Obituary of Clarence Nicholas Ratkowski

May 10, 1938 – July 09, 2021

Surrounded by the love of his family, Clarence passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side at St. Joseph’s Villa on Friday July 09, 2021.   Born in Ethelbert, Manitoba, and moving to Hamilton in 1953, Clarence Nicholas Ratkowski of Hamilton was in his 84th year.

Dearly loved husband and best friend of Velma Ratkowski (nee Hayward).  Loving father of Kathy Picken and her husband Bruce of Hamilton and Terry Ratkowski and his wife Michelle of Kingston, ON.  Proud grandfather of Tyler Picken, Brittany Picken, Adam Ratkowski and Abigail Ratkowski.  Brother of Wilma Palmer, John Ratkowski, Eileen Dartsch, Sharon Cober, and Morse Ratkowski.  Predeceased by his youngest son Derrick Ratkowski and his parents, Nick and Susan Ratkowski.  Clarence will be missed by his nieces, nephews and friends.

Clarence was a first class firefighter on the Hamilton Fire Department for 30 years.  No stranger to hard work Clarence operated a small trucking business, drove taxi and bus.  He had a big heart, was full of compassion and was always concerned with helping others.  Clarence was never at a loss for words and enjoyed the company of others.  He will be dearly missed.

No formal service or showing will take place.  A private memorial celebrating his life for immediate family will be held in September 2021.  If so desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation would be welcomed.    Notes of sympathy and condolence may be made at www.donaldvbrown.ca