Clare Simms

Clare Blake Simms passed away peacefully after a short illness in Ottawa, Ontario on January 8, 2021 at the age of 95.  Clare was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Cecile (née Boudreau).  He is survived by his five children Don, Cathy Trautman, Bob (Janet MacMinn), Karen (Jeff Obukuro), and Mary (Jeremy Broadhurst); his ten grandchildren Richard, Matthew, Grant, David, Darryl, Abigail, Thomas, Deborah, Eleanor, and Matilda; as well as his sister Mava Holland.

The fifth of eight children, Clare spent his early years on the venerated family homestead in New Liskeard. As a teenager, he attended boarding school at Scollard Hall and worked summers with his father at the Falconbridge mine. When the family moved to Toronto, Clare completed his high school at St. Michael’s College School while helping at the family corner grocery store on Jones Avenue.  He then continued his studies at the University of Toronto.

Aspiring to a career that would contribute to society, Clare graduated in 1949 with a degree in chemical engineering. His first engineering job was at the Kimberly-Clark pulp mill in Terrace Bay where he met and married the love of his life Cecile. Together, they moved to Sarnia in 1956 when Clare commenced his career in the petroleum industry with Canadian Oil (White Rose).

When Canadian Oil was bought by Shell in 1963, Clare became part of the Shell Canada family where he found a home for more than 20 years. He was involved in the design of all the major projects that Shell Canada undertook in that time: the Montreal East Expansion; the Sarnia Chemical Plant; and the Scotford (Edmonton) Refinery. He and Cecile moved throughout Canada as well as internationally with the company while they raised their five children. Clare found great reward in his work and after his retirement from Shell continued his vocation as a contractor with the New Zealand Refining Company and then Dupont Canada. He reluctantly decided to let the young folks take over in 1998 and moved on to a peaceful life of full retirement.

In 1937, Clare was given a Kodak Baby Brown 127 camera and an ABC ANSCO Developing and Contact Printing kit and thus began a lifelong love of photography.  His voluminous body of work is deeply treasured by his family and will continue to be for years to come.

Clare thought of himself as an introvert, but he had a warmth of spirit that drew people to him.  Despite his calm temperament, he was stubborn as an ox and always managed to get his way.  He never had a harsh word to say about anyone, but those around him so valued his approval they always tried to do their best for him.  His pragmatic Engineer side was balanced with much spiritual reflection and a deep love of poetry.  Clare believed in a life of service and took his work and family responsibilities very seriously.  He also lived life joyfully and especially loved a good party with family and friends.

Up to his final days, everyone who met Clare was impressed by his intelligence, his sense of humour, his positive outlook and his kind heart.

Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life and memorial will be held virtually.  If you are interested, please email claresimmsmemorial@rogers.com to be kept informed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Engineers Without Border (www.ewb.ca) or the charity of your choice.

Show me the path, I had forgotten Thee
When I was happy and free
Walking down here in the gladsome light o’ the sun
But now I come and mourn, O set my feet
In the road to thy blest seat,
And for the rest, O God, thy will be done.