I worked with Dave at Cinpeool for about 5 years and I got to know a side of him that some people did not. I worked a lot in the wood shop  building apple boxes and other things for the shop and that was our  connection. He would come into the wood shop and we would talk for  hours about his adventures in boating, climbing and cycling and always  he would suprise me with what he had done.

I remember the last time I  saw him. He was getting the shop ready for a visit from one of the  Clairmont brothers and he asked for my opinion on how to spruce up the  place to make it look more inviting. I was a little suprised that he  would ask me, and now after knowing his accomplishments I feel honored  that he did. I will always remember him and the stories and the way he  would come into the shop and scream out "Cocksucker". An inside joke  that would take to long to tell here. Bye Dave.

Douglas John Kropla, STEADICAM - Director of Photography www.douglasjohnkropla.com

I'm very sorry to hear about Dave's death -- he was such a laid back guy that I thought he would likely go on forever. I first met him through Art when we went with him and Peter Chrzanowski to Peru to make Ski Peru. Even there he was still laid back!

Jon Pedersen, Filmmaker and Film Co-op member

I was very sorry to hear about David Clarke. I never had a chance to meet him, but looked at the website and was touched by people’s testimonials.

I hope you are both well, and wish you all the best.

Josette Bélanger Program Officer
Canada Council for the Arts

Tony, Just want to add my voice to the mourning chorus. I have many memories of Dave. Always as calm, impervious, and funny guy.

Only a person with a selfless heart could keep the Film Co-op together in those formative years. And he did it. He will be missed by anyone who knew him.

Art Makosinski, Past Alumni Film Co-op member filmmaker

My thoughts and prayers go out to David's wife and children and to his
other family at Cinépool, especially Denis Paquette. I've known those
guys since the mid 80s when we had the opportunity to work together on
commercials. I was just starting out as a DOP and Dave and Denis were
gripping and gaffing. They were a great combo. I lost touch with them
as I moved to Vancouver in the late 90s but we reconnected just before
Christmas at the annual Kodak 5 à 7. So when I came into town to shoot
a documentary, I called Dave and he gave me an incredible deal on a
Diva Light. We were sooo low budget and Dave recognized that so he made
it affordable for me. We spoke for about a half hour about new
technology and the upcoming NAB in Las Vegas. I tried to convince him
to take a break and enjoy himself while checking out the latest stuff
down there. I left the next day for Toronto to shoot the doc and when I
came back 5 days later, he was gone.
I am saddened at his passing but I am grateful to have had that last
conversation with him. He was a sweet, laid back fellow and he'll
remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry Lynn csc

Dear NB Co-op, I wanted to write something for your website, which I just came across, for David Clarke. David and I knew each other from Junior High School days. David was a year ahead of me at school. We shared the same group of friends and had similar interests; adventure, films, girls and music. There were a lot of good times. I still remember prom night at Fredericton High as well as my own graduation after party when the porch around our house collapsed because there were probably 200 people on it!

The Police even stayed away as David's friend, Hal Owens and band, played on in our carport, it was out of control and a party, the quiet, loyalist, Fredericton, had desrved for a long time! Our neighbours on Massey Street still never, ever spoke to us after the ordeal. My greatest adventure with David Clarke was two trips we went on to Peru , resulting in us making a film, SKI PERU, see more on:
click here
click here

It was an incredible journey. David and I had an absolute gas from partying in Lima to the actual mountain climbing expedition. I still relish the great nights in Mirafloresand the beautiful Peruvian girls we were so fond of chasing after. The following year in 1979 David came back to Peru with me again. This time I had a terrible accident and cartwheeled 2000 vertical feet, ending up in a crevasse, my own " Touching The Void " of sorts. David was instrumental at helping organising the rescue party which climbed up to the mountain's base to retrieve my battered body.

I owe my greatest respect to my Peruvian climbing partner, Amerigo Tordoya who ran for 18 hoursmobilising David and a rescue party to my aid. I am actually attending a film festival " Inca Fest " to celebrate a climbing institute named after him

It takes a while before a great friend's death really sinks in. During my years of ski mountaineering and extreme sports I lost a lot of friends from avalanches to slips on icy couloirs. Many were certainly too young to die. Then come the deaths from car accidents, heart attacks and other causes. David was in that second group I guess. May he forever rest in peace.

Peter Chrzanowski, producer/director DGC
Extreme Explorations

click here

Dear Tony,
It has been a long time since I last saw you. I hope that you are  fine and doing well.

Kevin called me last night with the news that the Co-op had lost a  great early member.  I arrived back in Fredericton in 1980, after  being out west for four years to learn that a Film Co-op had formed.  During the next four years

I practically lived at 51 York Street. Many, many, many of those days, the only people there were Dave and myself, so I got to know him pretty well!  In a profession of high egos and crazy people, he was one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I do not know what the Film Co-op is like these days, but during that four year period things used to get pretty insane at times. If it wasn't for Dave and his ability to  conciliate between the disagreeing individuals and groups, I don't believe the Film Co-op would still be in existence.

Dave was always the neutral one and supported all view points. He cared for the Film Co-op and the love of filmmaking. So every one at the Co-op in 2007 owes Dave Clarke more than they will ever realize. Until I read your note about Dave, I did not know that Charles had also departed us. My wife just got a job in Fredericton, so I am in the process of moving back home after being away for the past 23 years.

I will drop by the Co-op some time, if I can find the new location. I spent most of last summer in Fredericton and it was strange to walk by 51 York Street and not have the Co-op there. It is unfortunate to communicate with you after such a long time under such sad circumstances, but today when I try to picture Dave and Charles (neither of whom I had seen for 20 years), all I remember are happy smiling faces. Take Care

Eric Emery, past Alumni Film Co-op member filmmaker


Please send Tony thoughts, pictures and memories you may have of David and he will put them online CLICK HERE