“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher.

What does it take to give to other people in need? What does pay it forward really look like in a community? Why is Stratford rated in the top ten best Ontario cities to retire? Stratford is a humble community with a big heart. To live here and have a sense of community is a gift. Many people live their entire lives in Stratford, like Adam and Erma Clarke who were the light to many in the community.

Adam, employed by Cooper, was a Tinsmith by trade and even traveled to Toronto to work the Rounds in train maintenance and repair. After Cooper closed he joined the P.U.C. staff in Stratford. He was a gentle soul who possessed a determination to live life with morality and kindness. Loved by the community at large, Adam was a willing participant who was eager to help others. As a member of Ontario Street Baptist Church the Clarke’s gave generously to make the community a better place.

Erma was employed as an X-ray technician at Stratford General Hospital (SGH). The eldest of four, she thrived in leadership opportunities spending many years with the Girl Guides mentoring children who remember her fondly as Brown Owl. Early morning bus rides to competitions with The Stratford Festival City Majorettes were a highlight for Erma. Gardening was not only a hobby but also her passion. She loved creating floral arrangements for special events and the church. Erma inspired others to take pride in everything they did. “For if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well”, was a favourite phrase of hers. For 21 years, she crossed hundreds of children to safely get to Hamlet School. For her dedication to public safety she received the Volunteer of Distinction award.

Adam and Erma loved getting involved in community initiatives and were often the driving force for progress. If they could do the job asked of them, they would.

Cancer crept into both of them like a slow-moving shadow. Years of treatments and surgeries between Stratford and London established new community relationships. “I remember listening to Mom tell her Doctor how much she loved him,” says daughter, Susan. “This was after her diagnosis of a cancer recurrence.”

Erma and Adam appreciated the care given to them while in treatment. They believed that the hospitals needed help. Seeing first-hand the difficulties with equipment, staffing numbers, long waits on uncomfortable furniture prompted their legacy gift.

The Pharmacist’s Study in the new Cancer & Medical Care Clinic at SGH that will house the memories of Adam and Erma is quite fitting. This will be a place where physicians and pharmacists will collaborate to develop the best patient care plans.

“Mom carried a big binder to appointments to reference when Doctors or Nurses wanted to discuss treatments. It seems fitting that their gift should go towards providing a comfortable space for such important planning,” adds Susan.

Likewise, London Health Sciences was able to purchase six comfort chairs and TVs in the chemo suite with the legacy gift from Adam and Erma.

“I remember a discussion I had with Mom about legacy giving to the hospitals. After a thoughtful pause, like she was remembering a moment back in time, she said to me ‘Dad and I hated sitting those long hours in the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room.’  It impacted them enough to leave sizable gifts to both hospitals. They believed that to be a part of a community one should share their means to help others.”

June 24 will mark the five year anniversary of Erma’s passing. Adam passed away in 2006.

“Each day is another without our parents,” notes Susan. “By remembering them today I hope our family can demonstrate the teaching of their generosity. It brings our family happiness knowing that we can bring light to others in their time of need.”