by Sam Juliano
Canadian Valerie Clark’s recent passing brought forth an outpouring of grief on her Facebook page, where many spoke of this remarkable lady in glowing terms, the kind of which I experienced in the decade and a half I knew her. Communication with Valerie was an uplifting experience. This vivacious, positive energy life force made you feel good about yourself and what you were doing, and she was always there to lend a helping hand. Those visiting Wonders in the Dark over the years have witnessed the film reviews of Jim Clark -Valerie’s dear husband and one of our treasured writers. Valerie was always behind the scenes via e-mail and Facebook messages, guiding the specifications for the postings. She was a dear personal friend whose passing has made the world darker but whose memory will always bring a smile till my final days. Jim and Valerie were a beautiful couple in every sense, and I express my deepest condolences for his unconscionable loss to Jim. Reading tribute after tribute on her page brought many tears. Many have noted her exceeding kindness and eternal effervescence. R.I.P. Valerie. Your generosity and support will never be forgotten. (I have posted all the lovely tributes about Valerie below in the lengthy comments under this post)
The Eighth Annual Allan Fish Online Film Festival was hugely successful. The writing was diverse and inspired; the site statistics were impressive, and the comments were plentiful and profound. Many thanks to all who again made this unique event shine!
Voting for the 1956 Best Song Poll continues until next weekend!
Marilynne Herbert
May her memory be for a blessing.
Joshua Metalin
So sorry to hear about her loss! I met her a few times when a friend was purchasing art work from her, and she is just a very friendly, and outgoing person.
Amanda Holmes
I’m so sorry to read this. I met Valerie & Jim through purchasing art from them, and we quickly became friends. She was really one in a billion; so positive and friendly, caring and generous. The love shared between her and Jim was also amazing to behold! I send my love and condolences to Jim, her family & friends.
Jo Karaplis
I’m so sorry to hear this! I was just thinking of her and Jim last week because it had been a few years since we were in touch.
I remember her wonderful laugh, her curiosity about the world, and what a great hostess she was.
Beverley Carret
I am so sorry to hear this. I met Valerie when she and Jim lived in Village by the Grange. The AGO was going through the Transformation AGO expansion project and she was a wonderfully supportive neighbour. We maintained our friendship after the project and after she and Jim moved to a new neighbourhood. I will always remember her outgoing and friendly personality and warm smile. My deepest condolences to Jim.
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Chris Fennell
So sad to hear this, I met Val and Jim working in the poster business in NYC in the 90s. Such a nice, smart, fun lady. Condolences to Jim…
Katie Metcalfe
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Val was such a wonderful person that I hiked with for so many years. She was there to help me at times when I needed it. Sending love to Jim.
Teresa Pagnutti
This is such sad news. I met Valerie and Jim years ago as neighbours and members of the gardening committee of our condo. Valerie was such a youthful energetic and kind person. Passionate about her community and fun too. I send my love and condolences to Jim and family.
Jammy Louie
I am at a loss for words for this news.
We met Valerie and Jim many years ago when my wife and I lived on the same floor at the Hudson. They were warm and inviting and we did our best to stay in contact after we moved.
Valerie was one of the kindest and generous people I have ever known and the world is a sadder place with out her.
Margie O’Brien
I’m so very sorry to hear this sad update. Valerie was always so kind to me and friendly, interested and energetic. Condolences to Jimmy, family and friends.
Dorothy McIntosh
Both shocked and sad to hear this. Valerie always seemed so youthful. She and Jim loved Toronto and made so many wonderful journeys exlporing it on their bikes and shared their many hotos with us. My heart goes out to Jim.
Kathleen Barrett
Sending lots of love and prayers to Jim and the whole family. Valerie was always a shining light, and rarely without a smile on her face.
Anita Stepnitz
So sorry to read about Valerie’s passing. She was so very kind, positive and thoughtful to everyone she knew. Much love to her family and friends (from all round the world). A very special lady xxx
Stephen Pryce
I met Val and Jim at The Hudson many years ago. We were neighbours in this new condo building back then. After we moved away Val and Jim have remained good friends and it is very sad to hear the news. I will remember the countless good times and good laughs we had together. So many good memories.
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Sammy Juliano
She was one of the dearest human beings I’ve ever known. My association with her and her husband, Jim, at my website, WONDERS IN THE DARK, dates back well over a decade, and I have shared regular communication with her through all these years. She was motivational, effervescent, and a fountain of positive energy. I saw how devoted she was to Jim, and though I never met her in person, I felt she was beside me many times, serving as a muse. We exchanged Christmas cards and sent back-and-forth emails roughly every two weeks whenever Jim posted. She was understandably private about health matters, so I wasn’t aware of the onset of the disease that caused her demise, though the silence over the past few months had me more than concerned. My wife and five children live in northern New Jersey, just outside NYC, yet this gentle, generous, and altogether winning lady was a large part of our lives. To say she will be missed is a classic understatement. Our heart goes out to Jim at this unconscionable time. Valerie was a superstar, and I am proud her name and literary quotes are published in my novels.
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Catherine Feraday Miller
Sad news indeed, and our deepest condolences to Jim. Val was a truly lovely person.
Nancy Gates
Val and I were in nursing at the U of Manitoba together and she was outstanding in every way..intelligent, terrific sense of humour and a friend to all. She will be missed and my condolences to Jim and her family.
Tony Xu
I am deeply saddened to hear about Valerie’s passing, we met at the ballet. Valerie was a remarkable person who touched many lives with her kindness and warmth. My heartfelt condolences go out to James and family. Her memory will live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Jan Wong
Valerie was a wonderful beautiful human being My heartfelt condolences Jim
Cathy Cord
Valerie was the loveliest person. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Margret Comack
I graduated from nursing with Val 54 years ago. As a young woman, she was always the happiest, fun loving and full of life character, moreso when she met Jim. She lived a full and creative life with him and i am so sorry to hear about her passing at this ‘not that old’ age of 75.
Muriel Light Egan
so sorry to hear…Valerie, you will be sorely missed.
Joanne Mills
I also attend nursing with Val at UM. I concur with the sentiments of our classmates. After not seeing Val for decades it was lovely to catch up with her at our last reunion. My deepest sympathy to Jim and family.
Milagros Melendez
I’m so sorry to see this post. I remember Valerie as being very lively, very energetic and a very very sweet and lovely soul.
Phil Moller
Sorry to hear this. My wife and I bought several vintage posters from Jim & Valerie over the past few years. Such a friendly and passionate person. I remember being served a bottle of mead while looking at the posters! Our condolences to Jim & family.
Deb Kalin
I am so sorry to hear the news of Valerie passing away. I met Valerie and Jim when I purchased art work from them. Jim and Valerie were so kind. My heart is hurting for you both, and I will keep you both in prayer.
Cheryl Davis
Oh my gosh I am so sorry I met Valerie and Jim on a wine hike when I lived in Toronto more than a decade ago. We became instant friends. When I left Toronto they gave me the most beautiful vintage poster that’s still hanging at my cottage. I’m so so sorry. Valerie was such a lovely person and so full of love, light and life My condolences to Jim and their family.
Cheryl Brown
I graduated with Val from nursing many years ago. We had great times together. Such a loss so early.
Catherine Errico
Valerie was a very special light . She and Jim became my Toronto tour guides the year I lived next door to them. Their friendship and the times we shared were full of adventure and love. My deepest condolences to Jim.
Richard Barclay
Great memories, the vintage poster world with Valerie and Jim, wonderful times and now only memories, so sad.
Y.m. Whelan
Oh my dear Jim, I am so very very sorry to hear this news. I send all my love and deepest condolences, as do Bob and Nancy. much love my dear friend xxxooo
Geetu Verma
I met Valerie and Jim at Mccaul street. I feel lucky to have known Valerie Clark, who was one of the most compassionate and remarkable people I have ever known. She has brought so much joy into the world.
Jenn Terris
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Valerie was a beautiful person and the world will miss her love.
Philippa Davies
I’m so, so sorry to hear the news about Valerie. I met Valerie and Jim whilst on a two week holiday in Toronto with my sister back in the early 00’s. We were staying at my dad’s friend Peter Pelmear’s flat in McCaul street. Valerie and Jim couldn’t have been more hospitable and kind. They made a wonderful holiday even more wonderful and interesting. Does anyone have Jim’s address please? I’d really like to send a card /letter if I can
Amanda Holmes
Same, I’d love to reach out to Jim. I’ve been keeping an eye out for information on funeral services as well, but haven’t seen anything as of yet.
Barbara Switzer
I have fond memories of working alongside Valerie during our TPH days! So sad to hear of her passing. She will be greatly missed
Sam a fitting tribute to a lovely lady. Valerie was a vivacious and caring soul. May she rest in peace.
Tony—– Thank you so much for the beautiful words. Valerie is every bit of what you say.