Donald Francis Clement

Don Clement, beloved husband of Lorraine Clement (née Carol Turner), passed away suddenly on June 28, 2025, at the age of 80. He is survived by his sons Dave Clement (Celia Campbell) and Jeff Clement (Violet Clement, née Rodriguez); their mother (Anne Clement (née Muldowney); sisters Carolyn Hilton (Alfred) and Cecilia Reynolds (Ted); stepchildren Cypress Mintz (Darren Picket) and his cherished grandchildren Gavin, Oliver, Alexander and Case. Don is predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Helen Clement (née Breault), and stepson Jeffery Mintz. Don also held a special place in his heart for his favourite cat of 22 years, Tux.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Don led a full and inquisitive life, grounded in intellect, compassion, and creativity. A lifelong cinephile and avid reader, he was known for his impeccable grammar, fierce curiosity, and deep respect for the natural world. He was a photographer, a gardener, an amateur carpenter, and a gourmet chef who showed his love most clearly through food. He approached the world with humility and wonder, delving deeply into topics like deep ecology, cosmology, and Indigenous history & culture. His inquisitive nature led him to travel the world and form transformative relationships such as with his friends at Wikwemikoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island.

Don earned his Honours BA from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts from York University. He shared his love of literature and critical thinking as a dedicated educator, teaching English at various schools, including St. Michael’s College School in Toronto, Streetsville Secondary School, Holy Cross Secondary in Woodbridge, and tutoring well into his retirement. His love of language and life-long learning left a lasting impression on all who knew him, from students and colleagues to neighbours and the many ‘secret disciples’ he quietly inspired over the years.

Don grew up in Weston and spent his youth in Toronto. With his architectural interests, he designed and built a family home near Erin where he raised his sons with their mother. He later moved to Muskoka, finding peace in the biodiversity of its forests and wetlands. He remarried his dearest Lorraine then they later settled in Bracebridge, where he remained engaged and active - whether at book club at the library, in spirited debates on municipal and global issues, playing poker at the senior’s centre, or penning letters to the editor that were regularly published.

Don Clement leaves behind a legacy of thoughtfulness, creativity, love, and inquiry. He will be remembered with great affection and will be deeply missed.

In keeping with Don’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held July 11th, 2025, with a visitation at 12:00PM and service at 1PM at Reynolds Funeral Home in Bracebridge, Ontario. A wake will be held for friends, family & neighbours following the service at Reynolds Funeral Home with light refreshments being served. Don will be interred in Erin, ON at later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your local public library or to The Nature Conservancy of Canada https://secure.natureconservancy.ca/site/SPageNavigator/Forms/landing.html.