship Mario & Joan
Joan & Mario Cicci, March 1, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a great family man and a real community personality. He will be missed immensely by many.
Colleen Doyle, March 1, 2021
Our condolences go out to the Clowater family and friends.Sorry for your loss. Rob & Louise
Rob and Louise Rioux, March 1, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. Chesty was a true inspiration to me growing up in Matagami as ayoung boy. He was fun to golf with and was always helping me with my hockey career with my Dad. Our prayers are with you all. With great respect, Lorne Stamler (son of Joe and Mabel Stamler)
Lorne Stamler, March 1, 2021
I grew up in Noranda and remember Marilynne and her sister well. Also knew Chesty when he worked the Rec Centre. In the past few years my brother Bill McKelvey and I would have an annual golf game with Chesty. As you said in your obituary his family meant the world to him. We always had such great fun and played some golf as well. It was always fun to catch up on all his grandkids goings on. Please pass on my condolences to Marilynne. Much love June McKelvey Hodge
June M. Hodge, March 1, 2021
Our condolences go out to the Clowater family and friends. We were deeply saddened to hear of Chesty’s passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Sherry & Lucille
Sherry-Anne & Lucille Panagapka, March 1, 2021
We were so sad to hear about Chesty’s passing. We have many wonderful memories of our times together in Matagami. We also will miss seeing him out on Sesekinika catching all the pikeral. Our condolences to Marilynne and all the clan.
Nancy and Dave Thornham, March 1, 2021
Our thoughts are with you, and may God Bless Your Family
Connie Sampson, March 1, 2021
Our sympathies to the family, very sorry for your loss!
Bruce & Joanne McDonald, March 1, 2021
Sorry for your lost.
Dave Gollwitzer, March 1, 2021
Sorry for your loss. I always remembered him as such a fun loving individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dean Cicci, March 1, 2021
My sympathies to the family will miss my old partner from Matagami R.I.P old buddy
Rod Valliere, March 1, 2021
I am so profoundly sorry to hear of Chestys passing. my thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and her family.
Dale montpetit, March 1, 2021
Love & friendship to our very Special friend Chesty. Over 50 years of delightful fond memories so many great stories to tell. We will miss you. Love Mario & Joan
Joan & Mario Cicci, March 1, 2021
So sorry to hear of his passing. Many Matagami memories. My deepest condolences.
Gilberte Guilleminot , March 1, 2021
So sorry to hear of Chesty’s passing. Jessie and I had the pleasure of workimg with him during the Legion 87’s annual “Wok with Chesty”. He will be missed!
Lucy, Jessie & Kelsie Howg, March 1, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Chesty’s passing. He was just a great and pleasant guy to be around and will be missed by all. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Ray & Al Fong, March 1, 2021
Marilynne & Family: We were so sorry to hear of Chesty’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time.
Vickie & Clem Demers, March 1, 2021
Condolences to the Family in the loss of a Great person. Chesty will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. So sorry for your loss
Rick and Judy Gervais, March 1, 2021
To Marilynne, Blaine, Dale, Tracy, Shelley, Kurt and Kent; our deepest sympathy go out to you and your families on the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs from Mr. and Mrs. “A”
Pat and Anita Allison, March 1, 2021
Our most heartfelt condolences. Wonderful memories of an incredible man.
Dwayne Perry & Family, March 1, 2021
So sorry to hear of Chesty’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to your family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time in your lives….xo
Shane,Debra,Stefany,Darian Allison, March 1, 2021
Dear Marilynn & family we are so very sorry & sad for all of you at this time. Chesty will always be remembered fondly, he had such a big heart. Thinking of you all, Paula & Perry
Paula Cicci-Bowles, March 1, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss Mrs C, Blaine,Dale,Tracy,Shelley,Kurt and Kent. Your father was a wonderful caring man who will be missed by everyone that knew him. I have great memories growing up with him from family vacations, Nettie lake and spending time at the house. He always made us welcome. Thoughts and prayers to you all xo
Debbie,Scott and Connor Wilson, March 1, 2021
So sorry to hear about Chesty, my deepest sympathies.I will always remember his smile & laugh. All the best to his family .
Brian Dempsey, March 1, 2021
Marcel and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Chesty’s family at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be forever missed and always in our hearts.
Linda Lafrance Belanger, March 1, 2021
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather. Our loss is heavens gain. May your love and memories give you comfort in the difficult days ahead. Ray & Sue Perrier
Ray & Sue Perrier, March 1, 2021
We are very sorry to hear of Chesty’s passing, he was a very fun loving gentleman, always good for a little joke or chuckle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time, please except our condolences.
Sid and Yvonne Menard, March 1, 2021
Marilynne and family What do you say when such a strong and loving heart stops beating. No words can ease the pain and sorrow you all feel. Know he loved you all , and was so proud of you,. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time Hugs Cathy and John and family xxx
Catherine and John Wendorf (Connolly), March 1, 2021
Hello I just want to give my deepest sympathies to all the family …please give my love to Aunt Marilyne …. I have not been very present in your lives but you always had a special place in my heart …I remeber all the good memeories as a child …we had the best hair dresser in the world … and I had the best God Father … he will be missed dearly by many I am in St.Jerome and there are many people from Nornada here and they all ask about Harold or Chesty Clowater they all have great stories about him … I send my love to you all … Kim Clowater ( please give a special hug to Robin )
Kim Clowater, March 1, 2021
Marilynne, Blaine, Dale, Tracy, Shelley, Kurt and Kent, and families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have many fond memories of the entire Clowater family with time spent with our families together. I was deeply saddened when I heard of the passing of Chesty. May you take comfort in each other during this difficult time.
Shelly, Kayley and Gordie Sinclair, March 1, 2021
Our Condolences to the Clowater family,relatives & friends for there great loss, Chesty will be missed by all who knew him, he was a great guy,Our thoughts & Prayers go out to you all at this very sad time,.God Bless you May you R.I.P
Cameron & Lois Dempsey, March 1, 2021
My deepest condolences to all of the family.
Darren "Hairy" Phillips, March 1, 2021