It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, Clarence John Wiersma on Thursday December 30, 2021 at 67 years old.  We deeply mourn his untimely death, but with hope, rejoice that he is in the presence of His Loving Saviour Jesus.  Clare is survived by his beloved wife of over 45 years, Evelien Wiersma (Van Der Velde).  He adored and was faithfully devoted to his 4 children (and spouses), 26 grandchildren (and spouse) and 2 great-grandchildren. His daughter Joeline (Jeremy) Van Kesteren and their children Jesse, Kara (Ronald) Van de Bruinhorst,  Nadia, Emma, Julia, Calvin, Alyssa, Tessa, Ava and Joseph.  And great-grandchildren, Affie and Elaina. His daughter Chandra (Dusty) Benner and their children Konrad, Tiernan, Traeton, Aidrea and Avirly. His daughter Jenica (Dan) Van Kesteren and their children Asher, Tasha, Adrian, Aaron, Adelynn, Samuel, Anne and Alida. His son Kellen (Meghan) Wiersma and their children Adelaide, Lukas and Noelle. Clare was the son of Klaas and Teddy Wiersma, and brother to Jeffrey (Laura) and Cindy (Robert) McDougall. Clare was a devoted follower of Jesus and faithfully served his community in so many ways.  He was a long time elder at Gregory Drive Alliance Church.  He served the vulnerable in the community in various ways including, as a board member of the CMHA, helping form the group “Street Frenz”, a committee member of “Indwell”, along with so many other ways that he touched the lives of so many around him. Clare served as a police officer for the Chatham-Kent Police Service from May 1980, retiring as Deputy Chief in April 2012.  Having always had a love for designing and building homes, Clare began Kentwood Construction Inc with his son-in-law Dan in October 2012.  Clare and Evelien loved to travel with their 5 th -Wheel trailer, regularly going to Florida, and out West to visit their 2 children and their families who lived there.  On these trips and at home in Chatham Clare took great joy in nature of all kinds, and especially loved to share these experiences with those he loved.  Clare and Evelien loved to spend time together in their kayaks or out on the boat.  His children and grandchildren have countless memories with him in nature, whether it’s hiking miles of a trail with a large rock to take home, fishing or hunting, waterskiing, catching frogs in the pond, or just simply sitting and enjoying whatever view and wildlife was around; and if no one was with him, he’d often capture a video or picture to share with us later! Throughout Clare’s short battle with sickness and in the days following his death we have felt overwhelmingly blessed and cared for by our family in Christ and friends near and far.  Thank-you to all who have prayed, called, messaged, visited or dropped off food during this time.   We cannot express our gratitude enough!   Visitation will take place at Gregory Drive Alliance Church in Chatham on Thursday January 6, 2-4pm and 7-9pm.  A service to remember and celebrate Clare’s life will be held at Gregory Drive Alliance Church on Friday January 7 at 1pm with burial to follow. **Please note** C urrent Covid Protocols will be in place.  Y ou must contact Life Transitions at 519-351-4444 or  info@lifetransitions.ca  to reserve a time for visitation and for attendance at the funeral. Donations in Clare’s memory can be made to:  Indwell  or to “Street Frenz”  and designating your gift to “Street Frenz”. Chatham Daily News Tribute to Clare-  Link To Live Stream Event -> HERE