John Edward "Clarke" Collins
October 26, 1952 - September 24, 2025

The family of Clarke Collins of Keady, sadly announce his passing on Wednesday, September 24, at the age of 72. Loving brother of Garry Collins (Beth) and Marilyn Bloomfield (Wayne) and proud uncle of Andrew (Caley), Amanda (Corey), Mike (Briana), and Joey (Taylor). Clarke will be fondly remembered by his many friends and neighbours in the Keady community. Predeceased by his parents Roy Clifford and Hilda Jean Collins (nee Best). 

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Clarke was a quiet man, but his life spoke volumes. Raised on his family’s mixed livestock farm, he learned early the value of hard work and perseverance. After a fire destroyed the original barns, all were rebuilt, including a pig barn where Clarke established a business raising them. While tending to chores around the barn Clarke was never one to shy away from a task. He started another  business, Collins Firewood, and could often be found lending a hand to others, whether on the farm or at the Keady sales barn, where his dependable nature made him a familiar and welcome presence.

In his younger years, Clarke’s love of baseball shone brightly. He was a natural athlete, a strong fielder and a reliable first baseman. The game stayed with him well into adulthood, where he carried on in Slo-Pitch leagues. More than just a player, Clarke became the steady manager—trusted to supply the bats and balls, and always ready to share a beer with the gang after the final out. His teammates knew him as both tough and good-humoured, the kind of man every team hopes to have.

Clarke’s toughness extended far beyond the ball diamond. Known as “one tough guy,” he lived with remarkable strength and a quiet resilience. He never complained, even as he endured over 100 chemotherapy treatments—a measure of his high pain threshold and his unyielding spirit.

Though Clarke never married and had no children of his own, his circle of friends was wide, and he was well liked by all who knew him. His loyalty extended to his favourite sports teams—the New England Patriots on the football field and the Montreal Canadiens on the ice. And his deep knowledge of farming made him someone others could turn to for advice and conversation, whether about the land, the work, or the tools that kept it all running.

Clarke lived simply, quietly, and with purpose. He left behind no grand monuments, but something far greater: the respect of friends, the memory of his strength, and the example of a life well lived through hard work, endurance, and kindness.

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Cremation has taken place and arrangements entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A Celebration of Life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, September 29, from 1:00 – 4:00pm, with family remembrances commencing at 2:00pm. Rev. Ann Veyvara-Divinski officiating. The family wish to extend their profound thanks to Dr. Ismail Aboo and the Brightshores Oncology Department, family Dr. Adam Winterton, palliative care Dr. Lindsay Chapman, and the nursing staff at CarePartners. In addition, the family is especially thankful to the friends and neighbours that have provided care and support to Clarke for so many years. Interment Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara. If desired, donations to the Oncology Department of Brightshores Health Systems in Owen Sound, or the South Bruce Grey Health Centre- Chesley, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com