05/31/2026
I Truely am at a loss for words.
Roughly 60 years ago, you met. You fell in love. You created a beautiful story. You married each other. When Grandma found out she couldn't have kids, you told the universe you don't take no for an answer.
Almost 55 years ago, you adopted my mother, Karen. You raised her young, you gave her a life and the chance to create children of her own.
Around 40 years ago, when things got rough for my mother after my sister and I was born, you then adopted Danelle and Me. This moment would determine a course of decisions that would later guide me in becoming the person I am today - a good grandson.
28 years ago, you made a decision to move out the big city and take your two new adopted young grand children and become apart of an amazing community of Beardmore. This would become the best childhood you could give a brother and sister.
27 years ago was our first argument that I can remember as a young man. Just know that I was young. Every time we may have disagreed with one another, always know that I was thankful for everything and for raising my sister and I as papa would work at the ship yards. You did that Mama.
16 years ago, when I was having trouble fitting in Highschool, you allowed me to move in with you in Thunder Bay as you were looking after your father. We lived together for years as I graduated high school and you supported me through the hard times of joining the Canadian Reserves. When I asked for you change for McDonald's, you would go into your little purse and grab me a few toonies. You always had change. You bought the close I wore at my grad, and you made me lunch everyday for school.
12 years ago I moved to Banff for the frist time. You drove me to the airport with Papa and watched me board a plane for the first time. I thought that would of been the only time I had to say goodbye to you. When I had a hard time, I asked to come home - you and papa never hesitated. That door was always open to me. I will miss calling you for you when I come through that door from here on out. Your support meant more to me than anything in this world. Hearing you say you are proud of me was my music to my ears. You watched me teach myself How to play piano and you would ask me to play piano from time to time for you. I will always played music for you.
6 years ago I got into a serious relationship. I know you loved her mama, I did too. When it ended at the time, it hurt us both when she left so suddenly. Now, that I was blessed and reunited with my high school Honnie Jasmine, I'm happy to say that all your grandchildren found loved ones of their own. These people will be beside us just like how papa was beside you until the very end. It warms me to know that you know your grandson found what true love is - just how you know what true love is from papa. She treats me with respect and dignity. She is my best friend, and I know you loved Jasmiine too.
4 years ago, I founded my Catering business. The moment I told you and papa about my new business venture, I got nothing but full support from the both of you. You've got to experience my business services first hand, as well as ate many meals I've cooked over the past years. You've got to see me build up my career, and left knowing I found a career that I love while pursuing my passion.
2 years ago, I moved back to Greenstone and accepted a life changing contract for my business. You got to see my work space, and how beautiful my work area and kitchen are. You stayed with me at the new house, and you told papa I treated you like a Queen - and because you deserved no less, ever. I wanted you to come back for a visit, your always welcome mama. Your Grabdma cave is always ready for you and I made sure your favourite tv show is ready to play. I only wish we could of done this more often.
1 month ago, my grandfather called me to inforn me about your situation. This was the first time you ever been to a hospital via an ambulance. In her 70s, and never rode in an ambulance. I was in denial...i didn't think someone so little could lead to this. The doctors did their thing, the pharmacy got her prescriptions, things were supposed to just move on and get better... But it didn't.
28 hours ago, I get a call from my Grandpa, saying that Mama is in Nipigon Hosptial as she was having trouble breathing.
16 hours ago she was admitted to Thunder Bay. District Hospital.
11 hours ago she was admitted into the ICU.
9 hours ago, the doctor says she's alive only because of the machines.
8 hours ago, to respect her decision, the machines were unplugged.
At 2:13am, May 31st, 2026, Noella Repo Clarke, my loving grandmother by law, mother at heart, a wife, a mother, a friend, took her final breath while looking her living husband in eye, smiled one last time, and now, may she Rest In Peace for the days to come and for enternity.
I love you.
