Obituary of Patrick Clark
Clark, John Patrick
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Patrick Clark (1953-2023 Fredericton, NB).
Patrick was one of Canada's most distinguished theatre designers whose career spanned five decades working in Canada, the USA, and the UK. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his knowledge of history and his sense of beauty. He designed shows for Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Soulpepper Theatre Company, Theatre Aquarius, Chicago Shakespeare Company, The Guthrie Theatre (Minneapolis), Neptune Theatre and The Pacific Opera Company and many others throughout his career.
Patrick began his career at Theatre New Brunswick after graduating from the University of New Brunswick in 1975. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy and The Associated Designers of Canada. Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia - Clark, Patrick
In 2011, his citation for New Brunswick’s Lieutenant Governor’s Award for High Achievement in the Performing Arts read: “One of the most sought-after set and costume designers in Canada, Patrick Clark is a designer sans frontières. He has created award-winning designs for new work in small, experimental spaces, for Shakespearean and classical theatre, and for huge musicals in vast performance spaces. He is a theatre artist of the highest quality; one who sees and truly understands the art form.”
In addition to his work in theatre, Patrick taught design at Dalhousie and Concordia universities as well as the University of Victoria. It was there that he shared his passion with young designers and inspired them with love, patience, and a sense of humour.
Beyond his career, Patrick was an avid traveller and a wonderful travelling companion. His interest in history took him to Greece, Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, the UK, and Germany where he studied the German language in Berlin. He loved opera and disco in equal measure. He was a proud New Brunswicker and always considered the province his home. He was a strong supporter of the preservation of heritage buildings here in New Brunswick.
Patrick's greatest love and what sustained his soul was gardening. Wherever he lived he created beautiful gardens. And through his tenacity and delight he created an English Country Garden in St. Andrews, NB that is indeed deer proof!
He is survived by Roy and Dorothy Bird, his half-sisters, stepsiblings and a large collection of cousins. He will also be remembered by an incredible number of friends and colleagues; many of whom were considered family.
We wish to thank the many, many friends who supported Patrick during this difficult time. We’d like to acknowledge the doctors, nurses and caregivers at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, and Charlotte County Hospital for their compassion and care.
A celebration of Patrick’s life will take place on Saturday August 26th in the afternoon at Theatre New Brunswick in Fredericton. Additional details to come.
In remembrance of Patrick please consider making a donation to Myeloma Canada, a registered non-profit organization created by, and for, people living with multiple myeloma: https://www.myelomacanada.ca; or by supporting a live performance by purchasing a ticket to a professional theatre production near you. #ticket4Patrick
Online condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506–466–3110).
