In the few years I knew him well, talks with Claredon were wide ranging, thought-provoking and always useful. Like my phone, he sometimes shortened words as the ideas came pouring out. "Disabilities" could be cut back by at least two syllables.
Claredon was pretty modest, so I don't know a lot about his career or how he started Transport de Clare, or how the idea grew. But I do know that he embodies the common paradox of people with disabilities.
For Claredon was one of the most able people you'd ever meet. Smart, generous, interesting, articulate, thoughtful, productive. The list goes on and on. Claredon was all about accomplishment. His differences gave him insights that he used to help individuals, his community, the province and the country. He knew the economics of being able to live at home, of being able to get to a job and of participating in your community. He acted on his ideas.
What more could one ask from life?
I never visited Claredon in Clare, but I had the privilege of sharing a lobster feast with him (he provided the lobster from his family business) last summer. I thought I was a decent lobster cooker and shucker, but Claredon knew all the subtleties, gleaned from a lifetime in and around the fishery. He was so proud of his community, and we, in his other community, are so proud of him.
He was a force for good, justly deserving and so pleased with his Human Rights Award. He leaves a vacuum, but he mentored many who will take up the banner. He will be missed, and we honor his achievements.
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I was so sad to hear about Claredon. Representing Nova Scotia LEO, Claredon was an active member of the Community Society to End Poverty since its inception and always had positive and wise words of advice. We shall all miss him greatly.
What a wonderful tribute to someone so deserving. I had the opportunity over the past 2 years to spend a lot of time with Clarendon and was impressed by his openness and honesty in regards to any topic that I was wanting to discuss. He was such an inspiration to everyone.I know that I'll be only one of many that will miss chats with this wonderful motivator.
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