Clair transcended on January 27th, 2022 and is now one with “The Great Mystery”. After pledging his eternal love he leaves behind his most beloved, devoted wife, soulmate, and guardian Margot Crowley, who will miss him beyond measure. His three children Chris (Laurie), Colleen (David) and Gregor cherish their memories of their father and will always appreciate the unique, meaningful ways he contributed to their lives. His three grandchildren Sabrina (Anthony), Haley, and Lara (Blake) will always remember their good-natured and fully present Poppy who loved them so much. Clair remained dear friends of Isabel, his past wife, and she joins all of us in remembering Clair’s generous spirit.
Clair is also cherished by his siblings Anne (late Vince), late Mary and late Greg (late Shirley) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and wonderful, devoted friends. His parents were J.J. and Myrtle Crowley from Peterborough where he was born and raised.
Our dearest Clair, Dad, Poppy left us two weeks after his 90th birthday. He survived two bouts of cancer and a heart attack, but, after a hip fracture on January 24th, the pain was overwhelming. Everything was done to bring Clair comfort and ease his suffering.
Clair was a scholar, an educator, a counselor but most of all an amazing listener. He listened with all of his being, and made us feel valued and heard when he asked about our experiences, thoughts and emotions. Clair’s homes have always been filled with books and he passed his love of learning to his children and grandchildren. He completed a Masters of Education in Counselling, a Masters of Psychology and was close to completing his PhD. He spent his entire adult life exploring psychology and spirituality and his true passion was The Great Mystery. In his later years Clair wrote and published a book called, “The Delusion of Being Human “, under the name, “The Signposter”. The Signposter leaves behind the legacy of his teaching, the depth of which can be understood from his quote, “There is ONLY - THE ONLY and you are that ONE, and what that is, IS A MYSTERY.”
Clair introduced his family to ideas and practices long before they became mainstream. We grew up with a meditation room, talk of Zen, fitness training and granola. He shared his love of nature and animals and used to say, he was picked up by his diaper by a momma wolf when he was a wee boy, and raised by her and her pack. That explained his exuberant eating style and his love of huge bowls of cereal and pieces of Margot’s cake. When we think of Clair, we remember our walks in forests, boxing matches, The Lord of the Rings, Anne Rice and Harry Potter novels, and his infamous sneezes. We will also remember his coffee with 4 tablespoons of maple syrup, milk to the top, and exactly 27 seconds in the microwave. Most of all we will remember his smiling eyes, his amazing hugs, and his capacity to love us. Clair’s mind, sense of humour and his compassion were with him to the end.
Thank you to Clair’s dear friend Prakarsh who assisted Clair and Margot so much during the last few years. Thank you to Lee his Palliative RN, Dr. Apostle his Palliative Doctor, Personal Support Workers, Paramedics and the staff and volunteers at ARCH and the SAH, who cared for our beloved Poppy. To honour Clair, please take the time for understanding and forgiveness.
To honour Clair Crowley if one would like to please send donations to ARCH (payable online https://www.archhospice.ca/memorial-gift or by cheque).
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. You may also connect with the family by email - Margot Crowley (wife) howler@shaw.ca and Colleen Crowley (daughter) ccrowley@grfnrec.com . Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James Street, Sault St e Marie, ON, P6A 1P7).