Philippians 4:6,7 :
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Attended by loving family on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Queensway Long-term Care and Retirement Community ( Hensall, Ontario ), Clarke Teal went to be with Jesus, at the age of 83 years. Beloved husband of Anne Teal ( nee Silver ); Loving father of Shelley ( Ron ) McLeod, Carson Teal, and Rhonda Teal ( predeceased in 1988 ); Treasured grandfather of McKenna ( Tanner ) Martin, Miller McLeod and Coleman, Walker and Oakley Teal; Dear brother of Grant Teal ( predeceased by Lois and Esther ); Cherished brother-in-law of predeceased Bill Silver ( Aida ), predeceased Eric Silver, Lottie Bell ( Doug – predeceased ), Walter Silver ( Cheryl ), Dale Silver ( Paula ) and Earl Silver ( Linda ); Loved by many nieces and nephews; Predeceased by his parents Rev. Wilbur and Sylvia Teal.
Clarke was a committed Christ follower, first and foremost, always endeavouring to allow this commitment to permeate everything he undertook. He grew up a ‘preacher’s kid’, living in various towns and cities in Southwestern Ontario, where his Dad pastored. He attended Lorne Park College, Robert’s Wesleyan College and the University of Western Ontario, obtaining a degree and specialty certificates to teach highschool Mathematics, teaching 33 years at Goderich District Collegiate Institute, most of which he served as Mathematics Department Head. He was very invested in teaching and the school community, but he was also very active in the Goderich Free Methodist Church ( and other local churches after that ), as well as leadership roles at the Conference level. Some of his joys included: designing and building homes, fishing, tennis, family water sports, harmonizing hymns and high-level chess. In retirement, he did not slow down. He and Anne took their teaching and nursing skills to Papua New Guinea and Thailand, volunteering with New Tribes Missions for 3.5 years. After treatment for prostate cancer, he designed and constructed ( with one other man ) an ‘architecturally interesting’ home, living there for a relatively short time. Retirement years also included time spent with grandkids, world travel, vision-casting at Maple Grove Christian Retreat Centre and hosting home Bible study. Even once disease limited his abilities, he never lost his desire to serve and witness for Jesus.
The family would like to express our appreciation for the compassionate, loving care he received at Queensway in the final months of his disability. Family and friends will be received at McCallum and Palla Funeral Home (11 Cambria Rd N., Goderich ) on Friday February 24, 3-6 pm. A funeral service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church (231 Bayfield Rd, Goderich ) on Saturday February 25 at 10 am. The service livestream can be accessed at ‘CBC Goderich’ on Facebook. Interment will occur in the Spring. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to ETHNOS in Durham, Ontario ( formerly New Tribes Mission ), or a charity of your choice.
Shared by Jim Hicks
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kate Arbo
My sincere Condolences at this difficult time. Thanks for the time you thought of us at the door,
Diane Baker
My sincere Condolences and Prayers to Shelley, Ron and family. Although I did not have the pleasure to know Mr Teal myself I have heard great things about him. My grandparents were from Hensall and in Queensway Res, so I feel a connection. May your beautiful memories give you peace at this time and knowing he will always be near. Diane Baker, MGCRC
John Carruthers
I just heard about Mr. Teal’s death. He was my math teacher in 1964-5 and 1967-8, my grade 9 and 12 years. His manner in class was one of great patience and caring for every student. He was also the staff supervisor in charge of the chess club in which I was a member for most of my GDCI years. He was quite a good coach displaying a wonderfully gentle sense of humour. I’d like to think that some aspects of my own teaching career were flavoured by some of the teachers I had at GDCI and Mr. Teal was certainly one of those teachers.
Cynthia (Robinson) Fox
I remember Mr Teal’s mathematics class as though they were yesterday. He was able to make mathematics interesting and even comical–and to accomplish both takes a significant level of talent! I like to think he is now with Rhonda, catching up with and comforting her. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Erinn Mulhern-Gilbert
My sincerest condolences to the Teal family at this time. I knew Mr. Teal as my calculus teacher while I was at GDCI, the year that Rhonda had passed away. I never forgot that time and learned a lot about how kind a person he was and dedicated as a teacher.
Sister Augustine Marie
When he was my math teacher at GDCI, he shared with my class his conversion story — his conversion from a life of selfishness to a life of selflessness, and the peace that it brought to himself and his family. I also remember his sharing a story of some pranks he pulled with his buddies while at boarding school. But mostly, I remember him saying that he wanted all of his students to succeed — no failures in his class — and to make this happen, he was willing to tutor before and after school OR to pave the way to placement in a general class, if advanced math was too hard. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Elaine Fielder
My sincere condolences to Clarke’s family. He was a wonderful math teacher, patient and kind. I enjoyed working with Clarke and know he will be fondly remembered by many.
Rick Hilliard
I didn’t know Clark well, but we causally met as we both were teachers in the county. Heard nothing but the best from his students and their parents. My condolences to family and friends.
Lou Forsey
Coleman, Walker and Oakley I’m sending love and prayers to you, your dad and his family at this very sad time. Sincerely Lou.
Marcy Bachert (Aarssen)
Mr. Teal was the very best math teacher I have ever had. Math was a struggle for me but he was kind and very patient. Pretty neat to read about his faith and connections to NTM. My condolences to the family.
Dinesh Weerasooriya
My deepest condolences to the Teal family. My biggest compliment I could ever pay him was that he set the bar for teaching. As one of his students, I’ll always remember him drawing perfect circles and telling kids what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear. He always encouraged me to aim high and that has carried me to this day. Thank you Mr. Teal.
Richard and Laurine Madge
Our sincere condolences.
Ron and Marian Lane
Anne and family
We were saddened on learning of Clarke`s passing and cherish our times together during our teaching and retirement years. May he rest in peace.
Erica Fitzsimmons (Gingrich)
Dear Mrs.Teal, Shelley, Carson and to extended family and friends, I am sorry to hear of Mr Teal’s passing. I know he was very much loved and highly regarded. Mr. Teal was always kind to me growing up as well as on the few occasions I saw him as an adult. He was pretty unforgettable with a sharp mind and sparkle in his eye. I know he will be very much missed by all, wishing you strength of mind and peace of heart.
Geoege Sutton
Clarke and I shared a day of protest in Toronto during the Harris years and on that day he and I talked about life’s joys and challenges.He was a good man and it is that day of conversation and reflection that I am remembering at this sad time.Diane and I send our deepest condolences to Anne and the children.
Douglas Reiman
I first encountered Clarke when we were both students at Roberts Wesleyan (College, then), and while we were not in the same class, it was obvious to all that he had leadership skills, and people were willing to follow that leadership. I didn’t know until much later that–his words, not mine–“I was a toot of a student.” He also acknowledged later that in spite of his ability to train and lead construction crews, at that time, he was a poor money manager. (The guys who worked under him had a lot more savings to show for their time than he did as boss.)
Clarke was also–as expressed by another–a really good raconteur. His Driver Education Instructor stories regaled listeners like me. (As his spiritual life deepened, he acknowledged that there were elements of those stories that were probably significantly exaggerated; his story-telling modified as he deepened spiritually, moving from highly entertaining to still-of-considerable-human-interest, but now with fact-based moral reliability.)
Clarke was a capable administrator AND a good teacher–the two giftings do not always coalesce in one person. His and Clarke Caldwell’s administration of West Ontario Free Methodist Youth in the late 60’s and early 70’s produced high-water marks in attendances and organizational integrity unlikely to be equaled. There was always a sense of “The ship is safely on course” when Clarke Teal was at the helm. It was a pleasure for me to watch as, through the years of spiritual discovery, concomitant confession to Our Lord, and course-correction, he found new vistas and became a stronger disciple/leader.
Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
Anne
What an amazing life you two have shared together. Much joy, some heartache and many wonderful memories. Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
Jim Hicks
Anne & family.
I am so sorry to hear of Clarke’s passing. I’m reminded today of the many unforgettable memories we created as class mates during our Gr 11 & Gr 12 years at LPC. No one could spin a story better than Clarke Teal. The two of us and four other guys shared a large dorm room for part of those two years. So many of that special class, including my recently departed Fern, have already been promoted to Heaven.
Clarke & I also shared that unique ‘Preacher’s Kid’ bond as both his & my father were Evangelists and Pastors in the Free Methodist Church. Many great memories and stories that can’t be shared again, this side of Heaven.
Walter Stalenhoef
Dear Anne & Family
It is with great sadness we learned about the passing of Clarke
Please receive our sincere condolences.
May his life accomplishments give you strength in this time of sorrow.
Walter & Renée Stalenhoef
Happily residing in “the architecturally interesting home”
Bonnie Borchardt
We cherish the memories of fellowship and Bible Study together. Sitting under Clark’s wisdom and prayer was an honor. Sending prayers and love to the family. God comfort and keep you. Harold and Bonnie
Tom and Kathie Kelly
So very sorry to hear of Clarke’s passing! Thinking of the family at this difficult time!
Lois Ottewell
Anne and family,
As a resident of Harbour Hill, it has been my pleasure to know Clarke and Anne for the last 3 years. At this time, it’s the remembrances and the sharing of those memories that will help to sustain and comfort you. “ May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Sincere Sympathy,
Lois Ottewell.
Susan Hocking
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find solace in your wonderful memories and the rich legacy he has left.
Connie Bradley
Ann and Family
Clarke was truly a good Christian person and will be missed by many of our FM and LPC friends. It was a pleasure to know him! Please know I am thinking about all of you at this time.
Connie Bradley
David & Debra Rodges
We have known and loved the Teal family for many years My first memory of Clarke was when I was dating my husband Dave and we attended a youth event at their home in VLA. We got to know them much better after we travelled together to Papua New Guinea and Clarke taught our girls in the mission school they attended. He was an excellent teacher who encouraged his students in their endeavours and made them want to excel. He loved Jesus and wanted to make Christ known to the world. Our sincere love and condolences to Anne and family at this difficult time
Bruce Jardine
First and foremost my wife Kisandra and I would want to extend our live, sympathy and condolences to the Teal family. The Teal’s have been a huge part of my family’s life. It was through the Godly influence of Clarke, Anne and the Ashtons that parents came to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Clarke and Anne were also brother(David), sister(Sarah) and my God parents. Clarke was a very Godly man who witnessed everywhere he went and if he had to he used words. I know he had a huge influence on my life over the years. I will miss Clake
Jeff and Cindy Norgate
I’m so glad I was able to meet Mr. Clark at Calvary Baptist Church. The family is all so nice and it is my pleasure to know them and to have met Mr. Clark. Mrs. Anne, Carson, Coleman, Oakley, and Walker, may the Lord hover around you during this time. -Cindy
Jim Carne
Lorraine and I share the sorrow of the Teal family. I had the privilege of being the Teal family pastor for a number of years. Clarke and I worked together in the church in various capacities and I appreciated his capacity as a Christian statesman. I am grateful to have shared his and Anne’s fellowship for a long time.
John banter
Clarke and Anne were neighbours with us in the VLA for many years, and our children and theirs grew up together. Clarke was always a gentleman, and was well liked as a teacher and neighbour. May he now R.I.P.
Floyd Herman
What an amazing man. And what comfort for you in the knowledge of Clarke’s strong and unwavering faith. Our condolences to all of you, with special thoughts going to you Carson.