REMEMBERING RAYMOND CLARK

Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) was saddened to hear of Raymond Clark’s passing at his home in St. Mary’s, ON last month. Raymond was a good friend of many at CSC through his work as a facilitator of SportWORKS Officer trainer sessions.  “Raymond was impactful in the lives of our SportWORKS Officers,” said Ryan Pelley, Program Manager of SportWORKS. “This was because of his genuine interest in developing all of us not just as professionals, but also as individuals.” Raymond was a long-time supporter and mentor of the SportWORKS program, leading the way through his creative facilitation skills.

Raymond was a dedicated teacher, working 20 years with C.U.S.O. International from 1969-1989, where he worked as Field Staff and Regional Director in Caribbean, East and West Africa and the South Pacific as well as CUSO Headquarters in Ottawa. He spent time in Toronto working with homeless who suffered from mental illness, and in the early 90s was a consultant with the International Centre for Ocean Development in Halifax NS and was a facilitator with People Development. He retired in 1998, but continued consulting with the United Nations Development Program, carrying out intercultural training.

Colin Whitmee, former SportWORKS Program Manager worked closely with Raymond during his years at CSC (then Commonwealth Games Canada). “Raymond often said that his ambition in life was to change the world,” he said, “and his means of doing that was by influencing young people and empowering them to make a difference.  Raymond had a profound impact on my life, and I know that is the case for countless others who worked in CGC’s international programs over the years.  Raymond had an ability to read and connect with people like no one I’ve ever met.  I first met Raymond as a participant in one of his workshops, which later evolved into co-facilitator, mentor and above all else a friend.  His wisdom, caring and sense of humour will be greatly missed.”

Commonwealth Sport Canada expresses its condolences to Raymond’s family, friends and colleagues.