Jerome "Jerry" , 81, passed away on August 16 in London, Ontario.

Born on September 4, 1943, in St. Thomas, Ontario, to Mona (nee O’Brien) and Leo Clark, Jerry was one of a kind from the very beginning. Entrepreneurial and fearless, he opened his first beauty salon as a teenager and went on to launch a variety of ventures — including a partnership in one of London’s earliest pawn brokerages in 1983. He had an uncanny eye for trends and a knack for turning ideas into reality.

Jerry will be remembered for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and larger-than-life presence. He was an automobile enthusiast, an avid outdoorsman, and a lifelong adventurer who found joy in hunting, fishing, traveling, and the companionship of his beloved pets. More than anything, Jerry brought energy, humour, and warmth to every room he entered — often with a story, a joke, or a spontaneous act of generosity.

He is survived by his devoted children, Myles Clark, Carson Clark (Catherine Leigh), and Darcie Clark (James Claggett); their mother, Cheryl Anne (nee Bannon) Clark; grandson Carter Clark; and sister Dawn Clark (Gordon McOuat).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23 from 12:00–3:30 pm at The Springs Restaurant, 310 Springbank Drive, London, Ontario. Family and friends are warmly invited to come and celebrate Jerry the way he would have wanted — an open-house style gathering with food, drinks and cheer. Guests are encouraged to bring their favourite “Jerry stories” to share as we remember him together.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada.

Jerry will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love, laughter, and the countless memories he leaves behind. McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home 2240 Wharncliffe Rd S London entrusted with the arrangements.